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.

Katy Mcavoy

While it definitely started with my parents, my continued strong work ethic comes from the people I surround myself with. My husband is one of the hardest working people I know. And the five other women in my blogging Mastermind group continue to amaze me with the projects they accomplish and how they continue to grow their businesses. Read More>>

Naeem Powell

I would say my work ethic comes from my dad, aunt, and grandmother. These three have had a huge impact on my life. Growing up, I watched them work tirelessly, no matter the circumstances. Even during tough times, they remained dedicated and never wavered. Read More>>

John Drescher

I attribute my work ethic to my grandfather. Much like me, he was a renaissance man and a life-long learner. He used to say that “everything is figure-out-able” and through his various interests taught himself many different skills. I feel that same indomitable spirit when faced with a challenge or opportunity. If I apply my creativity and ingenuity I can figure anything out. Read More>>

V. Vale

Japanese cultural upbringing: you try to keep your word. I was expected to be “smart” so I tried to live up to that expectation. I earned my own money from earliest years. Read More>>

Luke Wiercinski

I think my career has come from taking a different path. I was never really an academic student. I wanted to work hard, but school didn’t excite me. From a young age, maybe 13 or 14, I started delivering newspapers and pamphlets. My first job was at McDonald’s, where I learned resilience and work ethic. Read More>>

Shawna Foster

I get my work ethic from my parents. From my mom, I learned the importance of treating others with kindness and patience in my work. As an entrepreneur who started her own Multicultural Book Festival, she showed me how to create a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. Read More>>

Lindsay Droz

Lindsay: I grew up in Seattle, WA with my parents and my younger brother, Chase. I am beyond blessed to have been raised by loving, encouraging parents that instilled kindness and belief that my dreams were possible. Read More>>

Mark Greenbaum

I attribute my strong work ethic to the values instilled in me by my parents. My father pursued a diverse range of careers—from teaching physics to managing a waste disposal company—demonstrating relentless commitment, even when it meant enduring a three-hour commute each way Read More>>

Jacquelyn Berney

I developed my work ethic from a combination of necessity and personal drive. Growing up with very little money meant facing many challenges, moving frequently, going without and sometimes worrying about basic needs like food and utilities. Read More>>

Abigail Goh

From an early age, my mom always impressed upon me to strive for a “spirit of excellence” in all that I do. It took a while for me to truly learn what that meant, but I try my best to express that in my projects daily and I believe that has enabled me to develop a good work ethic. Read More>>

Eric Feola

I have been fortunate enough to see nothing but hard work growing up. My grandpa was a successful businessman, my dad is currently running his second successful business and my mom never stops working until the task is done. Read More>>

Paige Broyles

Even though my parents often claim that they have no idea where I get it from I would say watching them work hard at everything they do has often inspired my work ethic. Read More>>

Thaddeus Duke

I got my work ethic from my parents and my grandparents. As a child I remember my grandfather working two jobs. In the daytime, he worked for the local shipyard Monday through Friday. In the evenings he worked in his garage as the neighbor mechanic, Monday through Sunday. Sunday’s routine was Church, ice cream, and then mechanic’s work. Read More>>

Grace Leverich

My dad taught me the impact of having a strong work ethic. He started and grew a painting business with the initiative to be more present and available to raise my brother, sister, and I throughout childhood and teenage years. Read More>>

Lindsay Bienick Higgins

I believe I have a great work ethic and I work very hard and effectively at the things I do no matter what the job. Much of this comes from my mother. I have never seen someone work so hard in life to become so successful at what she did for her career and provide for her family, it motivates me every day to continue to work to put money in my pocket, food on my table, gas in my car, and provide all the love and care my 14-year dog needs. Read More>>

Jamie Demarco

My work ethic stems from a strong desire for change, which is quite ironic because in many other aspects of my life I always resisted change. In my opinion, our current healthcare model is broken. I often times will put it as we are practicing sick care, not healthcare.  Read More>>

Jayden Mack

My strong work ethic comes from my background as a former athlete. Having played basketball throughout my life, I’ve learned the importance of discipline, perseverance, and commitment. Not achieving my ultimate goal in basketball has become a driving force in other areas of my life, including photography. I know firsthand that falling short often comes from not putting in enough effort, and I refuse to let that happen in anything else I pursue. Read More>>

Prajesh Chhanabhai

Honestly, my work ethic comes from a mix of lessons I’ve picked up along the way and, most importantly, from watching my parents. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I got a front-row seat to what real dedication looks like. My parents didn’t just work hard, they did it with kindness and a deep sense of purpose.  Read More>>

Josiah Bolth

I got my work ethic from being incarcerated on a date plantation when I was a teenager. Toil is inevitable so you may as well enjoy it, even if there are scorpions/tarantulas/vinegaroons hidden among the fruit. Nowadays, I see my toil as a healing discipline. It functions as a way to clarify my most sincere thoughts, passions and anxieties into a material form. Read More>>

Hannah Reneè

Shout out to the family on that one. My parents put a high value on hard work and dedication, not aggressively, but in a patient, committed “no, you can’t skip soccer practice” kind of way. Over time (and a few temper tantrums) I grew to enjoy the work. It’s truly one of the greatest gifts they’ve given me, well, besides the 1996 green Subaru Outback I used to drive to my lifeguard job each summer. Read More>>

Madison Marten

I owe my work ethic to my parents, who are both incredible role models & hard workers. I started babysitting in high school after school, doordashing on the weekends, and was proud to graduate cum laude. Read More>>

Hal Mackenzie

100% my dad. I often think about where I got my work ethic and discipline from. Because it really is my superpower and the primary reason behind any success I’ve had so far in my life and all the future success I will have. Read More>>

Mia Ahuja

I grew up with a father who was an immigrant from Sri Lanka where he was so poor they ate out of coconut shells for bowls. He came to the US with not a dime to his name and has worked and built a successful business and established himself while facing obstacles after obstacle. Read More>>

Savannah Judy & Luke Judy

Being siblings, we both get our work ethic from our parents. Our whole lives we have watched our parents work together to run their business of hair salons. We grew up in the salons, even as babies our parents had a nursery for us where we would go everyday while they worked. Read More>>

Jasmine Noghrey

I really got my work ethic from my mom who is an immigrant and refugee. She had to start working from a very young age and has always been a role model for me. Growing up, I watched her work tirelessly to provide for our family, often balancing multiple jobs while still making time to support and encourage me. She instilled in me the values of independence, resilience, and the importance of hard work. Read More>>

Roman Cress

I got my work ethic from watching my father get up early every day for work. My father never missed any days from work. He was consistent, driven, and passionate about his work. That stuck with me. Read More>>

Joy Libardoni

I got my work ethic from different experiences and from different people and community.
My first source comes from family, from my mother exactly. She has been volunteering for about 30 years for Nuvola, Trento ( Trento, European volunteering Capital 2024) and what she learnt in those years, she brought home. Read More>>

Diane Dragone

My work ethic comes from a combination of my early training, my passion for what I do, and the experiences I’ve had along the way. Starting to dance at the age of 3, it became my calling, and that sense of purpose has driven me ever since. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the industry, the value of hard work, and the importance of staying dedicated to my craft, no matter what challenges come my way. Read More>>

Jsh B

I get my work ethic from the people around me, particularly my mentors and friends. My mentors have been a constant source of inspiration, showing me the value of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in everything they do. Read More>>