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.
Garrow Kedigian
I was lucky enough to work for the renowned interior designer William Hodgins right out of architecture school- although he was really tough, and believe me he would never cut it as an employer today!, he was very stringent and fastidious… I literally learned everything I know about this business workmen for him for 6years Read more>>
Amanda Radke
I firmly believe you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with, and outside of my wonderful husband and four children, I have the opportunity to work with some of the very best people who inspire me to be the best version of myself each and every day. As an example, one of my greatest mentors is Chris Earl, owner of CK6 Consulting, Reverse Rocking R Ranch, and Bid On Beef. His life’s work is centered around faith, standing up for the truth, and serving others, and that strength and conviction is contagious to be around. Him being a strong leader helps me to do the same, and I’m thankful for his guidance. Everyone needs someone (or multiple people) like that in their lives, and as you grow and mature, you can be that same person for others, as well. Read more>>
Amitha Kalaichandran
The best boss I ever had was Dr. Rob Sargent, my supervisor during my third-year medical school clinical rotations. Dr. Sargent was an incredible teacher—humble, kind, funny, and a person of great integrity. He deeply understood the perspective of students, treated everyone with fairness, and was an outstanding advocate. Above all, he was an inspiring role model for what it means to be a great physician. He sadly passed away a few years ago after a long battle with brain cancer and my book On Healing is in part a dedication to him. Read more>>
C.t. Kerney
I’ve been fortunate to have had exceptional mentors throughout my career, but one leader stands out in particular: Allyson Echenique. Allyson, along with the CEO, took a chance on me, bringing me into an agency I was eager to join as a Media Buyer and Strategist. Within six months, I was entrusted with leading the digital department, with Allyson as my direct supervisor. What I valued most about Allyson was her ability to infuse even the most challenging days with positivity and a touch of humor, consistently reminding me that we would overcome any obstacles. Read more>>
Andrea Alton
When I arrived in New York 26 years ago I was so green and had limited work experience. This was in the era before smart phones, people were still learning the basics with computers, and the internet was still really new. I ended up with a three-day temp job at a huge finance company in Manhattan. The job kept getting extended and I was eventually hired as a full-time employee. I ended up staying with the company for 12 years. Read more>>
Jie En Lee
I first met Jenny Jiao Hsia post graduation. I had moved to New York a month prior, my situationship had just ghosted me, and I hadn’t spoken to anyone in a week. We were Twitter mutuals and she posted that she’d be doing a talk at Baby Castles. It was obvious even to myself that I needed to get outside, so I decided to attend. When I got there, I awkwardly stood to the side waiting, but eventually approached her to ask when the talk was beginning. We hit it off and planned to get food afterwards. Jenny ended up changing the trajectory of my life. She introduced me to the indie game industry by landing me a project with her friend, while secretly(?) trying to hook us up, which worked. Years later, she brought me onto her game Consume Me, where she became my boss. Jenny often introduces me as the better artist on the team, but her title is far more impressive, as the person who got me a job and a boyfriend. Read more>>