We have had the good fortunate of connecting with Nobel Laureates, titans of industry, rockstars and rising stars across dozens of industries and we have always found their stories about who they were early on to be most fascinating. Below, you’ll find members of the community sharing their responses to this key aspect of their stories.

Demetria “MzMetchi” Brown

I’ve had a few moments recently that really made me proud. Two years ago, I filmed the pilot episode for The MzMetchi Show, my new daytime talk show. I’m working toward getting it picked up by a major network or streaming platform. Life got hectic after filming, and I almost stopped—but at the top of 2024, I made the decision to finish what I started. This summer, I launched the season, and I couldn’t be more proud. Read More>> 

Janey Hawley

Honestly, my proudest moments lately sneak up on me in everyday life. The other day I was in a strategy session with my team and realized halfway through that the conversation had flipped. Everyone was building on each other’s ideas and I was not leading, just watching it unfold. It hit me that I had built a space where creativity thrives without me needing to drive it. That was a proud moment. Read More>> 

Minke Richardson

“Absolutely. As a business owner, I’ve learned that moving too fast can sometimes cost you more than waiting. There were moments I wanted to rush opportunities for KroyKorn, but I’m so glad I didn’t. The extra time allowed me to rebrand, improve our packaging, and strengthen our vision. What I thought was a delay ended up being the exact preparation I needed… and now, something big is brewing for October.” Read More>> 

Tiffany Green-Hood

The first 90 minutes of my day consist of waking up feeling good, not stressed and excited about the day. It’s the thankfulness for me. Knowing I made it another day to be amazing. Knowing whatever happened yesterday or last week I have another chance to make it right or do better. Making sure I implement staying hydrated, choosing the best healthy meals for my day since now I know that plays a major part in my energy and productivity. Read More>> 

Paugh Shadow

I wake-up around 6:00 AM and get my day started by doing things around the house to make sure everything is organized for the entire day to make less distractions for when I start working on the things I need to do for the business. Then by 6:30 AM I start checking any messages or emails and handle those and then I check my list of things I was working on and try to accomplish any task I missed or couldn’t get completed and then I write any new things I need to get done down and then I prep to start completing those items.  Read More>> 

Syd Linkletter

Good morning to you too! I’m definitely wandering. I am lost in a lot of ways but this year particularly has been big for learning about and finding myself. Specifically the realization of my cult upbringing. Figuring myself out and feeling like a part of the world has been a major milestone in this year of the snake. Read More>> 

Joie Emmanuelle

I made a promise to myself that I’d allow myself the blessings on the other side of fear this year — one being public speaking and hosting a class. The internal battle of imposter syndrome, especially when you’ve grown up never feeling good enough or incapable, has hindered me a lot in my choices as a working creative. But one thing I’ve learned to honor is my power of choice, which is such a scary one for most. For years, I’ve been asked to teach and I always thought “ME?! What can you learn from me when I’m still learning myself?” Read More>> 

Sara Cottle

Details. Sometimes I will make up a small task for myself, like I’m going to take photos of every flower I see between this street and this street, and that task is usually something that has me moving and paying attention. Tending and completing something within your control is an easy way to feel back on track with yourself. Read More>> 

Krysta Suydam

My mornings are sacred. I start the first 90 minutes with intention—waking up, hydrating with lemon water, taking my morning supplements, and getting my mind right. Then I hit the gym for a couple of hours to train and reset. After that, I head to RECVR, which has hands down been the most effective performance recovery experience I’ve found. It keeps me sharp, balanced, and ready for everything the day throws at me. Read More>>

Zehua Wu

Fashion is often seen as pure creativity, but in reality, only about 10% is design — the other 90% is problem-solving, collaborating with diverse teams, coordinating production, managing budgets, driving sales, shaping marketing strategies and more. The runway glam we admired in school is just the tip of the iceberg. Read More>> 

David Schaefer

I wake up around 6am because that’s when my siberian cat Sascha wakes me up and wants her fresh cat food.
She’s 19 years old and surprisingly vey fit still and a very demanding older lady.
I love her so much.
She’s a real sweetheart and character. Read More>> 

Inklyne

Outside of work, what’s been bringing me the most joy lately is a mix of music, trading, and faith. I find peace in watching gospel content—it uplifts my spirit and keeps me grounded. Trading is something I’m passionate about, so even when I’m not working, I enjoy studying the markets and fine-tuning my strategies. And music has always been my escape—whether it’s gospel, soulful instrumentals, or something that just clears my mind, it helps me reset and stay focused. That balance between passion, purpose, and peace is what keeps me going.” Read More>> 

Ben DeHan

Honestly? Right now I’m avoiding quitting smoking. I keep telling myself I’ll follow through soon and I actually will but for the moment, it’s one of those battles I’m still dancing around. Read More>> 

Diamond Holts

Personally, I feel my calling right now is to complete my Master of Law in paraprofessional. I was genuinely terrified of going back to school and avoided it for almost two years. The thought of juggling studies with everything else felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to succeed after being out of the academic loop for so long. But now, it feels like the right path forward, and I’m ready to face that fear head-on. Read More>> 

Ian Janco

Firstly, if things are going well, I wake up.

I roll out of bed, flip on the kettle, make some herbal tea from our apothecary and move my body (I like to start my mornings with a little mobility, tai chi, and yoga warm ups). A quick prayer to the day.

I then write for a while, warming up my senses with some object writing and journaling. I’ll write a song or two and read for a bit. Breakfast is shared with my partner and usually light – fruit and yogurt or a smoothie. Read More>>