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.
Jingyue Huang
One of the key lessons I’ve learned from the past that has stuck with me is the saying “Do the job you love and do the best you can do. Don’t chase the money as it will come naturally to you.” Read more>>
Trish Stoecker
My background is military. I was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1984, and subsequently retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016. During that time I learned so much about people, the world, how I fit into it, and of course, myself. Read more>>
Nicole Cates
I worked as a clinical psychologist at a women’s prison for 5 years and learned many valuable lessons that translated into key skills towards being a business owner. I learned that listening to others, truly listening, is of the utmost importance when it comes to connecting to your audience. Read more>>
Ava Kitzi
I started working for a news outlet – The Morning Chalk Up – when I was 16. I worked there until a few days after my 20th birthday in November, and leaving was such a big move for me. Of course, basically everything I know about journalism (despite being in school for it) is from the hands-on, thrown-in-the-deep-end work I did within the CrossFit industry. Read more>>
Christian Caicedo
The most important lesson I learned was the implementation of systems and automation. For years I would be stuck doing non-important tasks that took a lot of time away from me. I would have to touch each step of my lead generation, sales, onboarding and actual client work. Read more>>
Salome Smith
Prior to starting my own business, I worked through my teens years with a well established, professional photographer. Her studio had a great name in the local community, and beyond as well as being very successful financially. The reason being, I believe— & this is where the greatest lesson comes from, was ‘CLIENT EXPERIENCE’! Read more>>
Matt Morizio
In my former life I played 5 seasons of professional baseball at various levels in the Kansas City Royals’ minor league system. I learned a ton about life in those years, but I’d have to say the most important lesson I learned was: You are always replaceable. We were just getting home after a long road trip. It was four in the morning when we pulled into our home stadium parking lot. Read more>>
Jesus Briceno Reyes
I was fortunate enough to work as an artist assistant for British artist Ben Johnson, where I learned the importance of dedication and professionalism in the art world. Ben’s passion for his craft was evident in everything he did, from his consistent work ethic to his professional studio set-up. Read more>>
Brynlee Jensen
Before I went full time with my photography business, I was going to school toward becoming a nurse and working 12 hour night shifts as a CNA (nursing assistant) at the hospital. 3 years into my career as a wedding photographer, I ran into a past patient at a wedding whom I took care of and she told me I was one of the few people she remembered caring for her in her early journey of healing from her traumatic brain injury. Read more>>
Fiyunae
I worked in the industry prior to doing my own thing. I kept trying to work my way up to a full time position and finally got the opportunity to take an art test and unfortunately I failed. This was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn as I felt like I really had no one to blame but myself. Read more>>
Brenda Stredwick
Customer service! Ive worked in bar and resturants since high school. Dealing with customers in good and stressful situations has been a huge help in being a buisness owner. Also how to task manage was a huge lesson from the service industry Read more>>
Yuvay Ferguson
Throughout my 15-year tenure as a professor in the field of Business, I came to a profound realization: education extends far beyond the confines of textbooks and diplomas. Learning is an ongoing journey, one that thrives when it’s intertwined with practical experiences and meaningful relationships. Read more>>
Krista Berardelli
Throughout my career, I’ve gained many insights from the school of life, learning about trust, discerning when to speak up, appreciating the power of silence, and recognizing the moments to challenge boundaries. The standout lesson? No one supports you like you support yourself. Read more>>
Stephanie Chabot
With time comes perspective, which is so powerful. Safe to say, I can see many lessons from my previous jobs now that I’m several years out! At this point, I’ve been a copywriter with my own business for a little over four years. My background is in marketing and writing, and I was actually a marketing coordinator at my last job–in other words, I was a generalist learning a LOT on the fly. Read more>>
Crystal Richter
My business mentor was the best salesmen I had ever met. He found the negotiation process to be fascinating and an opportunity to get to the heart of the clients goals/fears/desires/insecurities. Now those are big topics to explore when you are selling a $59 a month gym membership. Read more>>
Patti Dougherty
I had just finished my MFA at Maryland Institute of Art and moved back to Philadelphia desperate to find a job. I was hired by the Academy of Natural Science https://ansp.org/ to design an exhibit to celebrate their 175 years of Science. It was an overwhelming task. Read more>>
Michelle Ellamae
My entire professional life has been in the events hospitality business. To provide true luxury service to my clients is to surround myself with colleagues and vendor teams who uphold the same values as I do: an unrelentingly desire to make guests feel seen and comfortable, staying steps ahead of guests’ needs, and a passion for creating unique experiences that make you lose track of time being so present in the moment. Read more>>