One thing a leader does is to remove the stigma of mistakes.
The number of transistors on an integrated circuit will double in about 18 months.
The technology at the leading edge changes so rapidly that you have to keep current after you get out of school. I think probably the most important thing is having good fundamentals.
Moore's Law - The number of transistors and resistors on a chip doubles every 24 months
If everything you try works, you aren't trying hard enough.
It is extremely unlikely that anyone coming out of school with a technical degree will go into one area and stay there. Today's students have to look forward to the excitement of probably having three or four careers.