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.

Katie Wilson

The best boss I ever had was someone whose leadership style allowed me freedom and agency as an employee. He once told me that his leadership philosophy was to “find the right person for the job and then get out of their way.” He believed in figuring out what an individual was good at and what they were passionate about and putting them to work where they could really shine. As an artistic person, I relished the freedom to explore new possibilities, try new things, and exercise my own creative thinking and problem solving. Almost every idea I pitched to him I was given the greenlight and encouraged to pursue. The few times I was redirected, it was with a reasonable explanation and ideas to make my plan work better. Read more>>

Finitex Cecilia

As the Marketing Manager at Titans Medicare, Inc., I’ve had the unique privilege of growing alongside a company that produces some of the most trusted disposable gloves in the industry — particularly high-quality nitrile gloves under our flagship brand, FINITEX. Read more>>

Rachel DuBusky

I have had the privilege of growing up knowing my last boss as not only my biggest life mentor but also someone I consider chosen family. Pam Rossi is the epitome of integrity, love and light. The studio’s name, Solid Gold Dance, was chosen to pay homage to her legacy in the arts. She previously owned the studio, Pam Rossi’s Dance Ten, that I was lucky enough to have her ask me to take over four years ago. She herself was an amazing artist and dancer and graced the stage in the 80’s on the hit television show “Solid Gold”. She then went on to open a studio for dancers of all ages to find a love for the art of dance. Read more>>

Trish Ahjel Roberts

The best boss I ever had was when I worked as a Senior Corporate Account Manager for Verizon in New York City. Joe was kind and caring, and he trusted me to get the job done. He didn’t look over my shoulder like a micromanager, but he also didn’t leave me alone to fend for myself. When I needed him, he was there with words of encouragement and access to resources. When I didn’t need his help, he gave me the space I needed to do my best work. I’ve always been the type of person who takes accountability for their actions and advocates strongly for my clients. Read more>>