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.

Jasper Alford

Teyana Taylor has/is the best mentor I have ever encountered. She’s the type of creative that believe in other creatives and don’t believe in “I can’t do it” because everything is possible if you can think of it. There’s a time in my life where I felt like people didn’t believe in me as a creative anymore from the lack of support from my community, but when I got introduced to The Aunties and Teyana Taylor things changed for me as a creative. I gained knowledge, courage, and guidance and that’s what I needed in order to succeed. Thanks to her pushing me I know I can do anything that I think of. Read more>>

Andria Lecidor

I think some of the best work experiences for me has been when I had a really good supervisor who become a mentor to me along the way. My first job out of college was very intimidating because it was for a noteworthy company that produced award winning products. I was easily overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all but my supervisor was very good at noticing situations that would make me uncomfortable and ease me into new tasks and responsibilities. She also took the time to teach me more about the industry which made me more confident in my position. Read more>>

Asal Shokati

The humanity and wisdom of my very last boss when I worked in corporate America has been strongly etched in my memory. Jim Recer, a high level banking director, exemplified great leadership and was very well respected for his acumen as well as interpersonal relationships. Often quiet, he would speak when necessary and was intuitive enough to understand the needs of his extended team. While I was in the midst of showing signs for what became known as an auto-immune disorder, he and the managers in his team very patiently worked around my needs so I get the necessary rest. Read more>>

Athena Landy

The best boss I have ever had is Keith Hansen of Seriously Strong Training, and I am not just saying that because I am trying to get a raise. I say that because it is under his leadership that I have experienced the most growth as a professional and individual. What makes Keith a great leader is that he has always made his top priority his team’s happiness and growth. It is not often you can say that about your boss, and I am fortunate to have the privilege of doing so. Read more>>

Scott Galvin

I had the absolute privilege in the 1990s to work for an incredible woman, U.S. Representative Carrie Meek. I was an aide in her Miami office and primarily worked on immigration constituent casework. Being our Congresswoman in Washington, DC, Ms. Meek did a lot to improve South Florida. She was one of the most powerful women in the country. Despite her status, Congresswoman Meek taught me many lessons that I carry with me. Read more>>