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?
Makeda Diaz
I believe integrity guides how we use our intelligence and energy. It ensures ethical decisions, builds trust, and lays the foundation for long-term success. I try to bring this principle into everything I do. Read more>>
Alex Hennick
Integrity is everything to me. It’s the guiding principle that shapes not only my business decisions but also my personal relationships and the way I approach every challenge. Intelligence and energy are certainly valuable. They allow us to solve problems, innovate, and push forward, but without integrity, they lose their true meaning. Read more>>
AJ North
Definitely integrity. Energy comes and goes, it can be created and found. Intelligence is relative, there are many forms and not all forms are useful. But integrity is tied to who you are. I strongly believe you are your reputation and how others perceive you. Without integrity you’ll never have others respect and you’ll never truly respect yourself without strong integrity. Read more>>
Dr. Sunshine Smith-Williams
A: Integrity. Without integrity, intelligence can be manipulative, and energy can be misdirected. Integrity is the foundation of everything I do, in business, in storytelling, in advocacy, and in life. It’s how you show up when no one is watching. You can have the brightest mind and the biggest ideas, but if people can’t trust your word or your heart, none of it lasts. Read more>>
