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.

RIch McClellan

My grandfather taught me the value of a strong work ethic. I would spend summers helping him take care of and update rental properties, as well as going on deliveries with him, and seeing him interact with his clients. These hands-on life lessons were invaluable. Read More>>

Anthony Scavo

My work ethic was shaped early on growing up in Brooklyn and attending Catholic schools, where structure and accountability were non-negotiable. I started working at a part-time job my father arranged, which quickly became full-time at 17 for the same family-owned real estate company where my father was employed, where I quickly learned that performance wasn’t optional — it was expected.  Read More>>

Kristian Thomassen

I think my work ethic was born from not quite fitting in. Growing up in a small town in Denmark, I often felt like an outsider – the kid who dressed differently, thought differently, and dreamed bigger than what felt “acceptable.” There wasn’t much space for that, and over time, I realized that if I couldn’t find belonging socially, I’d try to earn it through what I could do. Work became my outlet – the place where I could channel all that restless energy and prove, to myself and maybe to others, that I had something to offer. Read More>> 

Lindsay McIntosh

I’ve been fortunate to have a strong work ethic instilled in me from a very young age—and it all started with music. Being in band as a kid was transformative. It taught me routine, discipline, and most importantly, accountability to others. You couldn’t just show up and coast—you had to learn your part, practice it with care, and bring your best every time because your bandmates were relying on you. It felt like a family with both responsibility and joy. Read More>>

Forrest Tuff

My work ethic is rooted in my childhood experiences watching my parents dedicate themselves to growing their business. Witnessing their dedication and perseverance instilled in me the importance of hard work and resilience from a young age. As a child, I was passionate about sports and committed to continuous improvement—participating in organized athletics, working tirelessly to develop my skills, and embracing teamwork. Read More>>

Vanessa Bucceri

Work ethic wasn’t something we talked about in my family. It was just what you did.
My childhood was shaped by people who showed up, got creative, and did what needed to be done.

When I was three, my parents divorced, and my mom moved my sister and me from Montreal to Vancouver so we could live with my grandparents. It was the early 80s, right after a major market crash. My grandfather had retired from running a successful furniture business in Montreal, but lost everything he’d invested in real estate when interest rates skyrocketed. Read More>>

Heather Nolan

I think my work ethic comes from a long line of strong women modeling hard working behavior while raising children. My grandfather died when my mother was very young and my grandmother raised her four kids and working to support the family. My mother modeled the same behavior and was one of the most resilient and strong women I know.  Read More>>

Mikella Richards

I get my work ethic from my mom.

I started working and saving when I was just 15 due to my mom’s leadership. I watched her do it all—early mornings, long days, always making ends meet even when it wasn’t easy. Her consistency wasn’t loud or flashy, but it was powerful. She showed up for herself and for others, no matter what. Read More>>

Lisa Hanou

After 32 years, I retired from my Human Resources career with the Target Corporation. Over the course of that time, I had the opportunity to work with amazing leaders that inspired me to take on new roles and supported my growth. I was very fortunate to work with multiple teams that focused on teachable moments that gave me the direction I needed to be successful. These mentors gave me the confidence to not only do the right thing for myself, but how to do the right thing for my team.  Read More>>

Gabriela

My work ethic comes from my parents, who immigrated from Bolivia as teenagers and built a life from the ground up through sheer determination and hustle. I grew up watching them outwork every challenge—my dad delivering mail for over 25 years, my mom running her own cleaning business for three decades—without shortcuts, safety nets, or recognition. Read More>>

Dj Cannon Banyon

I get my work ethic from my mom, she always push me to show up and finish anything I do Read More>>

Jaquawn Henderson

my work ethic comes from knowing I can be better and I love to be at my best so it becomes an obsession Read More>>

Haris Orkin

Probably from my father. He was a writer and an actor, and I learned the discipline needed to succeed as an artist from his example. (Though he was also kind of a workaholic.) It made me a firm believer in Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule. He posits that it takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve mastery in a complex skill.  Read More>>

Antonio Cucciniello

My parents. Both of them are immigrants from Italy. I watched my dad work extremely hard every day as a contractor who had arthritis in his knees and hips to put my brother, sister and I through school living in a good neighborhood. My mom worked hard to make sure we were raised properly with good heads on our shoulders. My work ethic and drive come from them. Read More>>

Young Thunder

Growing up, I watched my father work incredibly hard. He was always focused on making money, never lazy, and committed to providing for our family. What stood out to me most was the balance he struck — during the week, he put in the work, and on weekends, I’d see him dress sharp and carry himself with pride. He had this freedom and confidence that came from knowing he earned everything he had. That really inspired me.  Read More>>

L. Veins

My work ethic is born from the roots of family, faith, and love.
Family gives me purpose—each step I take is a brick in the legacy I’m building for them.
Faith keeps me steady when the path isn’t clear, when plans fall apart but the vision still stands.
And love—deep, relentless love—for my calling fuels me daily.
It’s a passion to inspire, to remind others that dreams are worth the risk,
and that purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you live. Read More>>

Bradley Whalen

Talking with God everyday about continuing this purpose he might have for me. And definitely the motivation around me and the support I receive from followers, friends, and family always pushes to me keep going and work harder. Read More>>

Riane DiMarco

My work ethic is stemmed from childhood. When I was 4 I lost my dad to cancer. With two older siblings who are 20 years older than myself, I grew up essentially as an only child as they had started families of their own at that point. Growing up it was me and my mom, She didn’t skip a beat and played both rolls as mom and dad, -In my eyes flawlessly. She worked hard to give me everything possible growing up.  Read More>>

Sean Morrissey

I’d say my work ethic comes from a mix of gratitude and necessity. I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities, and I’ve never wanted to take them for granted. I’ve also seen firsthand that nothing builds itself—you have to show up every day and do the work, even if it’s not glamorous (and it’s rarely glamorous in a startup/small business). Read More>>

Bryan Gruley

My work ethic probably comes from my parents. My dad was a hard-working engineer who left a nice job with one firm to establish his own, and it became a huge success. It’s funny that dad worked so hard–not just on his company, but on our house and our lake cottage in northern Michigan–because one of his favorite sayings was, “This working shit is never gonna be popular.” My mother brought up six kids and managed my father, who at times was a seventh child.  Read More>>

Eva Cleaning

Having a strong sense of self-sufficiency and independence, often learned from experiences like growing up in a single-mom household, can be a great asset for aspiring and current solopreneurs. You develop an inner drive to make things happen, resourceful mindset and a willingness to overcome obstacles. Read More>> 

Kathryn Crawford

I get my work ethic from my dad. He’s a self-employed designer, and growing up, I watched him stay incredibly dedicated – not just creatively, but in how he ran his business. He never cut corners, and he taught me that doing the job right matters just as much as doing it on time. He showed me that being your own boss means showing up every day, even when it’s hard, and doing the work with care and integrity. That stuck with me. Now, as a mural painter, I approach my projects the same way – with focus, consistency, and pride in what I’m creating. Read More>> 

Chaplain Stephen R. Barnhart

From my father… He was from an extremely poor family without aid from anyone to advance. Being very artistic, even winning the State Art Fair in Kansas while in Jr. High school, he had a talent for building, painting art, carving, making furniture, and other activities. He was assigned as a special painter in WWII and, at his suggestion, did custom work on the island of Alcatraz guard towers. As far as winning the State Art Fair, he was never able to travel to Topeka, as he knew no one with transportation resources. Read More>> 

Drashmeir Vincent

I get my work ethic from my parents, who immigrated to the United States from Haiti to build a better life for our family. As a first-generation American and one of four children, I grew up watching them work incredibly hard to provide for us while also pursuing their education. Both of my parents earned their bachelor’s degrees, and my mom went on to complete her master’s and Ph.D. On top of that, she ran a daycare business from home.  Read More>>

Kimberlyn Renee

I believe that I have been lucky enough to always have a pretty solid work ethic. I think that stems from my tendency to put my all into whatever it is that I’m doing. I can be a bit of a perfectionist so I never want to feel like I didn’t put the most amount of time or effort into something that truly matters to me. Read More>>