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.
Mwanje Thompson
The people who taught me the most about work are my parents, Regginald and Nicole Thompson, and my grandparents, Marie and Bernell Thompson. Each of them played a different role in shaping how I understand discipline, responsibility, and purpose. My father, Regginald, taught me what consistency really looks like. Read more>>
Dan Matic
The greatest lessons I’ve learned have come from the people around me. My wife, my peers, collaborators, and mentors. These individuals have not only inspired me but have consistently challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Their feedback, creativity, and unique perspectives push me to refine my skills and expand my vision, shaping me into a more versatile and thoughtful artist. Read more>>
Angela Wolf Quaintance
Both of my parents are incredibly hard workers. My mother was a special ed teacher who taught high school students during the day and taught college classes at night. She ran events for her students – like a county-wide para-olympics. My father worked as a field service provider who traveled the country every week. Read more>>
Aubrey Briggs
The women in my family have taught me everything I know about work and what it means to be a hardworking, strong, independent woman. Coming from an Indigenous background, I grew up understanding the power and significance of a matriarchy; how a foundation built on community and strong values could withstand any obstacle. Read more>>
Ashley Kohl
Becoming a better leader has been a journey, and my husband, Wade Bassett, has been my anchor and mentor throughout. As a director in the demanding retail sector, Wade’s leadership is defined by integrity. He has taught me the importance of managing with love and kindness, and the necessity of making difficult decisions that are firmly rooted in what is right and true. Read more>>
Chantelle Eghan
My greatest inspiration is my grandmother. She was a brilliant businesswoman, the wife of a diplomat, and a mother of five. She wore many hats with grace, resilience, and dignity, and she raised me from the age of three when my mother left. I remained under her care until she passed when I was twenty-five. Read more>>
Krista Townsend
For almost 20 years, I have worked with an inspirational woman and very good friend who taught me so many things I can’t possibly list them all here. The most important lessons were that we are all creative, nature is our guide, and building relationships is about listening, trusting, and empowering others. Read more>>
Deependra Dehariya
My biggest lessons about work came from my father. He worked hard every single day without ever complaining, and that discipline shaped everything I do. Later, when I moved away from home, I found new inspiration in the poetry and honesty of Zakir Khan (an Indian stand-up performer) and the depth and resilience in Bhuvan Bam’s (another content creator turned actor in Indian programs) interviews. Read more>>
Autumn Mahoney
Most of the work that I do is self-taught. When I was a kid, my mom and I would wind down by drawing together, and that’s where my love for art began. The first YouTube videos I watched were of people creating speed paintings. Over time, while watching these videos, I started painting landscapes in Microsoft Paint, then Gimp, then Photoshop, and now Procreate. Read more>>
