We asked some of the hardest working artists, creatives and entrepreneurs we know to open up to us about where they think they got their work ethic from. Below, you’ll find some of those responses, stories, and advice.
Jim Thornton
My unwavering work ethic is undoubtedly a reflection of the values instilled in me by my mother. Throughout my upbringing, as a single mother she served as a remarkable example of diligence, determination, and dedication. Her tireless commitment to her responsibilities, both within our family and her professional pursuits, left an indelible impression on me. Read more>>
Arlin De León
My work ethic, which stems from my family, indicates a strong influence of family values in my professional approach and how I conduct my business. The importance I place on one’s word, seeing it even stronger than a written document, reveals a deep commitment to honesty, integrity, and trust. For me, a verbal agreement is as binding and significant as any formal contract, which speaks to a level of honor and respect. Read more>>
MARIA & EDUARDO JARAMILLO
Blessed to say I get my work ethic from my father!!! I am blessed to still have him alive till this day. Since little I remember always being with him working with his friends from mechanic , roofing , concrete , sheet-rocking , landscape , window installing and much more! Read more>>
Jah Mulley
My work ethic comes from never having nothing . I grew up kind of poor going threw many of winters with no lights and heat in the house . Going to school smelling like kerosine because the fumes got in all the little bit of clothes I had and I think that fuels me to work hard because I just always had it in my mind to not go back to that Read more>>
Keonche Hines
My Mom Was A Very Big Inspiration For Me, She Always Been A Hard Worker And Provided For Her 3 Kids So I Can Honestly Say I Get My Work Ethic From Her. And I Also Get My Work Ethic From Seeing My Idols Work So Hard. Such As Bernie Mac, And Katt Williams And Kevin Hart And etc! Read more>>
Eric Sherman
There’s something about falling in love with what you do that feels essential to this question. If you love to do it, there’s a good chance you’ll do it a lot, and consequently you’ll have a chance to do it at a high level. Read more>>
Alida Coury
Work ethic comes from many key parts of my life. First I come from the midwest where I believe that this is instilled at an early age by the community. I mean to speak to the period of time when I was growing up at least. I went into the work force at 15 on a work permit. Read more>>
Criston Moore
The foundation of my work ethic stems from witnessing the unwavering dedication of my father, who diligently served the State of California to support our large family, and the tireless efforts of my mother, who selflessly cared for each and every one of us. Their remarkable sacrifices have shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me a strong sense of commitment and diligence that I carry into every aspect of my life. Read more>>
Laura and Julean Waddell
Our work ethic has been influenced by a variety of factors. Growing up, we observed our parents’ dedication and commitment to their jobs, which instilled ia strong sense of responsibility and a hardworking attitude. Additionally, our educational experiences and exposure to mentors who emphasized the importance of diligence and perseverance have further shaped our work ethic. Read more>>
Cody Murphy
I’d say my work ethic comes from my absolute love for the music industry and my desire to be part of the change. It’s gotten better over the years as far as women getting their fair shot, but it’s nowhere near where it should be, in my opinion, and I hope I’ve been able to affect a little change with my podcast, however small that might be. Read more>>
Lauren Efron
I believe my work ethic has been instilled in me since I was a child. Hard work was always valued in our household, whether it was in regards to school, our hobbies, or eventually our jobs. I always worked incredibly hard in school due to this and began babysitting to earn extra money when I was 12, following that I got a paid internship in the 7th grade which I stayed at until I was 16. Once I was finally able, I got a proper job. Since then I have worked for multiple companies and began my own, Efron Nails. Read more>>
Veronica Westlake
Inherently, my work ethic comes from being raised by 2 amazing parents that always worked. My parents, Pedro and Esmeralda Rodriguez are native Texans, but they left the Rio Grande Valley in the early 70’s looking for a better way of life and more job opportunities where they could manifest their own destiny. Read more>>
Rich Bennett
Throughout my formative years, the values instilled in me by my parents and the Marine Corps have deeply influenced my professional demeanor. My upbringing emphasized discipline, with structured chores and the principle of always extending assistance when someone was in need. Read more>>
Sundi McLaughlin
I developed my work ethic from my Dad. Although he was a teacher with a masters degree he worked 2nd and 3rd jobs to provide for us. My brother and I worked right beside him, roofing houses, tiling bathrooms, house painting, and any other job he could get his hands on… Read more>>
Sydney Sherman de Arenas
I credit my strong work ethic to my upbringing and early exposure to the world of entrepreneurship through my parents, who are business owners themselves. From a young age, I was immersed in discussions about finances, work dynamics, and various business opportunities. I have vivid memories of celebrating significant achievements with my family and actively participating in decision-making conversations. Read more>>
P. Blake Renda
My work ethic was instilled in me by both my late mother and father. My father was born 1st generation Italian and his family immigrated to the USA in 1900 from Sambiase, IT. My grandfather was a peasant. My father, despite being targeted by prejudice and racism as an Italian in those years, went on to be very successful. Read more>>
Lexi Jeffers
I get my work ethic from my mother, she has always been such an incredible hard worker and this provides with me with inspiration to work hard and go after my dreams. Read more>>
Asia Wheeler
I grew up with a single mother, who raised both me and my younger sister. All my life I’ve witnessed first hand from her on how to work hard for everything and anything that you want. My mom has done (and still does) everything that she can to ensure that my sister and I have a life better than the one she grew up with. Read more>>
Obed Silva
I come from a family of immigrants who have worked hard all of their lives to thrive and prosper in this country. My mother, who raised me all on her own has always taught me to work hard at whatever I do and to never give up on my dreams. Read more>>
DJ MicLoud Spice Nice
I always had the motivation to do something proactive. From working out, creating and working with music and learning a new skill set. And also keeping myself surrounded and staying InTouch with go getters played a big role as well. And the results from have a great work ethic keeps me open for more. Read more>>
Kito Denham
I got my work ethic from my late mother and father. I grew up in a household with four boys and I was the youngest. My mother worked a few different jobs but mainly focused on her art; painting, sewing and creating. My father retired from driving trucks and then started driving public transit where he also retired from. Read more>>
Tiana Bryant
I definitely get my work ethic from watching my mom. Being raised by a single mother you get to watch her really make things happen for you. She has always been able to grind a get things done on her own and I admire that. Read more>>
Larry Butler
I must have gotten my work ethic from my parents. Both of my parents worked their way through college – my father in a white-collar job and my mother taught piano. They were both well-read and well-spoken and instilled those pursuits into me and my brothers from an early age. Read more>>
Gioacchino Randazzo
As a first generation American, I was taught the importance of a strong work ethic from my parents and grandparents who came from Sicily to the United States. They saw America as the land opportunity, compared to the situation in Italy at the time. Read more>>
Suzana Silvestre
One can say that my work ethic is in my DNA. My parents were immigrants and didn’t speak English. They always worked. When I was 7 we left the central valley where my dad worked on the dairies and my mom cleaned houses. Read more>>
Shaakira Molisho
My work ethic comes from my parents. I’ve watched them work hard and diligently towards their goals. Over the years, I’ve watched them both work multiple jobs while also maintaining a level headed household. Both of them have instilled in me the importance of hard work, dedication and going after your dreams. Read more>>
Abby Judd
I get my work ethic from both of my parents. My mom has been a stay at home mom since I was born. She works so hard to raise the kids (and dogs) we never had to worry about having each and every meal taken care of. Read more>>
Samantha Russell
n my life, I have been surrounded by incredibly hardworking people. In my family, I’ve been taught that you get out what you put in. Seeing my grandparents, parents, and my partner work so hard at their goals has kept me focused on achieving my own. When I feel like giving up, I ask myself, “Will future Samantha be set back by this decision?.” Read more>>
Gabrielle Rene
Honestly, my father. He is an incredibly hardworking man along with my mother. I feel like growing up with those strong role models and coming from a line of Cuban immigrants has shown me the success and wealth take commitment to grow, but even more so passion and determination. Read more>>
Meigan Hufft
My work ethic is motivated first and foremost by the drive to succeed for my children. My four daughters are my world and with being a single mother, I do not have the option of relying upon others to assist in making sure they’re well cared for. It is an honor to have a business that not only allows me to tap into my creative mind while capturing timeless memories for others, but also affords me the means to provide for my girls. Read more>>
Tresa Halbrooks
Before launching my company, I spent 11 years working in the NFL. And now, many people ask me what the biggest takeaway was from working in professional sports for over a decade. And that’s easy… understanding what a solid work ethic looks like and having a sports-minded philosophy about running a business. Read more>>
Zack Humphreys
I got my work ethic from working in different job fields learning the ins and the outs of how buisness ran and what was required of me. Once I saw what it took to be a buisness owner I knew I would have to out work then in order to be able to survive as a small business owner. Read more>>
Dr. Shakeer Abdullah
I get my work ethic from my parents and my life circumstances. My father is a retired Fire Captain and was one of the first Black firefighters in the city of Akron, Ohio. His pioneering spirit inspired me and helps guide me to this day. Read more>>
Bruce Ellis
My Dad. He was one of the hardest working people I’ve known. I mean he worked to live he didn’t live to work, ya know? But his work ethic was unmatched. Read more>>
Zhanna Thomas
I believe that my art pieces have a potential for enticing and conducting the audience to enter a multidimensional world of elusive shapes and effulgent colors. This world draws profoundly on the artist’s own life experiences and is empowered by a lifetime of endurance and quest for self-love and spiritual growth. Read more>>
