Forget Talent—Netflix CEO Says This Is the Real Key to Success
Written by: Rajat Bhardwaj
On September 17, 2025, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos shared a piece of advice that cuts through all the noise about skills, networking, and AI disruption:
“The most important thing in any job, in any role, is that you can be depended on.”
In a world obsessed with talent, innovation, and degrees, Sarandos points to something more timeless and powerful—dependability.
📌 Why Dependability Outshines Talent
Dependability isn’t glamorous, but it’s game-changing. It means:
- Consistency → You deliver, again and again.
- Reliability → People trust you to follow through.
- Accountability → You own outcomes, both wins and losses.
Sarandos believes that being the person others can count on often matters more than being the smartest in the room. Trust opens doors that pure talent cannot.
👉 Related read: Top Transferable Skills Employers Look for in Any Career
🎥 Lessons from Netflix
Netflix didn’t become the world’s biggest streaming platform by accident. Its culture is built on trust, reliability, and execution.
Sarandos knows from experience: skills can be taught, but dependability must be earned. And once lost, it’s hard to rebuild.
👉 Related read: From Resume to Resilience: How to Prepare for High-Stress Jobs
💡 What This Means for Your Career
Many professionals chase new titles, switch jobs frequently, or focus only on building technical skills. But Sarandos’ advice flips the script:
- Employers first look for who they can trust.
- Promotions often go to the most reliable, not just the most talented.
- A reputation for dependability follows you across every role and industry.
👉 Related read: Resume Red Flags You Should Avoid
🔑 The Real Key to Success
Your degree, your LinkedIn profile, or even your creativity may get you noticed—but what sustains your career is this question:
Can people depend on you?
Sarandos’ reminder is crystal clear: in a changing world, dependability remains the rarest and most valuable skill you can build.