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.

Yewande Akinjaiyeju

Coming out of school I understood that being successful at a job roughly boiled down to three things – 1) you should say smart things, 2) be professional in your conduct and most importantly 3) work hard. Without tooting my own horn too much I left school feeling that I would be one of the ones that had it in the bag. Good grades, a white middle class upbringing (despite being a black woman.. Read more>>

Shaw Bernard

Two and a half years ago I worked at an early childhood education program as an administrator. I was at a cross roads in life and in my business. After being there for a year and a half I was approached my the President of that organization to learn more about my business which turned into an investment to scale STRUT. The lesson learned from there is that sometimes taking a detour can lead you right back to the path intended for you. You never know who’s watching and how opportunity can show up. Read more>>

Alexander Hepburn

I am at a point in my life where I now understand what a pastor meant when he said, “Everything is training.” I worked in a small office for over a decade. I had to answer the phone, file paper, shred paper, conduct messenger work, make bank deposits, manage a website, package certificates, manage a data entry software, and whatever else the corporation required of me. There were times that I felt like I was overworked and underpaid. I came to the realization that “Everything is training.” Read more>>

Steve Adeyankinnu

So a little backstory about me is that I’m the youngest of 4 children. It wasn’t hard making friends because my brothers had all their friends over at our place playing nintendo or basketball. I think because of this I didn’t develop a normal way of meeting people and I’m overly friendly at times when first meeting someone. Well, in the years as a child to an adult, I somehow became more timid. Read more>>

Zamyra Hall

The most important I have learned from previous jobs is that you are and asset. You are a big deal and belong in every room you enter. Previously I have had employers look at me as just a number or try to discout what I bring to the table as a provider. Being taken advantage of in the past has reminded me that it is my job and mine alone to secure my life and do not be afraid to negotiate for what you are worth. I am an asset in every room I enter. Read more>>

Joslyn Rose Lyons

One of the most important lessons I have learned as a creative is that you have to believe in yourself, and in your own vision. The more you believe, the more others can see it too. The reason this has become such an impeccable lesson on the journey is because visualizing what we want to create is always the first step, and the courage to create is the key to bringing it into light. Faith. Read more>>

Cristina Tixi

There are several important experiences that are acquired along the way of our lives within the different jobs that we have been able to go through, but I think the most important was learning to value the effort of employees, showing them that they are important and that we are grateful. for the work they have within the company, since when an employee feels valued they will take care of your business and work happily, thus being much more productive Read more>>

Maurice & Kimberly Sanchez

I worked at a grocery store when I was 16 years old and quickly learned how important customer service and first impressions are. Imagine walking into a grocery store where the employees don’t greet you, and if you asked for help, they ignore you. An incident like that can really ruin your experience as a customer and have you avoid that store altogether. I believe people deserve to be treated with respect and served with a courteous attitude and the utmost patience. Read more>>

kristel brinshot

Jumping from working a 9-5 or even freelancing for others straight into your own business can be really intimidating. Corporate culture does not reward those who question the system nor does it teach us , Queer & BIPOC people especially, how to embrace our unique life experiences and marry them with our work life. One of the hardest lessons for me was realizing that just because I was no longer in toxic workplaces didn’t mean I was free from the toxic values and mindset that was hurting me. Read more>>

Crystal Dewars

I went in blind when I started my business. It was ok for a while, but I couldn’t afford myself or the business. The biggest problem that I encountered during those few years was there was no guide on how to make pet grooming a successful business. I actually had to reach out to a former hair stylist that turned into a business coach for hair stylist because there wasn’t one for my industry. Read more>>

Jessica MacKenzie

I once worked as an admissions representative at an online college. It was a tough gig for me at first. I had never really done this type of sales before, and I definitely had not done anything over the phone. The goal was to sign people up for the online college in about an hours’ worth of conversation. I spoke to all types of people from all walks of life. I was really passionate about helping people find a career path that fit them well. Read more>>

Jaryn Dominique

I think some of the best advice I’ve given clients is to diversify their marketing efforts. For example, I had a client who was running Google Ads campaigns. They had a healthy budget and were getting a good return on investment (ROI) with leads and sales. They wanted to increase their budget for ads to bring in more growth, but I advised the client to invest in SEO marketing and content marketing instead. Read more>>