Experience is often valued because of the lessons prior jobs have theoretically provided us with. While hearing about those lessons isn’t a replacement for actually experiencing it, we thought it would be very helpful to create a space where sharp and generous members of the community can come together to share stories and lessons learned at prior jobs for the benefit of others.

Lauren King

The most important lesson I learned as a business owner came from working at The Boardroom, where I had one of my worst experiences with leadership. Ironically, it was this toxic environment that showed me exactly what kind of leader I wanted to become by giving me a front-row seat to what doesn’t work. To set the scene, The Boardroom was a high-end barbershop, and the team had a lot of potential, but the leadership was consistently negative, uncommunicative, and dismissive of the staff’s ideas and contributions. It wasn’t just about being demanding—it was the lack of respect, empathy, and understanding that created a toxic culture. I felt like my voice didn’t matter, and this feeling spread across the entire team. The effects were obvious: high turnover, low morale, and a constant sense of dread in the workplace. Read more>>

Melissa Tucci

Before I got started in real estate, I worked for the yellow pages. That experience taught me how to do cold calling, door knocking and for every 500 no’s look forward to the one yes! It was hard work hitting the pavement daily and I feel a valuable asset to helping me hone my skills getting into real estate. Read more>>

Jamie Nguyen

LA fitness was my very first job at 18 as I was going to collage for Pharmacy shortly after that I was working as a student aide then intern as a pharmacy technician at Davis Monthan Air Force base. Then my career started in the medical world as a pharmacy tech transitioning into a lab technician. As I slowly transition to becoming a full time entrepreneur I learned that my past job set me up for success in my very own business. As I have to set a routine for myself and do the work that no one is going to tell me to do. Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean freedom, it just simply means you are your own boss and if you want to be successful you’ll have to put in the work for it 24/7 rather then having a job 9-5. Your 9-5 job sets up the discipline you’ll need for yourself if you plan on being an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Philip Mcrae

Before co-owning and Directing TPH St. Louis Academy, I had three jobs. From ages 14 to 16, I worked as a dishwasher. During the same period, I also worked a short time as a garbage man for my grandfather’s trash company. However, my most impactful experience came when I signed my first NHL contract at age 19 and became a professional hockey player. I did not attend university or college, but my time in sports—specifically hockey—instilled in me the life skills and character traits that I believe contribute to my success today. These include work ethic, commitment, dedication to my dreams, passion, teamwork, the ability to overcome adversity, emotional resilience, and effective communication skills. Read more>>

Amanda Jagow

The most important lesson I learned from a previous job was that I needed to be apart of an organization that prioritized their employees health and wellness. People were under constant stress in that environment and I wanted to find a job and company that valued me as a human and not just a number. Now at my current job I am able to help other companies make sure their employees are feeling prioritized. Also I am able to now indulge in my hobbies and am a Co-host on The Chat Podcast with my best friend. Read more>>

Giselle Fischman

When I first moved to Los Angeles my first job was an executive assistant to an executive at a major movie studio. Sometimes I feel like it was my masters degree in entertainment. I was exposed to the highest level of decision making and so many people that had an amazing wealth of knowledge. I tried to soak up as much as I could while I was there. As a creative, it can be difficult to understand the reason’s behind the decisions made by executives. When I decided to leave to pursue my own endeavors it was extremely helpful because it gave me a more holistic view of both the creative and business sides. It defiantly taught me what I didn’t want to do, which is move valuable than you think. And simultaneously empower me to go after what I do want to do! Read more>>

Courtney Cox

When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I remember feeling completely unequipped. I didn’t have anyone in my life who had been successful in business, nor did I have a mentor. Yet, I knew deep down that I was called to be a business owner. In prayer, I heard God assure me that He would guide me, and not to worry. At the time, I was working a 9-5 job for a Fortune 500 company, and what I didn’t realize was that this role would become the training ground for my future as an entrepreneur. Starting in customer care, I was later placed in a development program that gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how this successful company operated. I gained insight into marketing and communications, IT, and other key departments, learning what makes a business thrive. Read more>>

Misa Pignataro

I taught first grade for 10 years. One of the most important lessons I learned is that kids need to feel safe in order to learn. Kids need to feel comfortable in order for them to take risks. Kids need to know that, we as teachers understand them, in order for them to access their fullest potential in the classroom. The first 6 weeks of school were spent building a safe environment where kids felt welcome and safe; where kids were comfortable to raise their hand, share their thoughts, and come to me with questions. Building trust takes time and intention. Read more>>

Alex Harrom

The job before I started Pop & Dot with my father, had me feeling extremely burnt out and overwhelmed daily. I was the Director of Team Events and Meetings at a local Convention and Visitors Bureau, which I had no prior experience for but my boss at the time saw potential in me and the position and gave me a chance. I am forever grateful for that opportunity, but what my expectations were was completely opposite of what my experience actually was. I thought having the word “Director” as a part of my title as a 25-year-old woman was the coolest accomplishment. However, I did not feel that way showing up to work. I looked up to my boss and thought the world of her. She was in her early 40’s, many accomplishments, people respected her, or so I thought, and I felt she could do no wrong. Read more>>

Tiffany Burling

I have had a million jobs and for being only 39, I feel as if I have lived so many past lives! After high school I went to post secondary for Social Work and subsequently worked as a Social Worker for several years. Even though I loved what I did I was burning out and needed to shift gears. I went back school for Fundraising Management for Not-For-Profits and transitioned from a front line social worker to an events and fundraising manager for the same agencies. Still not in love with what I was doing every day, I took a leave of absence and got a job as a server while I figured out my next steps. In this new environment I fell in love with food and beverage and ended up developing a new career in the hospitality industry. I studied wine and became a Certified Fromager (Cheese Expert) and started a company doing wine and cheese tastings. Sounds like a dream job right! Wrong…I still wasn’t happy because I actually wanted to be an artist. Read more>>

Katelin Dirr

I was once an environmental educator, traveling to schools and libraries on behalf of a small zoo, teaching about adaptations and behavior with the help animal ambassadors. The summer was a masterclass in storytelling, simplifying complex ideas, and crowd control- all while holding a snake! Or owl, rabbit, cockroach, turtle, armadillo- seriously, I had the coolest co-workers. I learned to rephrase ideas for a wide range of ages (I’m not a fan of excess jargon), answer questions on the fly, and play where education and entertainment meet. Read more>>

Hannah Buzzo

Through my diverse work experiences, I have learned so many important lessons but the biggest one is how important it is to have mentorship and community. I look back at my early career and feel so lucky to have had such knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging mentors and colleagues – I truly wouldn’t be where I am without them. Business ownership, especially working as a solo entrepreneur can be lonely, scary, and confusing and I’ve found that having a community of colleagues that I can lean on, talk to, ask for advice, and gain support has helped me more than words can say. Read more>>

Janarius Harris

One of the most important lessons I learned that has shaped me as a business owner came from my time in the US Navy. It taught me the essence of hard work, structure, reliability, and teamwork—qualities that directly translate to running a successful business. Back in the Navy, everything operated on a strict schedule. You had to be on time, without fail. There were no excuses, and that mindset ingrained a sense of punctuality and discipline in me. If one person slipped, the whole team was affected, so being reliable wasn’t just important—it was essential. Read more>>

Sara Baumann

Prior to becoming a full-time artist, I worked as an Occupational Therapist in outpatient rehab and acute care. If one thing is true about healthcare, it’s that it pulls you out of being shy quickly. Often, I was one of my patients’ main social interactions of the day, which taught me how to approach each person as an individual. This experience ingrained in me a deep sense of empathy and a genuine interest in understanding others’ unique needs and concerns. Read more>>