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.

Nicholas Berry

I was hired at an addiction treatment center after a layoff due to my previous company downsizing. An attractive aspect of the therapist role was that clients were placed in cohorts, so to speak, which provided consistency and allowed clients to form close relationships with each other to aid in their recovery. Read more>>

Njeri Njuhigu

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on a job that has helped me as a business owner is recognizing it is not about me… ever. A lot of times when we get criticism, constructive or otherwise, it can be taken personally. The reality is in any business, whether your function is as a creative, an operator or an owner… it really should boil down to the bottom line… the end user / consumer. Read more>>

Theresa Hester

The most important lessons I’ve learned came from having a million different jobs throughout my life, ranging from car detailing to being an expo for a sushi restaurant and even working at a portable petting zoo. This diverse work background has not only made me adaptable but also taught me the value of hard work and humility. Read more>>

Michael LaBorn

I have spent the majority of my adult life working for companies where I have thrived, despite there being little to no opportunity for growth. I was a team player, a leader in creativity, and someone that others could lean on for help and community. In fact, for most of the companies I have worked for, I have been a top employee and have often been tapped on the shoulder to help with training new employees. Read more>>

Carmen Whisenhunt

I think one of the biggest lessons and experiences I’ve had, that has helped me in my professional career is that I’ve been there. I grew up as a heavy kid. I was heavy my entire life. The summer before my senior year of high school, I joined a gym and lost a lot of weight and went into my last year of school feeling like a new person.  Read more>>

Patrick Stack

The most important lesson I ever learned was from my father. He told me that no matter what it says on your business card, or, what ever your job description is, we are in sales. A job interview or an audition for a part is sales 101. Actors, writers, and anyone else in the Creative Arts world does not often understand that concept. Read more>>

Nick Martini

In Las Vegas, success hinges on thriving in a fast-paced environment where change is constant and rapid. The ability to react and adapt swiftly and calmly is essential; nimbleness is a cornerstone of success in this dynamic marketplace. Deep industry experience is crucial for senior positions, providing the strategic insight and leadership needed to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively. Read more>>

Jacqueline Pirolo

Pay attention to the small details, enforce your standards with your team, and never lose focus of that, it’s what will set you apart and keep your standards high. I worked at restaurant Joanina located in Huntington Long Island and owner/operater Bobby Oliva taught me this by example. We never skipped steps of service, salt and pepper shakers were always filled to the top, wiped down every single night. Read more>>

Felicia and Keith Allen

Both Keith and I (Felicia) have a background in theatre, which is how we met. We both had been doing theatre for about 15 yrs in NYC. We moved to LA and started to pursue acting for film, I also ended up getting a job working at a toy company, initially as an actor making internal toy videos, over time, that turned into learning how to produce videos. Read more>>

Julia Penza

I have had the ability to draw and think logically since childhood. Despite the craving for drawing, it turned out that after graduating from school I continued to study in the aviation field, and then received a higher education with a degree in organization management. Read more>>

Chantelle Quow

A particular experience from when I was enrolled in my MBA program stands out vividly. During one of our group projects, we were assigned a team member who consistently failed to contribute their share of the work. It quickly became clear that they had no intention of holding their weight and so, in a decisive move, our team collectively decided to “fire” him. Read more>>

Howard Curry

I’ll begin by saying that I have always admired those who teach. I can actually give you the names of all my teachers from 1st through 12th grade, and something specific to their manner – character as I saw it. That is but for 7th grade. For some reason I have no recollection of any of the names of my teachers. Read more>>

Graciela Patiño

I am a multifaceted professional with a rich tapestry of experiences: actor, voiceover artist, community activist, retired peace officer, criminal defense investigator, and former educator. My journey began in public service as a Deputy Sheriff for Los Angeles County, where I worked within the Custody Division of the LA County jails as a training officer and patrolled diverse communities in Field Operations. Read more>>