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 oth

Isa Marie

Before I became a business owner, I had an amazing job at a local cakery in Midtown Detroit. It was small & independently-owned, but now it’s grown so much! When I worked there, I got to grow a relationship with the owner. I noticed how she handled the cakery when she came in and how she responded to certain situations. Read more>>

Darcey Leach

When I owned a salon, I learned firsthand that success doesn’t come from doing everything yourself — it comes from the relationships you build along the way. The connections I made with my partner, my staff, and the broader community were what allowed the business to grow and flourish. Read more>>

Saoirse McCabe

I’ve learned so many lessons in my previous roles, but one that stands out is the importance of building genuine relationships. Some of the most meaningful progress I’ve made in my career didn’t happen on Zoom or in a meeting room — it came from having lunch or a drink with someone or stopping by to connect in person whenever possible. Read more>>

Dana Crossman

In my earlier career days, I worked in Stadium Operations for the Carolina Panthers. That was one of my first careers and it taught me many lessons that I didn’t even realize I needed to learn until years later. Read more>>