Lloyd Blankfein, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs, argues that success is largely driven by hard work and the ability to recognize and seize opportunities rather than by high intelligence. In a recent interview with CNBC International, he reflected on his journey from public housing in Brooklyn to the helm of one of the world's leading banks, asserting that many successful individuals are not prodigies but rather those who diligently apply themselves and remain curious about their surroundings. Blankfein's experience at J. Aron, a commodities trading firm, highlighted the cultural differences between its scrappy employees and the Ivy League graduates at Goldman Sachs, reinforcing his belief that hard work and a willingness to learn can lead to significant career advancements. He encourages individuals to recognize that many opportunities are more accessible than they may think, urging them not to be deterred by the misconception that only geniuses can succeed. Current Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon echoes Blankfein's sentiments, stating that resilience and the ability to connect with others are vital traits for job candidates.