What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?

Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.

Tara` Hayes

One of the biggest lies in the current medical industry, outside of the preventative space, is that treating symptoms equals creating health. Too often, the focus is on quick fixes, prescriptions, or interventions after problems arise, rather than preventing them in the first place. The medical system reacts while the food industry profits, promoting highly processed, unhealthy foods, especially to kids and vulnerable communities. Read More>>

Robert Parker

I believe one the biggest lies would be numbers, appearance, popularity and material value are more deserving than the hardworking, the more talented, the more creative and the more diverse innovative minds available on different levels. Read More>>

Arianna Wellmoney

I think one of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that it’s “inclusive.” The reality is that the people at the top are still overwhelmingly white men, and work from underrepresented voices—queer, Black, Brown, disabled, immigrant—is rarely prioritized or funded. Read More>>

Kamara Campbell

Honestly, I feel like like when it comes to the Christian industry in movies, especially the ones who are run by African-Americans, they believe the lie that you have to commit sin on screen, in order to make it real. I do not believe that. Read More>>

Wanda La Russa

A significant lie in the yoga industry is that instructors must be skinny and flexible. This focuses only on the physical aspect, or asana, ignoring that a great teacher’s true value comes from their knowledge and ability to create an inclusive environment for all body types. Another lie is the oversimplification of yoga as just a form of exercise. Read More>>

Blythe Neer

That dogs need a heavy hand. In reality, the ‘heavy hand’ is rooted in colonialism and white supremacy. It’s our job as trainers to show owners that they can keep their dogs healthy, safe, and easy to live with without controlling their every move with discomfort. Dogs aren’t meant for us to control or dictate every second of their lives. Read More>>

Erin Davies

Our wedding planning industry seems to tell itself that the jaw dropping images of over the top and beautiful weddings are the markings of a great planner. I think the experience of the couple and their guests is the true litmus test. Was it a seamless flow? Did it FEEL like a reflection of the client? Read More>>

Bella Amore

One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that beauty and talent only come in one size, one look or one background. For so long, the narrative has been that you have to fit into a box to be successful. The truth is, representation matters — and audiences connect most with authenticity. Read More>>

Amy Jacobus

The biggest lie? That ‘more is more.’ People without marketing experience who suddenly need to promote their work fall into this trap constantly. They think they need to be everywhere—posting unique content on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok daily. They launch major rebranding projects before they’re comfortable operating their business, convinced they need to look professional before they can be seen as professional. Read More>>

Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik

One of the biggest lies in the beauty industry is the obsession with “anti-aging.” It creates fear around growing older and suggests we should erase every sign of life we’ve lived. The truth is, aging is natural and inevitable. What matters more is supporting our skinspan—the years our skin stays strong, radiant, and resilient—just like we think about lifespan and healthspan for our overall wellness. Read More>>

Alisha Rickman

While passion may ignite our journey in circus, it alone cannot sustain us. Passion doesn’t pay rent, cover medical expenses from injuries, or guarantee fair compensation for the countless hours spent training and rehearsing. Too often, circus artists, coaches, and studio owners accept burnout, underpayment, and instability as the “price” of pursuing what we love. Read More>>

Lashunda Coates

My name is Lashunda Coates Owner and CEO of Igotdajuice Mobile Juice bar, I provide cold press juices, sea moss and introducing raw vegan dishes as well.
What makes it unique is that we more than just juices we provide an experience wellness in a bottle. Read More>>

Melissa Moral

One of the biggest deceptions is that ‘love and light’ is enough—that positivity cures on its own. While light is sweet, it does not erase wounds, trauma, or toxic patterns. Real healing is about honesty, shadow work, and sometimes painful truths. Another lie is that spiritual leaders or readers must be perfect, infallible, or without human struggles. That illusion breeds pride and silences accountability. Read More>>

Ulisses Souza

Too many restaurants chase what’s popular instead of focusing on authenticity, quality, and consistency. One of the biggest lies in the restaurant industry is that success comes from following trends rather than staying true to your identity. Read More>>

Reece Alexander-Putinas

The biggest lie this industry tells itself is that talent is enough. That if you’re good, if you work hard, if you stay disciplined — you’ll make it. I wish it were that simple. The truth is, talent is only one piece of the puzzle. Politics, timing, connections, and sometimes just dumb luck often matter more than raw ability. Read More>>

Diane Hope

That people NEED video/visuals to enjoy a story. Anecdotal evidence reveals despite the recent emphasis for podcasts to have visuals as well as audio, many ‘viewers’ barely glance at the screen. They’re mostly listening. What value does it add to watch two heads talking? Read More>>

Elle Jackson

The marketing industry loves to sell the idea that there’s one perfect funnel, one proven blueprint, or one magic CTA that will guarantee success. While strategy and structure absolutely matter, one of the biggest lies I see is that these formulas work the same way for everyone. The truth is, most entrepreneurs—especially in the early stages—are skipping the most essential piece of marketing: the heart. Read More>>

Kayla Petrasek

One of the biggest lies we’re told—not just in my industry, but in life—is that there’s a “right” way to do things. From a young age, we’re conditioned to follow a predetermined path: grow up, get an education, get married, climb the corporate ladder, do as you’re told, be “proper.” But the truth is, there is no rulebook. Read More>>

Stephen Paprocki

One of the biggest lies in the culinary and hospitality industry is that relentless overwork is a badge of honor and a necessary sacrifice for success. We’ve normalized burnout, telling ourselves it’s just “part of the job,” when in reality it’s damaging lives, families, and careers. Read More>>

Solange Castro

That it matters how many followers or likes you have. Read More>>

Daniel Hochman

Most people are led to believe that to have a full recovery from addiction, you need to go to rehab. What most people don’t know – even after getting treatment for years – is that the rehab industry has an average success rate of 3-5%. Read More>>

Alba Delgado

One of the biggest lies the tourism industry tells itself is that mass tourism is always “good for the local economy.” Yes, tourism brings money, but when it’s not managed responsibly, it can destroy the very things that attract visitors in the first place: our heritage, our neighborhoods, our way of life. Another lie is that heritage protection is always a top priority. Read More>>

Kat Scott

Oh, I can go all day. Here are the biggest lies our industry keeps telling itselfand why they’re holding us back: 1) “Big space = real success.” BS. Square footage doesn’t create profit systems do. I built a high‑earning team in two chairs. One chair is a business model if you run it like one. 2) “Independent means solo.” No. Read More>>

Gibran Nassif

One misconception I hear often is that real estate doesn’t need video to sell. I’m not just saying this to sell my services. Truth is, video is a powerful tool. It gives potential buyers a better sense of the space and helps them imagine what it’s like to live there. Read More>>

Guillermo Montesinos

I think that nowadays experience is being displaced more than ever. When I started, I used to really look up to my peers and mentors with respect and admiration. Now unfortunately ‘everybody is a photographer’ by the use of smartphones and the availability of tutoring online to learn photography. Read More>>

Ja’Net Adams

That limited income people are bad with money. They are some of the best people when it comes to handling money with the way they are able to make it stretch to more comes. They are innovative on a daily basis. There issue is an income issue not a financial behavioral one. Read More>>

Dalia Amine

Every day we hear something new about Egypt and its history. Read More>>

KING PIXXY

One of the biggest lies the wedding photography and videography industry tells is that gear is everything—that unless you have the most expensive camera or latest tech, you can’t produce quality work. The truth is, vision, storytelling, and emotion matter far more than any piece of equipment. Another common lie is that everything has to be picture-perfect—flawless lighting, posed smiles, staged emotions. Read More>>

Jason Damico

Growing up in the entertainment industry, you come across a lot of hive mindsets that can create snares of limited belief thinking. One of the biggest is that everything has to be “perfect” before you post or release. This is the biggest lie I’ve come across. The reality is the world is constantly changing and doesn’t even really know what it is. Read More>>

Jo Skillman

There’s a lot of fear in the creative industry now that AI is taking our jobs. I don’t think it is at all. Right now, AI provides us with the opportunity to superpower ourselves — to solve problems quicker and with a wider range of solutions at hand. Read More>>

Latika Vines

The biggest lie I hear is that working moms are not committed employees. I wholeheartedly disagree with this because working moms are one of the most committed employees any organization can have. Working moms are: 1. Resilient 2. Accountable 3. Loyal 4. Strategic 5. Emotionally Intelligent 6. Committed to Legacy Read More>>

Chris Pittman

That ‘likes’ and ‘views’ on social media defines your level of success. Read More>>

Joshua Lubben

In the music industry, you’re constantly being told to imitate all the ‘successful’ artists, to jump on their bandwagon and profit from their success. But if you make it big being someone you weren’t meant it be, does that mean anything? Read More>>

Julia Lofstrand

One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that visibility equals value—that if it’s not posted, published, or viral, it doesn’t matter. There’s also this illusion that constant productivity means success, when in reality, some of the most meaningful creative work happens quietly, slowly, and off the radar. Read More>>

Jessica Taylor

Just Raise Your Vibration’. This is not only not helpful, but it can actually harm if someone needs to process something uncomfortable. We are meant to honor all emotions and by doing so, we don’t have to dwell in them. Read More>>

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