Forbes releases its 30 Under 30 list yearly, and its hype is massive.
Timeline after timeline fills up with applause and congratulations on these young individuals doing big things. And while it’s great to see young people shining, you can’t help but think about aligning success with an age expiration date.
The emphasis on “making it” before 30 has turned success into a race, pressuring young folks to hit life’s biggest milestones while barely out of college. Sure, it’s inspiring to see people in their 20s achieving greatness, but what about those of us whose shine comes a little later? What about the people in their 30s and 40s who are just hitting their stride, leading in their industries, and making waves in ways that don’t fit into that under-30 box?
To Forbes’ credit, they have an Instagram page recognizing 40 under 40 individuals, but I’ve scrolled through this and wondered why this isn’t promoted more. For some reason, I don’t feel that the rollout for these people is grand, like the 30 under 30.
Success doesn’t come with an age limit. Yet, lists like 30 Under 30 make it seem like you’re somehow behind if you haven’t accomplished something big by 30.
Life doesn’t always play out on a fast track. Some people need time to find their path. Others must work through obstacles like financial struggles, family obligations, or just figuring out what they love. Does that make their achievements less valid? Not one bit.
Think about some of the most iconic names we know. Oprah didn’t become a household name until her 30s. Samuel L. Jackson didn’t land his breakout role until his 40s. Even Vera Wang didn’t design her first wedding dress until she was 40. Their success didn’t have a deadline, and neither does yours.
This is why mid-career recognition matters. Lists like 40 Under 40 shine a light on the people who are making waves in their industries after gaining some experience.
When you’re in your 30s and 40s, you’ve had time to grow, learn, and build something meaningful. You might be leading teams, mentoring younger folks, or setting new trends in your field. You’ve got the wisdom of experience and the drive to keep innovating. That’s worth celebrating, too.
Recognizing people in this phase of life is powerful. It tells us that success isn’t confined to youth. It reminds us that it’s okay to grow at your own pace and that taking longer to figure things out doesn’t make your wins any less impressive.
One of my favorite Over 40 powerhouses is Mo Abudu, Africa’s influential media icon. She is 60 years old. Abudu decided, in her mid-40s, to change careers, from being an executive at oil giant ExxonMobil to launching her media empire. She said, “Most people thought it was a mid-life crisis.” But she has been stepping on necks for the past two decades and isn’t letting off the brakes soon. And she is looking not a day over 40 either.
