We asked some brilliant entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to reflect on lessons they’ve learned at prior jobs. We’ve shared highlights below.

Vivian Tong

At my first job at a museum, my boss emphasized the importance of “courtesy tabs” on tape. Folding over the end of tape would help a future person use the roll with less trouble and time. Read more>>

Jeanna Pappas

I’m an illustrator that does freelance work, but most of my income is from retail sales of my personal work and original designs. Read more>>

Adam Bush

Before I was a comedian, I worked at a very large church. My title was ‘storyteller,’ because I would help people within the church tell their story of spiritual transformation, etc. Read more>>

Amanda Ogg

My mom used to always tell me, “Nothing you do in your life is ever wasted. All the skills you gather will always come back around, unexpected or not.” Read more>>

Barbara Bengtson

Teaching led me to specialize in professional development as an entrepreneur. In high school I was not a good student. When I had children, I wanted to help them benefit from their education and I became a teacher. Read more>>

Ari Hunniford

Often during coaching sessions or psychic readings, I have people voicing their displeasure at the idea that they have “wasted their time” on a career path or relationship that didn’t work out and every time the message is a variation of this: learning a skill or lesson is never a waste of time. Read more>>

Juliana Ocasio

One of the most transformative experiences in my professional journey occurred during my tenure as the Director of Field Assessment at a Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plan in New York. Read more>>

Audrey Barcio

I’ve had the amazing opportunities to work in the art world with non-profits, commercial galleries and museums. Contributing in these spaces and learning more about the “behind the scenes” of a commercial gallery or museum has greatly assisted me as an artist and educator. Read more>>

Carolyn Nikkanen

The important lesson I learned prior to me opening my company, I worked for an amazing company that taught me to show respect, and treat everyone like an individual, and nobody was above anyone, the bosses, were the absolute best, they treated their employees with so much gratitude and respect. Read more>>

Dave Hooper

I was a touring musician for 20 years. This industry was all about fun and creativity, and nurtured a visceral awareness within a highly collaborative environment. Read more>>

Teela Venice

Before I found myself owning and managing three businesses while still picking up other income sources when the opportunities arose, I waited tables. Read more>>

Jessica Sonza

Before I became a business owner and stay at home mom, I served in the military as an Army officer. That job taught me, among many other things, that leaders set the culture of an organization. Read more>>

Tia Ballard

My most important lesson at my job as a teacher in Alternative Education was that family plays such a major role in the success of students Read more>>

Bridget Hahn

Success always comes after failure. Never stop learning — that’s definitely an important career lesson. What’s less emphasized is the potential for failure in the course of this. You’re absolutely right. Read more>>

Erin Grimm

As someone who has worked in all types of industries since I was 14 years old, there have been many experiences and lessons that I have learned throughout my professional career. Read more>>

Michaela Vybohova

I always say that I was partially raised by Fashion industry, working as a model for years and still going strong thought me so many lessons, I’ll share some of my most important takeaways: Read more>>

Coty Alexander

I owe my success as an artist to my reputation as a reliable professional who shows up and gets the job done. One thing that sticks out to me is to avoid office gossip. Read more>>