24/7 Wall St. Insights

• Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has countless quotes that are applicable to professionals of all age groups.
• Individuals in their 50s can learn from Dimon’s experience and advice as they continue to thrive in their careers.
• Also: Discover the Next Nvidia.

Jamie Dimon, best known as the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, is a successful businessman and banker. His insights span decades of experience and are applicable to men and women of various ages and career paths.

We’ve already created a list of Jamie Dimon quotes for 30-year-olds, so here are 10 Jamie Dimon quotes every 50-year-old needs to hear.

1. Consider Your Clients’ POV

The best way to look at any business is from the standpoint of the clients.

—Jamie Dimon

Your clients should be the focal point of your business. You must consider their perspective, as well as their unique needs and demographics to ensure you are able to deliver products and services. Depending on where you are in your career, as someone in your 50s, you might feel a bit stagnant or might be struggling to adjust as new generations have new demands. However, consistently prioritizing your clients will keep you on track.

Additionally, considering the clientele of any company can give you insight into that particular business. So, if you’re analyzing a competitor, you can gain knowledge about the specific company’s philosophy and operations.

2. A Positive Attitude Goes a Long Way

I’m a little bit of an eternal optimist.

—Jamie Dimon

There’s great power in being an optimist. While some might deem you naive for thinking positively, as long as you balance your optimism with realism, it’s always better to dwell on what can go right as opposed to what can go wrong. 

As you’ve progressed in your career, reaching your 50s, you’ve probably learned that things tend to have a way of figuring themselves out. The more you recognize that everything is working in your favor, the less stressed you’ll be over minor inconveniences or shortcomings. 

3. Don’t Rush a Decision; Consider Various Perspectives

Most decisions are not binary, and there are usually better answers waiting to be found if you do the analysis and involve the right people.

—Jamie Dimon

There could be ten right answers to the very same question. Diversifying your opinions and perspectives while making a business decision can help you reach the best, most fitting conclusion. While it might be tempting to trust only yourself in business — especially if you’ve been in it for a while — set aside your produce and involve the right people in your decision-making process.

4. Success Is Earned

We don’t have a divine right to success.

—Jamie Dimon

Many people walk the Earth believing we’re all destined for success — that it’s our god-given right. And while it’s true that it should be accessible to each and every one of us, you must first be willing to work hard for it. Unfortunately, some have to work harder than others. But if you can stay on your own path and focus on what you can control, success can be yours.

5. Stay True to Yourself

I’ve seen people, when they get into these bigger and bigger jobs, it goes to their heads. I’ve seen it. Some people in life change who they are, and some don’t. I’m basically the same guy I’ve always been.

—Jamie Dimon

No matter how old you get, no matter how much success you’ve reaped, and no matter where you’re headed, be sure to always remain true to who you are. Oftentimes, as people gain power and accomplish their goals and dreams, they lose sight of who they once were — of their humble beginnings. Don’t change who you are at the core. Honor your success — be proud of it! — but don’t let it get to your head.

6. Remain Humble

Humility is the realization that those who came before you paved the way. Never fool yourself into thinking that your success is just your own.

—Jamie Dimon

This message here is similar to the quote above this one: stay humble regardless of your age and status. Furthermore, remember who helped you get where you are today, and be sure to pay it forward by helping those who are where you once were.

7. Follow Your Talents

That’s my contribution: running a sound, healthy company that serves millions of customers well and employs hundreds of thousands of people. What else am I going to do? I’m not an artist. I’m not a writer. I’m not a musician. I’d love to be a tennis player or musician. I’m not.

—Jamie Dimon

You don’t need to be a famous rockstar, a well-respected artist, or a reflective monk to make a difference in the world. Simply follow your own talents and passions rather than envy those around you for having what you might lack. Your contributions are just as important as everyone else’s — regardless of your age.

8. Love What You Do and You’ll Never Want to Retire

My retirement date, every time you ask me that, I’m going to say five years. I don’t want to retire.

—Jamie Dimon

If there’s one thing about Dimon, it’s that he’s passionate about his career. He constantly talks about putting off retirement — a milestone many of us want to rush toward. This quote is a great reminder to pursue what you love, so you’ll never feel like you need to escape it. 

For example, as a fiction author, I know I will be writing books well into my 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s…even into my 90s if I’m still all there. When you’re truly passionate about something, you’ll find a way to weave it into your everyday life without the desire to neglect it. 

9. Own Your Path

I am not embarrassed to be a banker. I am not embarrassed to be in business.

—Jamie Dimon

In life, you’ll hear countless tips and opinions on what you should and shouldn’t do. Even well into your 50s, you probably have other professionals or even family members spewing their input on your choices. However, as long as you’re happy where you are, own your path. Don’t let anyone else make you feel your choices are wrong. It’s your life; it’s your career.

Additionally, it’s never too late to pivot. No matter how old you are, if you’re unfulfilled in your life, you should make a change. Have you been thinking about writing a book for the last decade, too afraid to go for it? There’s no better time than now. Interested in learning how to play the guitar after your nine-to-five? Do it! Don’t let fear of failure or embarrassment stop you from following your dreams.

10. Don’t Panic When There’s Another Financial Crisis

Some things never change — there will be another crisis, and its impact will be felt by the financial markets.

—Jamie Dimon

Time and time again, we face financial crisis after financial crisis — and there will always be another on the horizon. Don’t let that stress you out or overly influence your life choices. As you get older and near retirement, this is especially important to keep in mind, as it might trap you in a never-ending cycle that burns you out. 

Instead, take everything as it comes. You’ve made it this far, and you’ve likely endured worse throughout your life and career. Trust you’ll figure it out no matter what happens in the economy. 

Why We Are Covering This

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, undoubtedly has unique wisdom to offer businessmen and women. If you’re in your 50s looking for career, retirement, or even personal advice, the above tidbits are great for you.

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