Parents teach us many things including how to be a parent. We can learn from their mistakes, sure, but we can also learn a lot from the things they got right. We asked successful entrepreneurs and creatives to open up to us about their parents and what they felt their parents got right.

Marisa Carrodo

I recently heard a quote that said, “Be gentle with your parents—it’s their first time living too.” My parents, Lisa and Mike, divorced when I was young, and I know they both struggled and questioned whether they were doing the right thing. Read More>>

Mila Milana

My parents did a lot of things right, but what stands out most is how they taught me professionalism, respect, and the value of teamwork. They always reminded me that how you treat people reflects who you are, and that mindset has shaped the way I work and lead today. They also encouraged sports and travel, which made a huge impact on me. Read More>>

Meg Kennedy

My parents always supported me and provided the funding for any sport or physical activity I wanted to pursue. For example, I wanted to train for triathlons in High School so my Dad helped me purchase a road bike and got up early to take me to the pool for early morning trainings multiple times a week. Read More>>

Elena Prohnitchi

I come from a small country in Easter Europe called Moldova. My parents worked in agriculture and I thank them a lot and I am grateful I grew up in my family. My parents had VALUES that I acquired naturally and followed throughout my career and life path as well. Read More>>

Akilyah Carpenter

My mother, Angel L. Larrue, was a graceful but passionate woman. She taught me the importance of understanding who I am and who I want to be in life, how to navigate my emotions, and how to move on from anything that no longer serves me. My mother taught me how to use my voice in rooms where my voice would be minimized. Read More>>

Marissa Curry

My parents always encouraged me to dream big, prioritized my education, and taught me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. Their support has been especially impactful in an industry where I am often the only woman and often the only African American software engineer in the room. Read More>>

Francis Aihe

I think my parents did the best they could with the tools they had, and they did a lot right. My dad was always playing music in the house. He loved Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Harry Belafonte, and whatever was happening in hip-hop at the time. Coming from Nigeria, he also brought Fela and a whole cultural side of music into our home. Read More>>

Tylia L. Flores

I believe my parents especially my mother Lissette pushed me to always look through my obstacles and challenges in a positive way despite what others said about my cerebral palsy and what I couldn’t do . She been my biggest supporter for the past 30 years. Read More>>

Howie Noel

From the first day, they encouraged me. Both of my parents have recently passed away, and I was always appreciative of their support and love, but once you lose someone close to you it becomes even clearer how they helped you. Read More>>