Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Dwayne Aikens
For a long time, my biggest fear was losing an election. People would often tell me, “You’re the next mayor,” and while I appreciated the compliments, deep down I questioned whether my community would actually show up for me. I worried that maybe they were just gassing me up—and that if I ran, I’d be left standing alone. That fear kept me on the sidelines. Read more>>
Veronica Smith
That I’m not good enough. I love to write short stories and many are accepted. They even get great reviews. But when I’m trying to sell my books, I just don’t seem to land it. The last event I vended at was super busy. Down the wall from me a friend had her booth and she almost sold everything the first night. Read more>>
Priscilla Ramcharan
I am always tap dancing to work because I create my day just how I want it to be. While each day as a wife, mother, teacher, and entrepreneur comes with its own surprises, I am always eager and excited to create, learn, share, and grow. Read more>>
Ted Morissette
Yes. I’m obsessed with the challenge of building Klar. We operate in a fast-growing, competitive category, which means we must educate, sample, collect honest feedback, and create as many consumer touchpoints as possible on a tighter budget than our larger competitors. The most exciting days are when I’m creating: shooting, editing, designing, or cracking a new angle. I like being stumped. Read more>>
Cat Thompson
Yes! I just did a live music tour in Vietnam with former Red Bull official DJ, Jamie Vale. That definitely made me want to tap dance haha! It was amazing to perform on stages with Jamie Vale and a huge privilege doing live shows in another country! I am so thankful to have had the chance to travel while sharing my love for music. Read more>>
Liz Ross
I have to say I get that level of excitement with every new product idea and creation. I’m crazily passionate about it- and it’s so much fun. But also, when I travelled around the world designing for those companies. Those were amazing experiences that I never expected to have. Read more>>
Sam Louis
I’m so grateful for the career paths that have led me to where I am currently. Being a musician/recording artist has it’s many ups and downs, mainly downs…but when the stars align and I get to truly do what I love, it’s a feeling that is indescribable. Read more>>
Lara Kamhi
As an artist, my practice is rooted in the process itself—creating is what makes me feel truly alive. While appreciation is always encouraging, it’s fair to say that most of my work is made not because of others, but in spite of them. Each project carries its own distinct soul, which may not resonate with everyone. In that sense, praise is always a welcome bonus. Read more>>
Fauzan Jam’an
Yes, absolutely. As a logo designer, I’ve learned that not every great design receives praise or recognition, but that’s not why I create. I give my best because every logo I design represents someone’s dream, someone’s story. Even if no one notices, I know that I’ve helped bring an identity to life, and that feeling is more valuable than any praise. Read more>>
Traci Laster
Yes, because what matters is I did it and wasn’t looking for recognition. Read more>>
George Yuhasz
Yes, because quality of effort matters to me. Here is an example of how I feel about this. Someone once asked me what I value as a writer. A heavy question. Read more>>
Lynn Adrianna Freedman
Honestly, that is the summation of my professional life thus far. I don’t do it for the praise. I do it because I must. Read more>>
Dominiqua Alice Jobson
Definitely. Publishing my books and building Nuanced has taught me that you can’t wait for external validation—you have to be your own biggest cheerleader and strongest supporter. Of course, encouragement from others is beautiful, but it can’t be the fuel. What truly sustains me is knowing that I’m pouring my heart into something meaningful, whether or not the world applauds. Read more>>
David Houle
Absolutely, I’ve experienced this phenomenon multiple times over the last decade. I’ve set ambitious goals, aiming to collaborate with renowned companies and artists, only to find that when those opportunities materialize, they often don’t meet my expectations. This has been a profound lesson for me in aligning my goals with both my vision and my values. Read more>>
Yolanda Easton
This happened about three years ago when my husband retired from the military. We had just built our forever home, settled into our final move, became empty nesters, and were thriving in a community we loved. On paper, everything was perfect. Life was good. But something felt…off. I couldn’t quite name it, and that unsettled me. I wasn’t fully happy—and I didn’t understand why. Read more>>
Micki Berthelot Morency
A- As a Haitian immigrant living LEGALLY in Florida as an American citizen, I’m in a unique position to speak and act on behalf of my immigrant brothers and sisters who are living with temporary and ambiguous statuses. People are losing faith and trust. Read more>>
Fossil Daddy
Yes. I stood up for a trans follower of mine who was being harassed online, and I publicly defended both them and the broader trans community. That decision cost me a few hundred followers across Twitter and Instagram, and I became a target of harassment from TERFs, conservatives, and the “LGB without the T” crowd. It was unpleasant, but I don’t regret it. Read more>>
Rima Nasser
As an interior designer, I deal with this question all the time. Great design isn’t about following trends, it’s about creating spaces that express identity and meaning. At TEW, we believe diversity isn’t just inclusive, it’s essential to crafting environments that inspire, resonate, and endure. That philosophy helps us distinguish between what’s temporary and what’s lasting. The same applies beyond design. Read more>>
Kelley Gusich
First of all, I have to say that the question itself is bizarre to me, because what would I BUILD? I would think that you would use the word what would I DO or maybe where would I lLIVE? Or what would be my major superpower? I don’t know, anything about that particular verb choice: what would I build? OK, let’s try it. Read more>>
Prolific Wone
Immortality is real. I’m already building it. An undeniable portfolio of artworks and deeds that will forever impact the spirit of those who are ready to receive them. Read more>>
Shoko Yanagisawa
I don’t think there’s anything I would stop doing, because I already made that change. About two years ago, I suddenly asked myself, ‘If the world ended next week, would I be truly satisfied with my life and with who I am?’ My answer was no. That moment changed everything. Read more>>
Zee FIELD
Beyond the work, I stay grounded by my love for animals and by Bennie (14 y.o.), my small but mighty companion who has traveled the world with me. He’s a reminder of joy, patience, and unconditional loyalty, qualities that, in many ways, mirror how I try to lead and live. Most of our clients know him; he’s part of the Profade story. Read more>>
Spencer Patrick
Working so hard. This question messed me up. Read more>>
Wendy Scroggins
Nothing. Is that crazy? I feel called to start and build Elizabeth Lee. I love what I do and the people I do it with. I work with my husband Jared and my manager Theresa is my best friend. I want to see my employees grow and flourish. And I love working with our retailers across the country and love working with brides. Read more>>
Sarey Savy
I’m actively working on this, but I would stop caring what people think about me and just do whatever makes me happy. It would almost be like a snap of the finger, and my mindset adapted instantly. Read more>>
Donna Giraud
If I laid down my name, my role, and everything I own, what would remain is kindness. I truly believe kindness is the medicine for everything — it heals, connects, and softens the hardest parts of life. I’ve made it a conscious choice to live with the kindest of intentions, both in my art and in how I move through the world. Read more>>
Chrristian René Wold
If I laid down my name, my role, and everything I own — what would remain is purpose. The will to keep showing up, even when it’s hard. The part of me that still believes in people, in change, and in starting over. I’ve lost things before — freedom, direction, control — and I’ve learned that what truly lasts isn’t status or titles, but integrity. Read more>>
Melissa Kelly
Stripped bare, the last thing that would remain of me is an eternal curiosity. I want to know everything about everything. I want to see every corner of the earth. I want to hear everyone’s lore. There is no such thing as too much information. There is no such thing as boredom. Read more>>
Nicole Starrett
My wise, firey heart… and my backbone. Someone once said to me, “When a baby is developing in the womb, you know what develops before the brain? The heart… and the spine.” I try and live by that. I trust my heart because it’s older and wiser than my brain. Read more>>
Paras Juneja
Yeah, I miss the days when you didn’t need a digital footprint to have a presence. When the connection wasn’t measured by engagement, but by actual conversation. Back then, if someone liked your work, they told you. If they had feedback, they called you. Bonds felt real because they were built on shared moments, not shared posts. I miss when work felt simpler too. Read more>>
Jacole Hall
Oh Goodness my kiddos for sure! Haha my boys are now 5 and 7, and faster than ever. They are both in school full time and the homework is already pouring in. I chase the everyday challenge and dream of raising them to be strong men and even better husbands. But also my dream for Vapsire316 and the Portal Patch Fleece. The late Dr. Read more>>
Cat Morales
Chasing the thrill of creating things that didn’t exist until I decided they should. Stopping would be a spiritual death. Read more>>
Russ Sharek
Our current project, the renovation of a quirky old hotel into a clown school, artists residency, and theatrical play space is an immense undertaking. Practically speaking, it’s a big messy structure that needs a lot of paint, elbow grease, and care. Early on, I remember a neighbor walking by one day while I was having a coffee break on the porch. Read more>>
Preslee Marshall
Working and investing. I am and have been working numerous jobs at a time since I was 19 to build a successful future. Looking back now, to almost 10 years ago… I wasn’t always enjoying myself, and I wish I had a bit more free time to see friends. But now I understand why I did what I did. Read more>>
Rich Dunoff
I recently became interested in growing Bonsai plants. Bonsai plants take years to grow into the form you are training them to grow. In recent years, I have taken up kayaking. I enjoy getting out in nature, exploring, shooting photographs and the peace and quiet I find when paddling around the lake I chose. Read more>>
Pablo Castellanos Scherer
Right now, I’m avoiding self-promotion and content creation. For 4 months, I’ve been learning about strategies to grow my online presence through more active social media profiles, and the hardest part is still enjoying it. Read more>>
A. C. Burch
There are the familiar answers: distrust, arrogance, betrayal, and the hope of rebuilding through trust and apology. But to me, it comes down to transparency and vulnerability. Some of my greatest regrets trace back to times when I was too afraid to speak honestly, or when I let intimidation steer me into situations I didn’t believe in. Read more>>
Jean Fallacara
Beautiful and deep question! What breaks the bonds between people is disconnection, not just physical, but emotional and energetic. We live fast, constantly online, constantly optimizing, but often forget the essence of being human, presence, empathy, and shared experience. When ego, fear, or comparison take over, we lose the simple capacity to see each other. What restores those bonds is authenticity, being raw, honest, imperfect. Read more>>
Rob Equiza
It’s always ultimately the care for each other. Once that gets lost (or was lacking from the start), any relationship will weaken. In a society where most things are disposable, friendships seem to be included in that list for most people. In my field, a lot of circles are in the culture of making connections for the purpose of using people for their self-gain. Read more>>
Michelle Mumoli
Trust. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, to really trust someone in any capacity, but specifically when you are dealing with client’s hard-earned money, is something that only gets built through reputation and that reputation takes years to build and can be broken through within seconds in my business. Read more>>
Amanda A. Carpenter
I believe that every human being — no matter their title, background, or level of success — longs to feel that they carry value, that they are worthy, and that they are loved. Over 25 years, I’ve worked with everyone from industrial athletes who rely on their physical strength to earn a living to executives running billion-dollar companies who live in constant mental overdrive. Read more>>
Nxxxa Ace
One thing that I believe is true, but I can’t really prove is that everyone is three people. Everyone. Every single person is three different people. You are who you think you are, you are who other people think you are, and then you are who you really are. And, you know, this is kind of similar to how I see reality or truth. Read more>>
Tiffany Kory
I believe that things happen to us in our life that cause pain, but give us insight and purpose to find solutions to so that we can help others facing the same thing. While some of these things seem unfair, God has a reason. It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it. Read more>>
Tracey Wishik
That love leaves a trace, in the softness of a glance, the way hands find each other without thinking, the quiet hum of belonging. I believe the ordinary moments are where the sacred lives. That when we’re truly present, time slows, and something eternal tugs at the edges. Read more>>
