Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in our conversations with some of the most interesting and trailblazing entrepreneurs and creatives we noticed the biggest lessons they learned about work often came from unexpected sources. We’ve shared some of those responses below.
Emmanuel Simms
For me, the first part of the day is about setting the tone. Usually, it starts with getting my kid up and moving—because if you’re a parent, you know that’s an adventure in itself. Breakfast is non-negotiable, and that time doubles as a reset for all of us before the day takes off. Read More>>
Elodie Darmon Pouliquen
the people who taught me the most about work were my grandfather and my father. From them, and from my family in general, i learned the real values of work: working hard, giving love in everything you do, and striving for perfection. They always told me tht whatever you do , do it with love. Read More>>
Poiette Noel
I’d definitely say my parents. My mom was a full-time entrepreneur from the time I was a little girl, and my dad often worked two full-time jobs to make sure our family was always taken care of. Watching them, I saw firsthand what strong work ethic looks like. Read More>>
Tyler Smiley
I really like this question because there are so many different ways to answer it. The obvious ones would be parents and grandparents because of the work ethic they instilled in me growing up. That said, I’m going to go a different route and say my high school calculus teacher, Mr. Chiofolo, was the one who taught me the most about work. Read More>>
Constantinos Vorrises
I would say failure taught me the most about work, not a specific person. I’ve failed a lot over the years with different businesses or opportunities, but failing was the best teacher. I made a lot of mistakes as a Realtor, Artist, T-shirt maker, etc, but now I’m one of the top producers in my Real Estate company. Read More>>
Jay Horn
My father. A former Marine and licensed concrete contractor. There isn’t a man in this world who could outwork him physically. He was the hardest worker I’ve ever seen, and I’ve had multiple people tell me the same thing growing up. Read More>>
Derrick WERLE
The person who taught me the most about work ethic is Hans Zimmer. Collaborating with him, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, precision, and sheer passion required to excel in music. One memorable moment was when he told me, “You don’t make mistakes!” Coming from a Hollywood superstar renowned for his perfectionism, this compliment meant the world. Read More>>
Nery Lucarini
I was very fortunate to learn what a work day looks like from both a corporate and independent business owner perspective. Born to immigrant parents, we learned what it meant to hussle early. Dad worked for large companies like Sakowitz, Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue so he worked a 9-5 job at least 6 days a week until he retired. Read More>>
Colin Wright
I learned a whole lot about work from my early employers and clients, though probably the most valuable lesson was that I didn’t want the kind of success they were offering, as while many of them were incredibly wealthy and respected, they were also generally unhappy for all sorts of reasons, primarily related to what they had to do to achieve that success. Read More>>
Priya Vij
My dad taught me the most about work. He left a steady corporate path because he wanted to build something of his own, to sell a product he believed in, and to do it on his own terms. Watching him showed me that work does not have to look one way. Read More>>
Sonya LaRae
My mother has always been the dynamic example of what it truly means to honor your calling. HOW? She was the first woman of color as one of the Editors of The Face The Nation Script for CBS Television. Read More>>
Dr. Tia Brisco
The person who taught me the most about work is my grandmother. She had this incredible way of doing everything—big or small—with love. Whether it was cooking a meal, helping a neighbor, or taking on something tough, she showed me that the ‘how’ is just as important as the ‘what.’ That’s stuck with me in my career. Read More>>
Deborah Celimene
It have to be my mom. She was a movment, she was an energy this how anyone who knew her would describe her. She didn’t know what an obstacle was. If one door was locked she just might bust it open and then we are in. Anyone who needed something and couldn’t get it done they would call my mom. Read More>>
Rachel Pizzolato
My dad has been the biggest influence on my work ethic, shaping my approach to everything I do. He taught me that the true value of work lies not in the time it takes or the immediate financial rewards, but in the dedication and quality I bring to each task. Read More>>
Jeni Kemper
My dad taught me the most about work. He was one of the hardest workers I know and was always happy to help others solve their problems, coming up with amazing solutions. When he wasn’t working, he supported and encouraged us to be the best we could be in any sport we were playing. Read More>>
Shandi
Both of my parents will drop whatever they are doing for themselves to go helps others any time of the day. My dad though is the hardest worker I have and may ever know. He is also incredibly handy and somehow knows how to fix anything which has motivated me to be handy and resourceful as well. Read More>>
Shaadie
My mom taught me the most about work through her daily actions. She was a single parent that got herself through school, work and a MBA all while still never missing a game. Read More>>
Ryan Satterfeal
I would say my parents. I didn’t necessarily come from a wealthy background. Both Mom and Dad worked, and worked very hard I might add, to make sure we had what we needed. They taught me that there’s pride in obtaining or attaining what you’ve worked towards. I learned that, at the end of the day, it’s you. Read More>>
Roy Saunders
I come from a line of musicians with my father and his father playing both professionally. i think that i soaked up as much as i could from them and that molded my drive and work. Read More>>
Liza Marie Garcia
I was fortunate to have two female managers at IBM early in my career who shaped my understanding of leadership. Though very different in style, they shared a powerful example of professionalism—teaching me how to manage emotions, lead with clarity, and communicate with wisdom. Their influence helped me navigate the tech world as a woman in leadership with confidence. Read More>>
John DeBello
My parents taught me about work and, more directly, work ethic. Both were children of immigrants, both served in WWII and took full advantage of the GI Bill. That got them to college, where they thrived. Their message to me: Every task, no matter how mundane, is performed in timely fashion to completion. Read More>>
Kapil Ralli
I think photographers like Tony Kelly and Ana Dias has taught me the most about color usage in pictures. I look up to their art and have always been in awe. Read More>>
Jared Shahn
A great friend that goes by GQ image aka the hustler taught me a lot about work hustle hard and your hard work will pay off and another great friend of mine Trevor aka veedub kid and Gino they admire the work I do and pushes me to keep going with work Read More>>
Amber Carroll
My grandma Bonnie and my father taught me about work. I named Grandma Bonnie’s Bliss and Dad vibes for them. They showed me that I should do everything to the best of my ability and to see every task through. I still carry those values with me today. Read More>>
Belen Barriga
Life taught me to adapt. Clients taught me patience, communication, and how to deliver under pressure. Mentors helped me zoom out and see the bigger picture. And past bosses? Some taught me what to do, others, what not to do and both lessons were equally important. I’m constantly learning, especially because the diversity of our clients and accounts keeps things fresh and challenging. Read More>>
