A top Blackstone executive says that elite degrees will only get you so far—people with qualities like strong work ethic, an entrepreneurial mindset, and kindness are those who stand out in the long run.

In a recent LinkedIn post , Blackstone President and COO Jon Gray told new analysts they should not “kiss up to the bosses” or “sharp elbow” their peers to advance.

“Most of you went to elite universities. You did really well, you were in the top of your class. You are people who are successful by nature and hardworking,” Gray acknowledged in a video posted to his LinkedIn account. “But when I look around at the people who truly succeeded at Blackstone, it’s not the ‘good enough’ crowd, right? It’s the people who are like, hey, ‘I’m gonna make sure I get this absolutely right.'”

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