Many business owners we’ve spoken with didn’t start with a huge team on day one. They had to learn how to be a good boss, but the problem is the books on leadership are often highly theoretical and so we wanted to hear practical examples of what it means to be a good boss. So, we asked some brilliant, insightful folks to share stories about the best bosses they’ve had.

Christina Vega

My best boss, hands down, has been sweet pea Flaherty at King’s Books. From the moment I began working with sweet pea, sweet pea has been willing to teach me anything I wanted to learn related to bookselling and publishing. Even after I stopped working directly with sweet pea at the bookstore, sweet pea continues to offer advice, resources, and community to myself and my team. Read more>>

Amoraa J

I’ve had a handful of different types of jobs but my absolute favorite has been working as a full-time artist. With that being said, the best person I’ve worked with (and had the honor to call my boss) is the legendary actor, Danny Trejo. I was signed to his record label for 3 years and for 3 years, he completely changed the trajectory of my life. He is one of the best people I’ve ever met…. he taught me how important it is to give back to the community, to use your voice for good, and to always thank God for all the things we have provided for in this lifetime. I learned a lot working with him. Aside from his humbleness, he gave me the chance to grow as an artist, he believed in me and gave me the platform to build a name for myself. Danny is one of the most selfless people. I hope I can give him everything he deserves one day. A true inspiration to not just me, but so many. I’m blessed to have been a small part of his legacy. Read more>>

Natasha Rose Jordan

The best boss I’ve ever had was Adalia Espinosa when I worked at the University of Houston Career Services. When I first started, she asked me what my learning style was, I’ve never had someone ask that before. During my time there, Adalia modeled what proper communication looks like between supervisor and employee. My position was created to start the free student headshot program, and I was practically given free rein to see my vision through. That level of trust she gave me is what I hope for in every future boss I have. Lastly, Adalia went above and beyond to teach me how to navigate the job market after I graduated. It was a dark cloud looming over me and she made the inevitable not so scary. We still talk about it years later. Adalia was not only my boss but is my mentor, and I’ll always be in her debt for everything she taught me. Read more>>

Nir Shor

What I love about the gaming industry is that the word “Boss” is not really used all that often, it being a very collaborative industry. However, I can definitely bring up a very enjoyable collaborative experience I am currently taking part in. I have been contacted by “Minted Loot Studios” with an offer to compose music for their next steampunk themed video-game “Chronoforge”, the game has so many interesting prospects such as traveling to different worlds, special enemies and an interesting gameplay mechanic based around the concept of a “Prisoner’s Dilemma”. Read more>>