We asked some brilliant entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to reflect on lessons they’ve learned at prior jobs. We’ve shared highlights below.

Amanda & Ami Nagy & Kochendorfer

We both started working at a corporate office when it was still relatively small and didn’t have a lot of office politics. We were scrappy and got to try new things even if it meant failing because that meant learning. However, as the company grew, we witnessed a gradual transformation of the work environment into a landscape of politics that felt disheartening. Navigating this new territory proved challenging, and we constantly felt the need to be cautious, fearing termination or being perceived negatively, despite our genuine intention to excel at our jobs. Read more>>

Amanda Benson

One of the most impactful lessons I learned from my time at the Hyatt Corporation is the profound impact that cleanliness can have on the guest experience. As the Managing Director of the Burbank Fitness Club, I have taken this lesson to heart and built our entire culture around it. Read more>>

Adrian Johnson

The most important lesson I learned as a customer service manager, is to listen to your customer. In customer service, you try to meet your customer’s needs and pay attention to details to form strong and trusting relationships. This is one of the most important elements I learned, and have been able to bring to my real estate career. From repeat clients and referrals, I have been able to build lasting relationships by listening and learning my client’s goals. There is no perfect home but you can get pretty close to finding one, when you truly listen to your clients’ needs, and are able to help them visualize what could be. Read more>>

Destin Andrews

I was always the shy, soft spoken artist drawing in high school but was to shy and insecure to really show off my work . Once i got my first creative job as a caricature artist my junior year, the biggest lesson I learned was that no matter how skilled you are or talented you are, you have to be able to sell yourself and promote yourself with confidents because my first day at a booth with two other artist. Read more>>

Osungu Szpernalowski

Know your worth and refrain from being a “yes man”. Work smart and make it a point to have some knowledge about everyone else’s field ( within the company ) in the business. This is especially important if your goal is to grow and someday manage the company or better yet, become an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Jacquelyn Provenzola

I built my foundation as a therapist at my previous job. I was gifted so much knowledge in my time there, from both coworkers and clients. It gave me the ability to decide what to take with me into my own practice and what to do differently that were more in line with my individual values. I believe the most important experiences, however, were moments with my clients. Read more>>

Jae Artiste

One important lesson that I learned at my previous job was the importance of being present as YOURSELF. At all times. Know what you want from it, what you want from and for yourself, know what you bring to the table, don’t wait on anyone to give you value or praise, because you can be waiting all your life for that. I found myself saying often Read more>>

Saisha Ishag-Osman

Before starting SEI Management, I was a part of the management team for a Fortune 500 mortgage company. My tenure there was filled with many learning opportunities. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I learned some of my most important lessons. Read more>>

Tyre Patterson

The most important lesson/experience we have learned from working at other rehabilitation clinics is that humans are not dollar signs, but actually humans. Everyone should and must be treated fairly with respect no matter if they have health insurance or not. We understand the business side of things, however, the greater good is to provide quality healthcare for ALL. Read more>>

Apolonia Cross

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from a previous job was from my regional manager at the time. I was having some internal theft issues withing my store and I was pretty upset about. At the time I thought the right thing to do was email the loss prevention investigator about the situation as it was unfolding in the hopes that he would be able to help me with the situation. Instead my regional manager had came for our monthly meeting and talked to me about needing to take more responsibility about the situation and just handle it. Read more>>

Jessica Patching-Bunch

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my working life is to quit early. Growing up I was taught that quitting was unexceptable under any circumstance, it was shameful. Working in academia The idea of quitting is met with a feeling that you just can’t handle it, you’re not cut out for it. Read more>>

Ricka Kelsch

The most important lesson/ experience I learned on a prior job that has helped me in many ways is how important it is to treat those who work for you with respect, dignity, and gratitude. I worked at a place that was founded on these principles, but sadly, that changed. Read more>>

Richie Kyriacou

The most important lesson I learned during my corporate career was that Senior Leaders aren’t to be feared. Just remember that they were all kids and teenagers once with their own inner voices and insecurities developing, and as they go into adulthood, they’re too just trying to figure it out, trying to regulate their own emotions and nervous systems. Read more>>

Quentin Moses

I worked on Wall Street from 1980 until 1999. When the stock marketed crashed in 1987 there were no IPO (initial Public Offering) for a year. The firm I was with specialized in IPO’s and I had no business for a year. That taught me the importance of diversification.. Read more>>

Dr. Michelle S. Thomas

I spent a lot of years working within the sports and entertainment field. Majority of the time was spent within Human Resources and Finance. My entry into the field was my first lesson in understanding my worth. Read more>>

Pooja A. Patel

I started my career as an eager-to-learn occupational therapist in June 2017, searching for the best opportunity in acute care (hospital). Following more than five years in direct patient care within hospital settings, the most important lesson I learned was to put myself first. In a constant need to succeed and advance, my work ethic quickly became a doormat – eager to please and easy to take advantage. Read more>>