As part of my comprehensive Buffer onboarding - which had me up and running at full speed in a matter of weeks - I was tasked with setting up intro calls with the company executives.

The prospect of sitting down (even virtually) with our CEO and other senior Bufferoos was daunting for a newbie. I was pretty nervous (in hindsight, I really didn't need to be!).

There was no set agenda for the calls, so I wanted to make sure I was at least a little prepared with some intelligent questions to ask should the conversation falter. Plus, I knew these company leaders were busy - when would I have the opportunity to pick their brains again?

Thankfully, the conversations flowed, and I only had time for the question at the top of my list:

"Give me one piece of advice for succeeding at Buffer."

I'm glad I was able to squeeze it in! So great were their responses that I took to asking other Bufferoos who had been at the company for a long time, too. It's unique to have so many teammates who have grown with the company and been around for a good chunk of time, especially in tech (I blame the Buffer values and culture).

I knew my long-tenured teammates would have some value to add to what was fast becoming my Guide to Success at Buffer™.

This turned out to be the gift that kept on giving, and I'm still putting the advice they gave me into practice. In fact, their guidance will stay with me for the rest of my career.

All in all, I spoke to 13 people (fitting, given we've just celebrated Buffer's 13th birthday!).

Given that their guidance is so universal - both for people just stepping into new roles and those at fast-paced companies like Buffer - I thought I'd share their wisdom here.