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. 

Scarla Mims

An important lesson I have learned at a prior job is based on experiences had as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. That lesson is centered around customer service of diverse populations. From a trauma center to a Veteran’s hospital, each had their own unique patient population with different interactions. Through these interactions I learned the importance of listening to my customers’ needs and acting accordingly. Read More>>

Deborah Young

Something I’ve learned is the difference between being fake and nice versus being actually nice, and what it truly means to be professional. I had a boss from a previous job who thought she was being nice, but in reality, she was mean and rude to everyone. People were scared of her because she wanted everyone to see her as perfect. Read More>>

Rachid Ra Bell

The important job lesson: listen mostly, share least. I noticed, in general, no matter which kind of job I was in, everyone, no matter whatever or position, wanted to be noticed and to be heard. There is an unspoken rule of people engaging you and your response should be measured and minimal: if one talks too much about oneself, one is seen as egotistical. Read More>>

Vivian Williams-Kurutz

I am a creative, vision-inspired builder, sayer, and doer. Drawing from my training in the arts, mindfulness, holistic wellness, and psychology– and from my passion for building beloved community– I cultivate healing-centered spaces where people can connect, claim wellbeing, and thrive. For more than two decades, Read More>>

Benjamin Lucas

Life is too short to wait around for a company that doesn’t keep its promises to you. I once worked for a company that promised me a raise after six months. At the time, I had a two-year-old child and another on the way, so I knew I needed more income. Read More>>

Dr. Emeka Ofobike, Jr.

During my 10 years in the Navy, I had the opportunity to train as an instructor for a Healthcare Communication course while stationed at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital in CA. Our goal was to train the hospital providers in being better communicators to improve patient experience and overall delivery of care. Read More>>

Courtney Bindl

I started my career in door-to-door, 100% commission, cold-calling sales. Read More>>

Jamie Moorehead

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my professional career came from an experience that completely shifted how I view the workplace. Early on in one of my roles, I walked in with the mindset that if I worked hard, stayed focused, and did my job well, that would be enough. Read More>>

Breanna Black

One of the most important lessons I learned came from a previous esthetics business that I closed down in 2024. At the time, I was incredibly passionate about my work. Read More>>

Rosaline Raj

There are many lessons that I’ve learned and carried throughout both my professional and personal life. But the most important one has been about setting healthy boundaries and communicating that respectfully. Sometimes this means saying no. But most of the time, it means coming to a mutually beneficial agreement, balancing give and take and managing expectations. Read More>>

Aireale Monai

The most important lesson I learned from a previous job was to never lose sight of who I am or the purpose God has placed on my life. When I made the silent decision to walk away, I walked away from an environment that was draining and unhealthy. Read More>>

Rachel Blankenship

I often reflect on my first job at McDonald’s, which I started at sixteen to pay my high school tuition. Beyond the great management and lifelong friendships, that experience is where I truly learned how to be a leader. Navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry—from handling difficult customer interactions to managing the fast-paced drive-thru—this experience taught me the vital importance of thinking ahead. I learned to constantly ask, “What can I do now to make the future easier?” Read More>>

Priya Gupta

I worked for an Interior Designer who was well known and respected in the industry. I felt so lucky to have been given this opportunity to work under her and learn from her years of experience. I joined as a project manager and was getting trained by her assistant designer who was with her for many many years. It is typical for interior designers to have a small team since we are in the business of selling our design services not products Read More>>

Eric Greitens

I have learned many lessons in life and I’ve met a variety of amazing individuals. When I was a student at Duke University, I came to know a strong man by the name of Ariel ‘Earl’ Blair, who later became my boxing coach. His mother named him Ariel, a fitting name for a boxer, which he often told us meant ‘the Lion of God’. Read More>>

Stephanie James

The most impactful lesson I learned is to always show up. I learned this from a very successful business owner in the DC market. Even if you can only stay a short time show up. This was 16 years ago and since then I do my best to show up unless I’m traveling and then I provide a representative. Read More>>

Jesamine De Leon

There were two impactful moments in high school that helped pave the pathway for my growth into a sedulous adulthood. I’ll try and be brief. Read more>>