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.

Russ Vicencio

I’ve had plenty of jobs before becoming a barber. From grocery stores, to gyms, to engineering firms. All these jobs taught me the importance of customer service. Businesses are nothing without customers. So, keeping clients happy and providing a great experience is top priority in retaining business. Read more>>

Patrice Nicole

I dedicated 16.5 years of my life to a company in the telecommunications industry. During this time, I became an expert in quality customer service, client retention analytics and peer mentor and development.  Read more>>

Nina Bashaw

Prior to starting my own business 11 years ago, I worked for another photographer. I was thrown into a “sink or swim situation” and my boss had the attitude “figure this out quickly or we will find a replacement.” Read more>>

Ebone Cruz Clifton

The position for the City of Tampa could be considered one of the worst decisions of my life, however without that experience or lesson, I would have never birthed the Professional Women’s Escape Plan program. Read more>>

Whitney Kemp

I worked some jobs and resigned from some, but I kept going. After quitting a career that I thought that I was good at but tried to double back and work. One of my former supervisors once told me, “Find something you are passionate about.” I thought she was being rude, but I understand now. It all makes sense! Do not invest your time into anything that you are not passionate about. It will not last. Read more>>

KATRINA LEATHERWOOD

The biggest lesson I learned from my previous job was to chase my dreams and never give up on myself. I spent countless hours working hard for someone else when i could have been putting that same hard work and determination into my own brand. Read more>>

Carolyn Fraser

I graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Art History. I loved the classes I took and for a few years I thought I wanted to go back to school and pursue a masters in art history. But before I could do that, I fell in love with cooking. Read more>>

D’mitri De Castro

I’n my current day job, the one lesson I daily learn that I apply to my business is to treat people with respect and not allow their frustrations to run off on me. I work in a call center during the day, and as such I deal with a lot of different kinds of people. Read more>>

Jennifer Simpson

For over 11 years, I worked for a large medical center as a Clinical Social Worker specializing in treating PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Here is where I cut my teeth as a clinician, received valuable training, and made fantastic connections- both professionally and personally. Read more>>

Doris Thomas

The most important lesson, experience Ive had in a job that has helped me as a business owner is the act of kindness . I think a lot of times we get into business, forget that we were once consumers and lack professionalism . Ive learned that even through a bad day my job is to ensure that you look and feel beautiful. Read more>>

Cassie Thompson.

I think the jobs that have had the biggest impact on me currently are from working in case management for adults with mental illnesses and working as a social worker for children in foster care. Both of these positions really helped me problem solve and triage when deciding what cases to work on first. Read more>>

Kyrstin Jimenez

I grew up in a relatively small conservative city. I began working as a soccer referee when I was 12 years old to get out of the house, be outside in the sun, and earn some spending money. I worked as a referee until I went to college around age 17. Read more>>

Kyle Levy

Before moving to TN, I was an auto body technician. I faced a new project, new car, or new problem everyday. Not only did I learn that I work best this way.(Doing something different, often, to keep it interesting). Read more>>

Leshundra Robinson

I get asked quite frequently about how to start a nonprofit and how I do it as an award-winning (in my eyes) nonprofit organization. Most believe from what they have heard that you can receive a lot of grants and funding as a nonprofit. They believe they can quit their job and receive a large salary because they will be grant funded. It’s the opposite! Read more>>

James Stewart

Knowing the worth of your brand! What I mean is you have to know that what you have to bring to the table is worth the investment to any company and you should be compensated for your intellectual property. Never settle, be firm in your stance, and pray before every decision. Read more>>

Cynthia (C.L.) Tolbert

Many years ago, when I was in law school, I had a job clerking for a local attorney. My general job description included the preparation of pre-trial motions, and occasionally interviewing witnesses for the cases I was assigned to. I’ll refer to my then boss as “Attorney X..” Read more>>

Dr. Canary

A career in the pharmaceutical industry requires you to be adaptable to an ever-changing medical environment. The lessons I’ve learned over the years that’s assisted me in being an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Marlee Bunch

My life as an educator has taught me many valuable lessons. The most important two lessons that my time in the classroom taught me was that our young people have so many important perspectives to share, and most importantly that listening to stories can be transformative. Read more>>