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 others.

Niko Martinez

What I have learned from my past job as a business owner is unfortunately a lot of management positions I have seen and passed on are huge company’s relying on someone young and still hopeful to push their life into a 50-60k salary. To me that is insanity and I do understanding having to do what you have to do to pay the bills and I am not shaming anyone for however they do it but to me when I see people my age in management I really believe they have not found their purpose in life or they do not have power in other positions of making money. Now I know that doesn’t account for everyone on this beautiful earth but my experiences in this city is that. Read more>>

Caitlin Strempel

The most important lesson I’ve learned, hands-down, is that no amount of income is worth your degradation of health. No matter how much you love what you are doing, hustling will eventually catch up with you and burn you out. I spent years chasing after all the big money milestones, and I worked hard to get there. I was not getting nearly enough sleep, I said “yes” to opportunities that I should have said “no” to, and never let my mind or body take a break. Read more>>

Nick Romero

Back in 2006, at age 25, a year before I started my business I worked for a direct mail marketing company (we literally sold junk mail), and was hired on as a sales manager for a new division. There were three main lessons I took from this job that not only helped me in my entrepreneurial journey, but also in investing, and life in general. My responsibilities the first year was to manage relationships with a couple of grandfathered accounts, a couple members of our staff, and bring in 45k in new business the first year. I took the grind very seriously. That year, my sales came in over $750,000 in revenue, and the business, which was a 25 employee operation, really took off. Read more>>

Brendan Pozsgai

Clear communication is key. My day job is preparing and grooming requirements for software development and getting those requirements signed off by all the necessary parties ensure expectations are clear on what is delivered and when. I’ve definitely extended some of that rigor to my commissioned orders. What type of wood should be used, how a design should look, when are you expecting this done? All important details to get ironed out upfront to keep my customers happy with my process and with the finished product Read more>>

LaSandra Collins

The most invaluable lesson my past work experiences have taught me is recognizing and upholding my self-worth. In life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, yearning for something more meaningful and fulfilling. Years ago, I stood at such a juncture, working diligently for a company that left me feeling unfulfilled. Little did I know that a pivotal moment would soon arrive, propelling me toward a path of self-discovery and empowerment. Read more>>

Mak Kliff

The most important lesson I learned at my previous job was that you can’t be a leader and also be liked by everyone. Sometimes in leadership positions you have to put friendships aside and do what’s best for the company. You have to do your job regardless of who might not like it. Read more>>

Jonathan Llamas

One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned throughout my nursing career is to never forget your “why.” As a healthcare provider, it can be very easy to get lost in the politics and the drama that eventually you lose touch with yourself and the very reason why you chose to pursue medicine in the first place. But one of the ways that I’ve found that has helped me stay grounded is by remembering my own personal journey and what it took for me to get to where I am today. Read more>>

Andrew Benjamin Maldonado

Learning the importance of building relationships, I have found that learning from your peers and seeking mentorship has tremendous value! You’re not alone, and you don’t have to de things alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your industry. Read more>>

Gabriela Klerian

An invaluable lesson I’ve carried with me from my prior job is the importance of trying to understand people from different perspectives. As a visual artist who creates commissioned pieces for various collectors, this lesson plays a central role in my creative process. Working on these pieces is not easy work. It demands collaboration, communication, creativity, and a full understanding of the client’s vision. Read more>>

Charlie Kerbel

A big lesson that left a lasting impact on my journey as a business owner traces back to my time as a Design Director working with large brands like Target. This experience really opened my eyes to some crucial aspects like teamwork, trust, self-confidence, and building strong relationships. Back then, I had this realization that success isn’t a solo endeavor – it thrives when a team works together. Collaborating with talented individuals showed me firsthand how different skills and ideas can blend to create amazing outcomes. One thing that struck me was how kindness often carries more weight than being right. Read more>>

Heather Lawson-Bradfield

The most important lesson in my journey from being a corporate cog to a fearless business owner was when I said “hell no” to a high-paying corporate job that could have bought a comfortable lifestyle. I had a goal back then – a modest one – to break free from the shackles of corporate drudgery and scrape together a measly 3K a month as an entrepreneur. I was standing at the crossroads, on the brink of rejecting a job offer that promised stability, with a hefty salary and all the trappings of success. It was the kind of job society deemed the pinnacle of achievement, the golden ticket to financial security. But I knew I wasn’t going backward. Read more>>

Brandon Smith

I’ve often had to remind myself in this line of work that you have to check any ego at the door and you can’t judge a book by its cover. There’s times where a bad experience will sometimes make me have a preconceived notion about an artist, venue, promoter, manager, etc. and you forget that person could’ve just had an off day, or something happened to them you don’t know about. Or maybe the artist’s setup is so stripped down because they can’t afford a full band or fancy gear, but then they blow you away with incredible vocals and lyrics. Every experience, show, and interaction could be stellar, and you have to go into it with a positive, open mind. Read more>>