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.

Nicole Dion Clarkson

I obtained my great work ethic from both parents. My father owned an auto shop and was a master performance mechanic, and my mother was in the U.S Army, Civil Engineer and a Middle School Math Teacher. In our family, everyone is held accountable for themselves. We’re encouraged to do our best with everything, fromr household chores, personal goals, career and work. I was taught, the results from your efforts should be driven by positive energy, good integrity, hard-work, accountability, preparedness & “Just get it done” attitude. Read more>>

Chloe Bardos

My work ethic was shaped by a combination of intense childhood experiences and high expectations. Growing up in a strict household, there was no option but to finish everything I started, and that taught me discipline early on. I have always been reliable and dependable and someone who keeps my word. Playing four extracurricular sports, on top of every single sport at high school, taught me how to be a teammate and to work hard for what I want. I love the quote “hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard” and I find that statement so so true, and have always related to it. I was never the most talented person in the room, but I was always going to make sure I was the hardest working/ most organized person in the room. Juggling 5-6 sports per season, taught me how to be productive and strategic with my time. As I got older, juggling three to four jobs for years, pushed my time-management skills to the limit. I believe that my strong and dedicated work ethic created some incredible opportunities for me, like dancing in Paris at the Moulin Rouge. In my thirties, I still work two jobs and as hard as ever, but have learnt good ways to prioritize what’s important, and show up for the company and my clients, as best as I can, any opportunity I get. I’ve always observed and learned from people who are better than me and tried to apply what I learn from them to the situations at hand. My commitment has always been to see things through and to do them with excellence. I’m proud of the work ethic I’ve built over the years—it’s one of my biggest strengths. Growing up with the understanding that finishing everything you start is non-negotiable taught me to approach every challenge with commitment. Playing multiple sports, holding down four jobs at a time, and eventually turning my love for movement into a career as a professional dancer and then fitness instructor has reinforced my drive. Recently being promoted to Chief Instructor is a testament to that dedication, and I’m excited to keep setting an example and pushing forward. I truly believe that hard work, focus, and resilience are what create the best results, and it’s my mission to live by those principles every day. Read more>>

Ali Aslam

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values my parents instilled in me. Growing up, I always felt a responsibility to work hard because they expected nothing less than my best. Watching their struggles as immigrants when we first came to the U.S., while living in inner-city neighborhoods, shaped my perspective. My father’s success in the retail industry, after years of perseverance, taught me the power of resilience and ambition. Read more>>

David Lonergan

My work ethic comes from my time in the Marine Corps. Those years taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of pushing past what I thought were my limits. Leading over 150 Marines and being a MCMAP instructor really showed me that hard work isn’t just physical—it’s about mental strength and showing up every single day, no matter what. Read more>>

Kate Phillips

I am not entirely sure where I got my work ethic from. As a kid, I would get lost in creation and play, but I was also a competitive gymnast for most of my childhood. I think the discipline from being an athlete, combined with my vivid imagination became the foundation for life as I know it. My parents were also very driven individuals, both public school teachers as well as coaches. My dad was a passionate science teacher and gymnastics coach and my mom was a similarly passionate English teacher and Speech coach. Between the two of them, all of my siblings have a pretty rich drive to excel at whatever we do. Read more>>

Jovoni Serrano

My development of strong work ethics can be attributed to the structured environment and discipline of dance, particularly through the guidance of my ballet teachers who instilled in me an unwavering determination to pursue my passions and dreams. Read more>>

Raheem Brown

Great question. I was a child and teenager in the 70’s & 80’s and raised, unfortunately in one of the most dangerous housing developments in the United States. Read more>>

Fabiano Santos

I’d say a lot of my work ethic comes from watching my dad navigate the highs and lows of life with a kind of steady resilience that’s stuck with me. Growing up in Brazil, I saw him work hard to keep things going, no matter the obstacles, and that attitude rubbed off on me. It made me believe that if something’s worth doing, it’s worth giving it everything you’ve got. Read more>>

Dj Butch

I love what I do. Music is my passion. I think your passion shows you your purpose. Music helps people. This motivates me. Read more>>

Brigitte Sinoradzki

Work ethic has been a part of my nature since the beginning. I have always had a drive to do more, better. It is something I can’t really put a finger on, but I strive to do more for my family, my clients, and myself – always. I’m a fast worker, which is something that benefits me in the fast paced and ever-changing marketing world. Read more>>

Rico Mangram

Work Ethic comes from being in IT as a Sr. Network Engineer and learning how to process situations This has helped me be a great part in solving problems and being more organized to help my talkshow run smoothly. This also helps me teach others on my staff to learn how to stay on time during the show and being able to stay professional with our guests and other events. Read more>>