Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.

The line advises choosing colleagues and friends who combine professionalism with humility and good humor. “Take their work seriously” stresses competence, discipline, and accountability; “but not themselves” warns against ego, pomposity, and brittle pride that can poison teamwork. The closing balance—“work hard and play hard”—frames sustainable excellence as a rhythm of intense effort paired with genuine camaraderie and recovery. In leadership terms, it’s an argument for building cultures where standards are high but interpersonal tone stays grounded, making it easier to collaborate, learn from mistakes, and maintain morale under pressure.