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?
Pat Konicki
Artistic integrity is important because involves a commitment to the vision, values, and creative process itself, regardless of whether it receives accolades or commercial success. This means doing your best every day, even when facing self-doubt or creative blocks, crafting from a place of genuine passion and personal experience, rather than imitating popular styles or trends to gain recognition or profit. Read More>>
Judy Sabah, MCC
My intelligence and integrity are very important to me. However, after 13 years of chronic fatigue, there is NOTHING that is more important to me than energy. I had what I thought was everything. A wonderful business, a beautiful home, great friendships, and then no energy. It took a lot of asking questions and being incredibly curious to find the answers. Read More>>
Crystal Carter
To me, the most important qualities, out of being intelligent, having good energy, or possessing great integrity, would be integrity. Integrity is most important to me because it truly displays someone’s character, morals, and spiritual depth, as well as how they feel about other human beings and their worth. Read More>>
Mohammed Qamar
For me, integrity is the most important. Intelligence and energy can certainly open doors and drive progress, but without integrity, they lack a meaningful foundation. I believe it’s vital to remain consistent in your character, values, and principles regardless of the circumstances. Acting honorably and ethically, even when no one else is watching, defines who you truly are. Read More>>
Michelle Stubbs
Integrity, without question. Intelligence and energy are powerful, but without integrity they lose meaning. For me, integrity is about doing what you say you’ll do, showing up even when it’s hard, and treating people with respect — whether that’s a client, a supplier, or your team. In both the wedding industry and business in general, reputation is everything. Read More>>
Patrick Earl Hammie
That’s like asking which superpower I’d rather have telepathy, teleportation, or time travel. Tempting as it is to pick just one, I don’t think they operate in isolation. But if I had to choose, I’d say integrity. Intelligence and energy are great, but without integrity, they’re just fireworks with no grounding. Flashy, maybe even impressive, but ultimately untethered. Integrity is the throughline. Read More>>
Krem Miskevich
all of the above, but if i were to choose, it would be energetic integrity. Read More>>
Lemoyne Alexander
That people respect me for the integrity of my work and devotion to my craft The joy that it brings to my fans friends and family Read More>>
Monique Travis
In general, I believe the most important quality an individual can possess is integrity. Integrity is the character and soul of a person; it’s who you are when no one is watching and you believe there are no consequences for your actions. What lives in your mind flows outward, shaping your energy, behavior and even your health. Read More>>
Stephan Walters
Integrity is most important to me. Intelligence can be learned, and energy is often volatile; it can fluctuate or be influenced by others. But integrity is foundational. It tells me everything I need to know about a person; whether I can trust them, collaborate with them, or even be around them. Read More>>
Laney Tepes
Integrity is the foundation of character!!! Intelligence can make you clever, and energy can make you productive, but without integrity, neither can be trusted. • A highly intelligent person without integrity might manipulate rather than help. • A highly energetic person without integrity might pursue harmful or selfish goals. Integrity is what ensures that your actions are ethical, honest, and aligned with your values. Read More>>
Samantha Smith
100% integrity. What you do when no one is watching says so much about who you are. Choosing an honest and ethical path in life is very important to me. Read More>>
Charlene Brown
For me, integrity is non-negotiable. Intelligence and energy are powerful, but without integrity guiding how you use them, they can easily get twisted into self-serving or even harmful actions. I’ve seen people with brilliant ideas and magnetic energy, but without integrity, it all unravels. It becomes manipulation, performance, or noise. Integrity is the compass. Read More>>
yilin Li
For me, the most important things are energy and talent. Of course, effort is also a very important factor. However, talent and energy are a prerequisite, an important factor that will lead to success after effort. Because for me, everything is based on energy. Energy is the only form of existence in this universe. Read More>>
Chris Miller
Integrity. Integrity speaks to your core motivations. Intelligence can often times be learned and cultivated, energy can be harnessed out of people if given the right motivations, but integrity is something that I think develops early on in life. Lack of integrity leads to deception, thievery, and in my opinion, lack of it is the fastest way to kill a company. Read More>>
Steven Blackett
I know I’m supposed to pick one, but honestly all three matter to me—and here’s why. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, but being able to learn from experiences and adapt is top tier. People often hype up IQ, but I think emotional intelligence is just as valuable—energy never lies. Read More>>
David Eichler
Integrity is the glue of society. Energy and intelligence are important but there’s plenty of those to go around. Integrity is always at a premium. Read More>>
