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.

Keri Ann Kimball

Steve Madden, “the shoe guy” was my first and best boss ever. He taught me how to run a business and how to have fun doing it. I helped him open his first store in New York City on Broadway downtown. Read more>>

Delia Perla

Bill was a remarkable leader who had a profound impact on his team during my time working under him in my 20s. His approach to leadership was centered around empowerment, and he consistently demonstrated this through his actions and decisions. Read more>>

Andrew Tull

First boss out of college…. With Procter & Gamble. Bronwyn Morgan Myers. Very strong and amazing Black woman who was only a few years older. Great leader and amazing person. Learned an incredible amount from her and stay in touch to this day. Read more>>

Molly Vee

The man who taught me how to tattoo had his nipples removed, kept them in a jar of formaldehyde, and then traded them on Facebook for a signed photo of John Wayne Gacy in his clown costume. Read more>>