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.

Kim Pham

I was formerly a cardiovascular perfusionist before becoming a massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. My last boss was harassing me. He actually told me that he would take me behind the water shed to whip me into doing what he told me to do. After hospital administration was informed about his comment, they told me that I had a personality adjustment that needed to be made and he would be the perfect person to help me with that. Read more>>

Kerri Naslund-Monday

My prior profession for 20 years was body piercer. Some important things learned in those years were to treat every client like they are your most favorite. Make them feel comfortable that many have gone through the same thing and most felt the same way. Reminding them that it’s scary but to focus on the goal. Finally that I am there on the journey with them so breath through it and trust that WE will be successful. Read more>>

Carl Lutts

I was an X-Ray technologist for 10 years at a local hospital in Philadelphia. Last year in 2021, unfortunately, I hurt my back and therefor, suffered a loss to my quality of life. I was very active beforehand so this was tough on me that I could not enjoy the things I used to enjoy. I was a hardworker in this position and was working crazy shifts and even picking up extra time when necessary. Read more>>

Maya Burr

Before starting my own private practice I worked in medical and educational settings. I worked closely with children but saw that real change took place when you worked with the whole family system. I also realized there was no one single orientation that best suited every child and family. I began studying various modalities and completed certifications in a few different, evidenced-based interventions (Incredible Years and Circles of Security) with foundations in attachment, family systems, and behavioral interventions. Read more>>

Mishka Borzova Orca Swimming Expedition Leader

I owned a marketing and event production agency in Central Europe- Slovakia. For the past 16 years, as an Events Director, I was blessed to work with inspirational people and produce large-scale concerts, events, or conferences for up to 6,000 people. I had a chance to work with Snoop Dogg, Jay- Z, Marilyn Manson, Fugees, Alice in Chains, Black Eyed Peas, and football legend: Luis Figo. Read more>>

Prince Chapelle

I spent ten years of my life as a professional photographer before really getting a start in the music industry. What I’ve learned the most from that environment, that I still carry with me today is that most people connect their memories to the experience they had with you. So for me, today, I’m very big on making sure that I create an experience for my guests when they’re working with me. Read more>>

Quon Wilson

Before becoming a business owner, the most important job I had that helped me as a business owner was serving as the Promotions & Marketing Director for 93.9 WKYS-FM, Radio One DC. I was incredibly blessed; I was hired by Radio One several months before graduating college. I started in the radio industry during the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis; large and small businesses suffered tremendously as many people struggled to keep their homes or, in some cases, lost their homes.  Read more>>

Lauren Estadt

One of my fist “real” jobs out of college was working for a major fast food chain. I have a business degree, so I was hired for a management position and thrown into the deep end. I had next to zero experience, yet I managed a store of 10-12 employees – I was responsible for inventory/ordering, scheduling and labor costs, routine and emergent maintenance issues. Read more>>

Jay Miron

I’m a retired professional BMX rider with six world championship titles to my name. Early on in my professional career I realized that talent only gets you so far. Once you’re competing at the highest level, everyone has talent, everyone has work ethic, and everyone is good. Everything matters! I understood that if I was going to be successful, it wouldn’t happen on talent alone. It was going to take everything I had in me. Read more>>

Calvin Woodum

When I worked at Lenscrafter from 1994 – 1998, they really taught me about retail sale and related experience. In training their sales staff, they had a step by step plan which included product knowledge, customer service and a simple yet effective sales technique. Also they highly recommended you make a connection with your custimer a d followi up with them after the sale. Read more>>