*Date: 2/2/2024* I will force my kids to work a service industry job before they start their careers. Retail taught me a lot. I learned to accept criticism – deserved or not – with a smile. I learned how to manage and serve people from all different walks of life. I realized people won’t always show up, and when that happens, it’s on you to figure it out. A former boss taught me one lesson I still use frequently. Knowing I would take a new job after college, he would practice mock interviews with me as I searched for my new role. He shared this piece of feedback during one of those sessions, “**Never say I don’t know. Say, I don’t know, but I’ll get back to you.”** I’ve recently fully grasped the power of those two together and the signal they send to the person you’re speaking with.  Saying, “I don’t know.” says, “I’m not going to bullshit you.” It says I’m not leaving you with information that you will publish, take to your boss, or take to your direct reports that makes you look foolish. Weirdly, saying I don’t know says I care about you and your reputation. Adding “I’ll get back to you.” tells the other person across the table that you embrace curiosity and resourcefulness. It says let me help you accomplish your goal in the best possible way, and that you care about getting it right, not being right. As a partner at an investment firm, there are many things I’m responsible for that I work extremely hard to know like the back of my hand. The financials of our portfolio, the biggest strengths and risks of each, and the things that matter most to my colleagues are all examples of things that stay top of mind. But, the best part is working with brilliant individuals that know several things better than me. I often use the phrase, “They’ve forgotten more about X than I’ll ever learn.” because it’s true. When asked about a deeply complex issue in energy systems, carbon markets, or construction, my answer is always, “I’m not sure…but you should talk to…let me make the introduction.” It gets to the correct answer and lets other people shine – a win-win. Our willingness never to stop learning defines our success in any role. The combo of “I don’t know, I’ll get back to you.” embodies that mentality. It’s an admission that we don’t know everything, but you can count on us to be curious and find out. Don’t be afraid to use it.