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.

Heidi Webb

An important lesson I learned while working in the film industry is that you have to do what’s right for you and your family. I met people who thought they knew what was best for me, Read more>>

Katie Bulmer

My background is in advertising I had two key jobs I feel really prepared me for what it is I am doing today. My first job was in Television advertising. Read more>>

Robin Hill

The most important lesson I have learned from working for others is you’re replaceable. I feel owning my own business. I’m in control. There will always be bumps and bruises. At least I know my worth. Read more>>

Ben Mironer

My first job, as an attorney, was for a large criminal defense firm. I quickly realized that private practice is not just about being a good lawyer, it’s a business. With every business, the bottom line profits, is how your business is judged. Read more>>

Ann Shepphird

As the editor of a monthly travel-industry magazine, I was responsible for making sure the magazine went out each month. That required thinking up to six months out to make sure all the necessary elements were in place to make that happen. Read more>>

Maria Andrea Inclan

Many lessons, but my first client was really hard to please. But it was thanks to her that I was able to look beyond a main idea, to be careful with details for creating content, to always be prepared and plan ahead. Read more>>

Jalysa Leva

The most important lesson I’ve learned is one I actually have to continually learn. Every time our shop has low sales at an event, it’s a humbling moment that forces me to evaluate not just the numbers, but the full experience, and reprioritize the joy. Read more>>

Annie Jurrens

I have had different work experiences that have helped me prioritize what I want my life to look like, and what I don’t want it to look like. I don’t want to commute hours a day, I don’t want to be stressed every time the phone rings, Read more>>

Kelly Gatch

Talk is Sweet was built upon my previous experiences in the school system and various private practices. I aimed to create an environment that embodied the best aspects of each setting while mitigating challenges or drawbacks I had experienced. Read more>>

Walkyria Whitlock

I worked on yachts as a meditation instructor, yoga instructor, and stewardess. The purpose of my job was to help people have a relaxing time while on vacation onboard a private yacht. Read more>>

Christie Stratos

In my “past life” in the corporate world, I was a project manager, and as you can imagine, I learned plenty of valuable lessons and skills in that job. Read more>>

Kyle Roberts

When I started my first teaching job, I learned an extremely important lesson from my principal Chuck Puga. We were in a staff meeting about classroom environment and how to connect better with students. Read more>>

Shaniqua Brown

The most important lesson I learned in a previous job that has helped me as a business owner is that “you can be right, but you can also be dead right.” Read more>>

Diana Flynn

Just out of college, I got a marketing job at Apple Computer in Northern California. It was a great company to start off my my work journey because of the quality of work that was expected. Read more>>

CJ Ayd

College is certainly not for everyone and it was definitely not for me. A lesson I wish I learned prior to my parents spending two years of tuition on me to find out, but a lesson learned for sure. Read more>>

Katelyn Hill

I came to Nashville at the eager, young age of 22. I had the privilege of working for a church here in town right after college in their worship arts department. Read more>>

Dana Bacaling

Prior to launching Dana Ashley Events, I worked at an Arboretum executing over 400 events annually ranging from intimate ceremonies, to company picnics, holiday celebrations, and of course wedding receptions. Read more>>

Lizzett Cuervo-Losas

Absolutely, one of the most formative experiences that guided my path to founding Chispa Consulting didn’t come from my time in the corporate world but from the years I spent in the classroom, teaching special education. Read more>>