Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon recently disclosed that the most profound career advice he ever received wasn't from a Wall Street titan or a senior executive, but from his own grandmother. Speaking during a rapid-fire interview with NBC News’ Christine Romans, Solomon recalled her words from his twenties: “Don’t be in a hurry.”
This simple yet powerful counsel has apparently been a guiding principle throughout Solomon's distinguished career. He reiterated the importance of patience, noting that he also advises small business owners to prioritize getting things right over getting them done quickly, especially concerning new technologies like AI.
Patience and Purposeful Time Management
Beyond career philosophy, Solomon also touched upon his daily routines and time management strategies. For him, managing time isn't about an overly complicated schedule, but rather about commitment and adherence. “The one thing that we can’t … get back is time,” he stated, emphasizing the need to be purposeful in how one spends it.
His morning routine is straightforward: wake up, hit the gym, and have coffee with a protein shake. Solomon also described himself as highly focused and even obsessive when genuinely interested in a subject, stating, “I don’t like to do things halfway.”
Early Aspirations and Current Commitments
The interview, part of NBC’s “Business in America” series, aired shortly after Goldman Sachs launched its Small Business AI Institute. This initiative is part of a new $500 million commitment to its 10,000 Small Businesses program, partnering with major tech firms like Anthropic, Google, Meta, and OpenAI.
While Solomon has achieved significant professional success, he did concede one unfulfilled childhood dream. When asked about a career he once desired, he admitted that playing professional basketball is no longer a realistic ambition.