To the Graduating Class of 2022:

A few things happened throughout your college career that made your experience anything but ordinary, like a global pandemic, unprecedented geopolitical tensions across the globe, the increase in hateful acts targeting people based on race, ethnicity, religion or sexuality, and unfortunately, the list goes on and on.

Yet through it all, you didn’t quit. You kept going. You went to those jobs that helped pay for your education. You focused on your studies. You worked in teams. And more importantly, you supported each other when you didn’t think you could do it. At times you needed help, and at other times you were the ones giving help, like doing important work in your communities.

I am optimistic for the future. Why? Because of all of you. You have faced more challenges than any other graduating class – than any generation before you – and you’ve overcome those challenges. You remained resilient. You worked hard at your studies, and did important work together. Your accomplishments give me amazing optimism, and when I look at what your generation is capable of, I am thrilled and excited for the future.

While I know you are all well on your way to even more success, I’d like to share three simple pieces of advice that will be relevant to you not only today, but in 40 years from now. 

Treat people with respect and when you fall short, apologize. We all mess up sometimes, and while it can be hard to admit you were wrong, it's important to say “I’m sorry.”

Before joining PwC, I worked at Roche Brothers Supermarket for ten years. I learned more lessons about people and leadership at that supermarket than I did in college. When I was a sophomore in college, I was wrapping lettuce in the back room with my best friend, Sully. We were making fun of a boy named Larry for being slower and less productive than we were. The store manager heard us, stopped in his tracks, and he pointed at me and said, “Knock it off. He’s giving you 100% of what he can give you. What more do you want?” I learned more in that moment about leading people than I ever did before. Leading people isn’t about making people like you. It’s about creating environments where everybody can realize their full potential to the best of their ability. I since sought out Larry, and I apologized. Treat people with respect. 

Be bold. Don’t just point out problems, point out solutions. True leaders get involved and  identify solutions. 

In 2016 I was elected senior partner at PwC. I had an amazing business plan I was ready to execute. But my first week on the job, we woke up to shootings in Dallas, and that was on the heels of violence in Louisiana and Minneapolis. My teammates at PwC were hurting and people around the country were hurting. I made the decision to shut the firm down for a day – July 21, 2016 – to talk about the important topic of race, how we really felt, and uncomfortable issues. Some leaders told me it was a bad idea– that I wasn’t elected to do this work, and that I should be careful. But we went through with shutting down the firm, and that day kickstarted a cultural change at PwC and a lot of positive actions that I’m proud to say are still taking place today.

Remember it all starts at home. Some of you will be entrepreneurs and start amazing businesses, some will rise to the executive ranks and lead thousands of people and some will be important parts of an organization's strategy and business. But, regardless of what you do, remember that your most important job is with the people closest and most important to you.

For the past 25 years, I have flown out of Boston weekly to travel for business. In my time at PwC, I’ve met many incredible people and I’ve done things I never dreamed of, but when I land back in Boston and pull into my driveway – that is when my most important work is just getting started. My Monday morning ritual includes driving my youngest son, Luke, to school and about a month ago I was lecturing him saying, “It’s not just sports. It’s homework. 100% effort. Are we going to have a good week?” Luke was a little cranky that day, and he looked at me, and snapped, “Just because you’re a CEO doesn’t mean that I have to be a CEO.” He got out of the car, slammed the door, and I was left heading to the airport, feeling a little down. Then, Luke texted me and said, “Dad, I was wrong. I’m sorry. I’m going to give 100%.” Always remember your most important work starts at home.

When I look at our world, and to all of you graduating, I see a bright future. You’re reimagining the possible and the work that you’re doing to make our society better gives me nothing but optimism for the future.

Class of 2022– I congratulate you, not only on your accomplishments to date, but I congratulate you in advance for the amazing work that you’re going to do. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you the best success in the world. 

Be well,

Tim