The Quote of the Day Show | Daily Motivational Talks Mellody Hobson: “The World Will Be Very Critical. Don’t Help Them.”
Jan 12, 2026
Mellody Hobson, a prominent business leader and investor, shares her insights on excellence influenced by her friendship with Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton. She delves into the balance of relentless competitiveness and innate kindness, revealing how Hamilton's determination reshapes her understanding of success. Mellody emphasizes the power of self-talk and the importance of being kind to oneself amidst criticism. She also reflects on how elite discipline and daily commitment contribute to greatness, weaving in poignant metaphors about personal freedom.
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Kindness Alongside Relentless Drive
- Excellence can pair relentless competitiveness with deep kindness, a surprising and powerful combination Mellody Hobson observed in Lewis Hamilton.
- Holding both fierce drive and gentleness creates a sustained form of greatness rather than a single achievement.
Protect Your Inner Voice
- Speak kindly to yourself in your head and avoid self-criticism, Mellody says, quoting Lewis Hamilton's explicit instruction.
- Let the world be critical but do not reinforce its negativity with your inner voice.
A Text That Became A Mission
- Mellody recounts a text exchange where Lewis Hamilton wrote, "Let's continue to inspire people we'll never meet."
- She saves such messages and finds deep wisdom and thoughtfulness in his words.