There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas). Similarly, what matters to others can vary widely – so we tried to tighten up that question to focus on three key traits to see what most folks in our community valued most – intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Melinda R. Smith
That’s an easy one. Integrity. Integrity is a person’s scaffolding, her armature, her foundation. Without it, energy and intelligence would potentially only be tools in the service of actions lacking in integrity, and the world does not need more of that. Besides, energy waxes and wanes, and intelligence, I’ve noticed, changes over time. I often say that I’m not as intelligent as I used to be, but I’m not quite sure I mean that (at least I hope I don’t!). Read More>>
Ritha Pierre
For me, integrity will always come first. I was raised to understand that without integrity, you truly have nothing. Your reputation and your name are among the most valuable things you’ll ever own, and they follow you into every space you enter. Read More>>
Justin Williams
Integrity is such an overwhelmingly positive attribute. In the lens of nature vs nurture, it’s interesting to see how people develop their sense of morality, what or who incentivizes or encourages it, and how they ultimately act upon it. The thing about intelligence and energy, both important in their own right, is that they are typically determined within, and by, the public eye. Witnesses, members of an audience, and critics alike all gauge one’s intelligence and level of energy for them. Integrity, however, largely has to do with who you are when nobody else is around. Read More>>
Latrise Hunter
People often ask what matters most, intelligence, energy, or integrity. For me, the answer is always integrity.
Don’t get me wrong, I love working with smart, driven people. Intelligence helps you make informed decisions, and energy keeps things moving forward. But if integrity is missing, none of that really matters. Without it, intelligence can be used to deceive, and energy can be misdirected. Read More>>
Chef Poetential
Integrity, to me, is the unshakeable foundation. It’s the moral compass that guides every choice, whether it’s what local produce I source for a dish at Lush Wine Bistro, the ingredients we use in our .CLASSiCA. focaccia, or the personal commitment my wife and I have to our vegan lifestyle. Without integrity, my 31 years of culinary intelligence is just a toolbox without purpose, and all my entrepreneurial energy is a fire without direction. It’s the promise I make to myself, my team, my family, and my community that what I put out into the world—be it a dish, a product, or a conversation—is an honest and authentic reflection of my values. Read More>>
Dr Faith Walters
What’s important to me is integrity. It goes a very long way. If someone can’t trust your word, then why bother with the relationship. Being honest should be something that we strive for. It demonstrates good character and it will take you far in life. You will have great success because of it. The Bible says John 8:32 “you shall know the truth and it will set you free.” Read More>>
Eric Nathan
Integrity—without question. In private investigation, especially here in Florida, where the laws are strict and the stakes are often high, integrity isn’t just important—it’s essential. We’re dealing with sensitive situations that can deeply impact people’s lives, whether it’s a child custody case, a legal dispute, or a matter of personal safety. If we’re not operating with honesty, discretion, and full legal compliance, we’re not only putting our clients at risk—we’re also jeopardizing the trust our agency is built on. Read More>>
Jeff Schwartz
Integrity is the ultimate winner, as it is a true sign of intelligence. One cannot occur without the other. If you’re intelligent, then you realize that, at the end of the day, when all is said and done, you still have to look at yourself in the mirror and understand that the only thing you can control is your integrity. For me, as a whiskey reviewer, educator, and judge, my entire reputation rests on my integrity. If I lose that, I’ve lost everything, and earning that back would be near-impossible. Read More>>
Sam Frontino
Integrity, without a doubt. Intelligence and energy are incredibly valuable, but without integrity, they can be misdirected. Integrity is the foundation that guides how we treat others, how we show up in our work, and how we make decisions when no one is watching. In my business, whether I’m flying a drone over a new development or collaborating with a client on a creative vision, I want people to know that they can trust me to be honest, dependable, and respectful. That trust is everything—it’s how relationships are built and how reputations are earned. Intelligence and energy are amplified when they’re anchored in integrity. Read More>>
Tony Blauer
That’s a powerful question: intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Look, there are a lot of intelligent people out there whose intellect actually gets in the way. They overanalyze, ignore their instincts, and end up disconnected from real communication and authentic relationships. Read More>>
Ziyi Zhou
For me, integrity is the most important. As a designer, I believe that honesty and transparency form the foundation of all relationships and collaborations. Whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or users, maintaining integrity is crucial in building trust and fostering meaningful connections. In the design field, we are not only solving problems but creating experiences that impact people’s lives. Without integrity, the end results and the user experience would be compromised. Read More>>
Stefanie Trenholme
While intelligence and energy are important, for me, integrity is the most important quality. Integrity is something I deeply value because it shapes not just how we treat others, but how we live with ourselves. It means being honest, staying true to our word, and choosing to do what’s right—even when it’s hard or when no one is watching. In our everyday lives—whether at work, at home, or in our communities—integrity is what builds real trust and lasting respect. It’s the quiet strength behind every meaningful relationship, and the foundation for living a life you can be proud of. Read More>>
Angela Valentino
Energy is essential to me, if I didn’t have enough energy I wouldn’t have been able to face everything I’ve done. Thanks to energy I’ve achieved great goals in the world of work and beyond, energy allows me to feel good with people, my energy is positivity, the people I meet love my energy I can completely overwhelm them and give a different vision of life. If there is energy you can get what you want. Read More>>
