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.

Rob Saladino

I’m a big believer that friendship comes into your life with purpose. Mostly, it’ll come from a reletive or someone you meet at school/college. Sometimes, it’s through a mutual friend or a teacher. In my case, it was my boss of emploment! But he proved to be no ordinary manager. His name is Dennis Valencia, and he became the brother I never had and the father I always needed. Read more>>

Xunxing Liang

One of the best leaders I’ve had the privilege of working under is the founder and creative director of the studio where I currently work. As a packaging designer, my role requires constant experimentation to achieve the perfect structure, which often means a significant investment in both time and materials. What makes my boss truly exceptional is the amount of trust and freedom they provide throughout this process. I’m given the space to experiment, to make mistakes, and to find innovative solutions without the pressure of immediate perfection. Read more>>

N’yah Mathis

I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing boss at Target who truly guided me on my journey to becoming a manager. His name is Pierrott, and I can’t thank him enough for his impact on my career. All glory to God !! Pierrott had a knack for seeing potential in people, even when they didn’t see it in themselves. There were times when his expectations felt overwhelming, but he pushed me to reach beyond my comfort zone. His belief in my abilities motivated me to strive for more, reminding me that hard work and dedication could lead to leadership opportunities. Read more>>

Jolie Dopa

GOD. I feel God is the best boss I’ve ever had because when you invite God into the things you’re passionate about, he works miracles just like that! It’s way too easy for him! I’m originally a singer songwriter and I went about it from such a creative space, but I didn’t really include God. Not the way that I have included him in this one! I prayed for a career in Fashion and he opened soooo many doors for me. People were reaching out like crazy, wanting to work with me. I remember I had a show at Coyote Ugly in Ybor. I had done something really reckless the night before, and it was a backwards decision for me! I prayed so hard that God would bless me like I had never been blessed this next show! And it would also be proof that this line of work was the better choice for me! Don’t you know, in the middle of this club environment where everybody was partying, I sold so many pieces and did so well! That wasn’t the first time God showed me that he didn’t play about me, but it definitely was a moment that I’ll never forget. Read more>>