Arriving at Hill, I wanted to prioritize improving my communication to help me become a better leader. Communication channels are more fragmented than ever, and effective leadership increasingly relies on the ability to overcome these obstacles.

At Hill, I learned that candor means more than just vocalizing disagreements. By observing the leaders at Hill, it became obvious that some of the most difficult conversations can be the most fruitful.

The thing I admire most about the leaders at Hill is the way they are able to challenge each other, not to break each other down, but to build each other up. I plan to take this skill with me to help me become a more effective leader both in work environments, and beyond them.

Before this summer, I thought investing was mostly about finding the right answer. At Hill, I learned that the better question is often why.

Every project taught me not to accept something just because that is how it has always been done. At Hill, the focus is on understanding why and asking, “What does the evidence support?”

But the most important lesson I will take away has less to do with investing and more to do with people. The work matters, but the people beside you shape how meaningful and enjoyable that work becomes.

At Hill, fun is not separate from business. It builds the trust, energy, and openness that allow people to do their best work together.

This summer taught me to seek evidence before reaching a conclusion, but it also taught me something even more valuable: when you surround yourself with the right people, meaningful work and fun naturally go together.