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

Tiah Khuu

– I went to OCAD for Graphic Design – I met my thesis teacher, Avi Dunkelman, who ended up being my primary influence in my design – He told me that the key to having a successful design career was to start in the right circle/network Read more>>

Alina Mille

One lesson I learned from a previous job which has been invaluable in my role as a business owner, is the importance of allocating adequate time, providing quality care, and offering genuine listening ear to patients. Read more>>

Peggy Yen

Executing meaningful occupations is the one that affects my creative works and me. Working as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in Taiwan, I have seen various surviving people. Read more>>

Courtney Chott

In the summer of 2018, my husband and I relocated to Kansas and I obtained employment at the VA Medical Center based out of Topeka. Read more>>

Sharon Kurtz

I have had many jobs over the last 10 years, and I’ve found positive and negative things I can learn from. I would have to say one of the most important lessons/experiences I had in a job that has helped me as a business owner is learning when I’m feeling burn out, and when to lessen my load, or when I need to take a step back and breathe. Read more>>

Rachel Johanningsmeier

I have worked in the food and beverage industry since I was 19 and continued even after graduating college. The flexibility and payout from these positions provided me with a decent wage while allowing me the time needed to develop my art and business during the day. Read more>>

Sarafina Vecchio

I grew up working in my family’s small visual aid manufacturing company outside of Chicago. While I was always in the arts, starting dance at the age of 3 and voice at 8, the family business was always my ‘destiny’. Read more>>

Rochelle Dingman

In today’s competitive business environment, the importance of presenting oneself professionally cannot be overstated. By adhering to a standard of professionalism and ensuring that you are well-groomed every day, you demonstrate to your peers that you take your role seriously and are committed to achieving success in the workplace. Read more>>

Keon Hill

Trying to please everyone is a recipe for stress, misery, and frustration. During my first year as the principal of New Chapel Christian Academy, I wanted everyone to like me. Read more>>

Abby Richards

As I worked my way up in consulting, execution was important. Those execution skills are less important as you move from a high-performing individual contributor to team leader, especially in a cross-functional capacity. Read more>>

Alex Hayden

Your belief in what’s possible shapes your reality. When I first moved back to Nashville from Los Angeles, I took a job as a technician in Audio & Video at a large convention center. Read more>>

Dale Dallman

I was a rebel. A nice judge in Minot, North Dakota “”suggested”” my self and several others join the Marines. The other choices weren’t attractive! The Marines made me a whole different person. Read more>>