Hillary Clinton on Why Failure Should Not Hold You Back The Democratic candidate provided valuable advice in her concession speech.

By Nina Zipkin

Getty Images | Justin Sullivan

In a graceful concession speech in New York City on Wednesday, Hillary Rodham Clinton brought her historic campaign to a close with some valuable advice about how to contend with failures and setbacks in the course of your career.

After thanking her family, her running mate Sen. Tim Kaine, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, her campaign staff and volunteers across the country, Clinton reflected on what she had learned in her decades of service.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Going Again After You've Survived a Setback

"I've had successes and setbacks and sometimes painful ones," she said. "Many of you are at the beginning of your professional, public and political careers. You will have successes and setbacks too. This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it."

Clinton also encouraged unity.

Related: Why True Entrepreneurs View Setbacks As Opportunities

"I still believe in America, and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future," she said. "Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power."

She wrapped up her speech emphasizing the importance of continuing to work hard, pursue every dream and opportunity and have the strength and courage of your convictions.

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, that's advice we can all take to heart.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Zillow Predicts These 10 Places Will Have the Hottest Housing Markets in 2025

Zillow predicted that the hottest housing market of 2025 will be Buffalo, New York. Here's why.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business Solutions

Say Hello to the PDF Multi-Tool You Didn't Know You Needed

Get lifetime access to UPDF for just $47.99—the best price online right now.

Business Culture

It's Time to Rewrite Your Company's Values — Here's How

Most companies' values are forgotten or disconnected from daily operations. By rethinking and co-creating values with your team, you can transform them into actionable tools that align behavior, build trust and drive performance.

Science & Technology

5 AI Books Top Entrepreneurs Are Reading in a Rush for 2025

Entrepreneurs must embrace AI or risk falling behind. Discover 2025's top 5 AI books to gain a competitive edge, featuring insights from "The Wolf is at the Door" and a free AI Success Kit.