We asked some very talented folks to talk to us about success and what it takes to be successful. We’ve shared their responses below.

Regina Lingling Zhang

To be successful, I believe it takes resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to collaboration. Success isn’t just about pursuing goals relentlessly; it’s about knowing when to adapt, continuously learning, and understanding the value of diverse perspectives. Early in my career, I worked on a project where I was one of the few Asian representatives in the room, tasked with balancing creative vision with cultural authenticity. Initially, I felt hesitant to speak up due to power dynamics, but I soon realized my insights could add meaningful depth to the project. Read more>>

Cabrina Mclain

Most of my life, I have encountered disappointment and have had to overcome tragedy. My friends and family tell me that I have the ability to push through challenging times and achieving success during turbulent times. I think that I have learned to acknowledge my failure, evaluate what I could have done differently, and accelerate my thought process to help me move forward. My success has resulted in staying focused on the future and letting go of the past. I have a few micro businesses, I volunteer to help others, and I constantly challenge myself to be a better version of myself. Read more>>

Louise Becker

I believe that success is often misunderstood in today’s world. We live in a society that is driven by constant growth and we tend to want fast results and success as an immediate outcome. In reality, it’s often a slow process. We need patience and understanding, especially on days when it feels like we are not making progress. Success requires both small and big steps, taken consistently. Over time, you’ll look back and see the mountains you’ve climbed. Read more>>

Michelle Casper

We often think of success as something innate—something certain people are simply born with. We see someone who’s made it and think, “They’re so lucky. That could never be me.” What we overlook is the grit that underpins their success: the failures, the detours, the relentless starts and stops. Success isn’t about luck; it’s about persistence and drive. Each of us has the capacity to reach heights we never imagined. What makes the difference? The grit to push forward, no matter the setbacks. Success isn’t handed to us—it’s something we build, step by step. Grit is the way we climb. Read more>>

Neive Tierney

Success at Nectar is achieved if everyone on our team has a work/life balance. My self and my business partner and I met at a previous job where there was constantly high stress, and we were expected to work as fast as possible, put in overtime, and generally act like robots day in and day out. When we joined forces to start Nectar, we knew we wanted to cultivate a different kind of workplace. These values have been tested since I had a child earlier this year, and my business partner plans to have her own soon. As two women business owners, we know our business will only work if the systems we set up can also be balanced with our lives as mothers. This is true success. Read more>>

Gabriel Gardner

I believe that the most important things you need to be successful is passion. Passion is the bridge to success. Without it, you don’t have the drive, ambition or hustle to accomplish your goals and make strides in whatever your focus is in. Passion is what helps you get through those rough periods where you aren’t making sales or dealing with difficulties in the business. People who are passionate are also able to fulfill their wants and needs, big or small. Read more>>

Bill D. Shin

To be successful, I believe it takes determination above all, along with resilience, a clear vision, and a commitment to growth. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it’s built on consistent hard work, learning from setbacks, and staying focused on long-term goals. A story that shaped this belief for me was when I decided to open a barber school. For me, this was a huge risk, but I had confidence in my decision. I knew it would require resilience, patience, and a step-by-step approach, but I believed the outcome would be worth it. I wanted to contribute to my community in a larger way by creating a space where aspiring barbers could truly learn the craft. From securing the right location to developing a curriculum that would genuinely prepare students, every step had its challenges. Read more>>