Many business owners we’ve spoken with didn’t start with a huge team on day one. They had to learn how to be a good boss, but the problem is the books on leadership are often highly theoretical and so we wanted to hear practical examples of what it means to be a good boss. So, we asked some brilliant, insightful folks to share stories about the best bosses they’ve had.
Piper Ferrari
When I was 19, I worked as a studio assistant for an abstract painter named Max Makewell. Working with him was insanely inspiring. He built up a really amazing career for himself. His grand ideas, and the way he just made things happen was something I thought people only dreamed of doing. He really stressed the importance of goal setting, mental health, and just being the best version of yourself possible, which was something I definitely needed at 19. Overtime, he became less of a boss and more of a mentor. Him and I still talk often and I owe a lot of my success to him. Read more>>
Hudson Soules
I am grateful for the opportunity to share some words about the best boss I have ever had. An uncommon human with a common name, Jim Smith helped me tremendously, both in my professional development as well as my personal life. I was working in the landscaping field for a small business in San Francisco for 4 years when I decided to move to Berkeley. My plan was to commute to SF to continue landscaping, while I figured out how to work more locally. As fate would have it, I moved in across the street from Jim and his family. Read more>>
Akwi Nji
The best boss any of us can have is our internal boss. That’s the one that tells it straight, no chaser. And, if we’re doing right by ourselves, tells it with compassion. A practice I’ve embraced over the last few years is to write letters to myself — write them with full-heartedness, stuff them in envelopes, stamp them, and mail them. It’s been worth every penny. In these letters delivered to my mailbox in self-addressed, stamped envelopes, I celebrate my wins and reflect on my losses, Shortcomings are addressed with the sensitivity I’d offer a friend. I’m my biggest cheerleader and my most honest critic. Read more>>
Amber Champagne-Matos
When I worked for Benefit Cosmetics, I had the honor of working with 3 incredible mentors/leaders simultaneously (Jill, Courtney, and Natalie). It’s pretty unusual to be able to call your boss a mentor (at least in my experience). It’s remarkable to have three people truly invested in seeing you succeed at once. All three of these women challenged me to be my absolute best and helped me to develop a plethora of skills I have used and/or currently use in my role as the owner and founder of a successful skincare line and apothecary. Read more>>
Angie Thomson
Two of the most impactful leaders I’ve had in my life have been my pastors, Clint and Mary Sprague. Their spiritual leadership has helped me both personally, and in my role as a business owner. Clint and Mary led our pre-marital counseling, did our wedding, have taught us Godly principles on both marriage and parenting, and they both encouraged me (and my husband also) to start our businesses! They have guided and led by example, on how to lead with humility, authenticity, and most importantly to keep a tunnel vision on what God has called us to do. Distractions can try to get in the way, but when you stay focused on your MISSION, God is with you and will bless you every step of the way. Read more>>
Dr. Stephen Granger
My customers are my boss, and each one of them is the best boss I ever had! Here at Sedona Custom Knives, I put the customer first. Their wants become my wants, and their needs become my needs. I’m not happy until they’re happy! Read more>>
Sherard Sharpe
I was blessed to have 2 of the greatest bosses one could ever ask for. Mr David Bonner was the 1st boss. He was great because he built a system around me that allowed me to become the top salesman in loans and investments with Chase Bank Read more>>