The author reflects on lessons from J.R.R. Tolkien's works that can be applied to IT career development and best practices. One key takeaway is that solutions often don't travel as quickly or easily as they may seem, and sometimes the hardest choices are necessary for a story to unfold. This lesson encourages embracing complexity and accepting that mistakes can lead to valuable experiences. The author also draws on Tolkien's depiction of compelling truth overcoming persistent fear, highlighting the importance of building reputation, setting clear boundaries, presenting information coherently, and persistently repeating facts to drive action. Additionally, the value of asking for proof and action when making claims is emphasized, as well as protecting one's tools and resources from being taken away.