Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in our conversations with some of the most interesting and trailblazing entrepreneurs and creatives we noticed the biggest lessons they learned about work often came from unexpected sources. We’ve shared some of those responses below.
Teresa Spellman Gamble
The person who taught me the most about work was my dad. For the first two-plus decades of my life, he served as an elected public servant, and I had a front-row seat to what true dedication looks like. I watched him pour himself into his role with quiet determination, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Read More>>
Caroline Rayman
We have all been in the event industry for a number of years and learned the different aspects of the event industry that brought us to where we are today. From the food and beverage industry, venue sales, and various design roles, we’ve learned the skills to keep us innovative and professional team players with a strong work ethic! Read More>>
Slimtronic5k
My mother, Pam (who I call “Lou” because she hates it—and who am I if I’m not driving my mom nuts?) is not only the best musician I know, she’s also the hardest worker. Her grind and hustle are unmatched, and growing up watching her TCB gave me the drive to pursue my career and dreams with near-reckless abandon. Read More>>
Ebony Denise Sanders 
My maternal grandmother Pauline Evans. She always instilled in me the value of hard work and what it can do for me. She always told me that a woman is supposed to work hard for the things that she wants. Read More>>
Celina Phoenix
My parents always taught me that nothing in life comes easy, you have to work hard, stay consistent, and never give up. That lesson shaped me into who I am today and pushed me to build my business from the ground up. Their words remind me daily hard work truly pays off, and that’s what I’m able to call my business a success. Read More>>
Cleo Morales
My mother did, my father did as well, but mostly my mother. My mother and father immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. However my mother became a single mother at the age of 30. She raised 5 children alone and still managed to get an early childhood development education diploma and managed to keep a job all while dealing with grief. Read More>>
Romuald Pliquet
I started to be interested in surfing at a very young age but my parents were afraid of the ocean so ilneme wouldn’t let go surfing. So I lived by proxy my surf through the surf magazines. I noticed that I’m more interested in photographers than surfers in photos. So I devoured magazines throughout my youth by learning the angles of each photographer. Read More>>
SanTiza
The truth? A patchwork of teachers. My classical coaches taught breath, posture, and respect for the craft; the stage taught humility fast. But the biggest teacher for how I work day to day has been YouTube. I’m a self-taught music producer—Ableton became my instrument through late-night tutorials, rewinds, and a million tiny experiments. Read More>>
Roni Zulu
Nothing made me happier than working on assignments given me by my Jr. High School art teacher, Mr. Stephen Lingenfelter; affectionately known to his students as “Link.” This project, like all he laid before me, was not part of his common class curriculum. Read More>>
Markane Alan
I would say my granddad and my uncle Mark taught me most about work. It is definitely where my diligent work ethic comes from. I worked with my granddad one day as child I was 7 or 8 years old. I watched him work in the sun until he was soaked. Read More>>
Jennifer Forrest
My dad taught me the most about work as a contractor. He gave me a work ethic that I cannot shake because he spent his whole life making sure that not only was our family taken care of, but that his clients were as well. Read More>>
Harriet Despina
My parents are the ones who laid the foundation of what hard work really looks like. Both of my parents are immigrants who came to America to achieve the ‘American Dream.’ In my opinion, they are the pioneers of turning that dream into reality in our family. Read More>>
Damon Duster
Hands down, my Mom! She has always had her own businesses! From a carpet cleaning business in Vegas in the late 70’s early 80’s, a Child Care in the early to mid 90’s, and finally her own Beautician shop from mid 90’s to the 2000’s. Read More>>
ARLEN schumer
My big break after graduating from Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Graphic Design was getting to work for one of my childhood idols, the legendary comic book artist Neal Adams (1941-2022) at Continuity Associates, his New York City agency/studio. Read More>>
Federica Borlenghi
I learn the most about my work by my teachers. I was lucky to be taught by working artists since a young age. Being supported by relatives and friends is certainly fantastic, but being believed in by an artist you admire and look up to is a different kind of fuel. Read More>>
