Doing things differently often leads to outsized results and so we connected with some of the most inspiring leaders and trailblazers we know and asked them to go into detail about what they do differently relative to others in their industry.

Alexander Benjamin

I find myself in an industry that is forever evolving in every aspect. So many times as an artist you are told “you are not (insert whatever) enough” as opposed to just admitting that the people on the business side usually do not know what it is that they are looking for. Read More>>

Tobi Santagado

Having the ability to think out of the box to help artists of all mediums in various ways is why we love what we do. Read More>>

Curt Covert

There are a growing number of great board games and amazing board game companies out there these days. Modern board games aren’t just for kids, like when I grew up, and deliver thoroughly engaging experiences for all ages. But for the past 22 years, Smirk & Dagger Games has been dedicated to developing games with an emotional center. Read More>>

Christie Hensler

I firmly believe that every human being wants to be seen, heard, and understood at their core. This belief fundamentally shapes how I approach coaching and speaking, setting me apart in the industry. Read More>>

Aryana Romero

What makes me different in the beauty health and wellness industry is my holistic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind body and soul. Unlike traditional beauty or wellness trends that focus on external appearance or quick results, I preach that we must learn to feel beautiful with ourselves internally before we do externally. My approach encourages women & men to listen to their inner selves, communicate with the higher forces, and embrace herbal practices that nourish the body at a cellular level. Read More>>

Dr. Kanika Kadakia

Teddy in Trouble is dedicated to supporting children’s literacy through engaging books and activity boxes. What sets Teddy’s activity boxes apart is their unique blend of phonics and play-based learning, designed to teach a variety of literacy skills in a fun and interactive way. Caregivers play an active role by guiding children through the easy-to-follow steps outlined in each box. Backed by the latest literacy research and proven successful in countless households, Teddy’s approach makes learning to read an enjoyable journey for both children and their families. Read More>>

Tracy Cook

Being a female in a traditionally male dominated field offers me a different perspective. I was once a client before I decided to go to school and create a business different than those I experienced as a single mom. From being asked out, to having food eaten from my fridge and just overall feeling unsecure leaving strangers in my home. Our crew all wear a company shirt, they are to show up on time and all of them are encouraged to speak to our clients, share their names and overall interact with the homeowner/s. Read More>>

Sukuma Avery

TopLine Presenters LLC takes a completely different approach to trade show success compared to the industry standard.

Most companies focus on the logistics of trade shows, booth setup, signage, and giveaways which is very important, however that’s not what drives results. Trade shows are about engagement, connection, and conversion and that’s where we stand apart. Read More>>

Abigail Mcfarland

One thing that sets River Forge Martial Arts apart from the industry standard is how we tailor training to the developmental needs of different age groups. As a SKILLZ-certified Child Development Center, our classes are broken into smaller age-specific groups, which is a significant departure from the traditional martial arts model. Typically, you’ll find classes grouped as 3-6 years, 7-12 years, and 13 and up. When River Forge first opened, we followed this same structure, but it quickly became clear that the developmental needs of a 7-year-old are vastly different from those of a 12-year-old—intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Read More>>

Jessica Guerrero

As a health coach, I’ve ended up in this “health and wellness” sphere, and there’s one major difference I have than the majority of my peers: I don’t believe food is “good” or “bad”. I strongly believe that labeling food morally can lead to disordered eating and perpetuates food rules and fear of food. Read More>>

Jonah Paulhamus

One thing I do that’s probably different from the industry standard is, work for free. Now when people hear this, they often think, “You’re going to get taken advantage of” or “You shouldn’t undervalue your work.” And I get it. As a freelancer, the idea of giving away your time and expertise without pay is a hard sell. But for me, offering my services for free turned out to be one of the most effective strategies to build my career. Read More>>