We asked some of the brightest and most thoughtful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives in the community to tell us about something they believe that most people in their space disagree with and we’ve shared highlights below.

Ashley Barado

I believe wedding stationery should be an investment piece, not a disposable expense. Most people in the wedding industry treat invitations as something you send out and forget about. But I approach each suite as if I’m creating a family heirloom—something that will be treasured in wedding albums and passed down through generations. While others focus on trendy designs that photograph well for social media, I’m thinking about how this piece will look and feel in someone’s hands 20 years from now. Read more>>

John Sarvay

A lot of consultants believe strategy is driven by data. And it is. The question is how we define data, how we acquire data, and how we value different data differently. It is easy to chase surveys and dashboards and metrics, and in the process miss the most important information in the room: the lived experience of the people who actually do the work, and the lived experience of the people and communities impacted by the work. This is true whether you’re an affordable housing nonprofit helping more people find safe, affordable places to live or a local ice cream retailer focused on crafting unique flavors that bring people joy. (We work with both of these organizations!) Read more>>

Jennine Malone

I believe that speaking to a real human being is becoming more extinct in any industry. I believe that great customer service can only be achieved by speaking to a real human. Most industries have buckled to relying on live chats, bots, emails or FAQs which helps with their cost cutting and downsizing. In the catering/hospitality business, speaking to a real human is so important to make a connection with the customer and ultimately it helps in developing a trusting rapport. Customers just want to be recognized as important, have efficient service and feel respected by the business or company. This is a lost art. It is rare if you get to speak to a human, in most any industry. Read more>>

Candice Simons

In the outdoor advertising industry, there is often a misconception that we should avoid directing clients to alternative options if we don’t have exactly what they’re looking for at the moment, because it may lead to lost sales. However, I teach my team that our primary role is to be a resource for our clients in whatever capacity they need us. People are not an opportunity – relationships are king and the most vital currency we have in sales. Just because we may not have the exact service or product they need right now doesn’t mean we shouldn’t provide guidance that serves their best interests. Read more>>

Jenny Haines Douglas

I truly believe that mindset is the foundation of success—regardless of circumstances. With the right mindset and a clear vision, you can achieve extraordinary results. I work in the mortgage industry, which has faced significant challenges since COVID. Rates have been higher, the market has been volatile, and many focused on the fear and uncertainty. But I chose a different approach. I stayed focused on my long-term goals and refused to let external conditions dictate my outcome. As a result, I’ve been able to grow my business by 50% year over year since COVID. When you become laser-focused and truly believe in your ability to succeed, you will. I stand by that 100%. Most people are surprised when I share how powerful this kind of focus can be—but once you experience it, you realize just how much you’re truly capable of. Read more>>

Marcos Rocha

You always hear from established film crew that you should never compromise on your rates, and profits should come first. Or you hear that it is those who only think about the art of filmmaking that end up getting kicked out of the industry. While this is generally true, there’s a time and a place for both ways of approaching filmmaking. Read more>>