We asked some brilliant entrepreneurs, artists and creatives to reflect on lessons they’ve learned at prior jobs. We’ve shared highlights below.

Dale Noelle

As a real estate salesperson working purely on commission, I quickly learned that success wasn’t just about closing deals—it was about creating the conditions for them. Homework, anticipation, and systems-building became my lifelines. If a process didn’t exist, I invented it. If a client’s unspoken need arose, I’d already researched the answer. Every interaction was a chance to prove my value—because no paycheck was guaranteed without results. Read More>>

Isaac Lerner

In 2022, I was asked to step outside of my usual role of choreographer and dancer, and to be the assistant director for Des Moines Metro Opera’s production of Gluck’s A Midsummer Night Dream. I had been working in opera and with the director Chas Rader-Shieber for many years, but this project marked a large shift in how I worked. I was now in charge of rehearsing cover roles, creating the staging bible, and scheduling rehearsals. When preparing for the job, I spoke with my friend Dan Seth, who was one of the best AD’s I had worked with in the past, and he gave me some advice that I have taken with me: “The right note, at the wrong time, is the wrong note.” Read More>>

Justin Smith

The most important lesson I learned in a previous job that has helped me as a business owner, is learning “The Art of Customer Service” After years of working at an upbeat cafe I was able to refine my approach to customer service. On a daily basis I was interacting with hundreds of people who all came through the door with a myriad of different attitudes, some more pleasant than others. Read More>>

Britta Kekaula

My last job working as a clinician in community mental health (CMH) with populations not supported by strong systems of care, was both humbling and difficult. Read More>>

Joe Weinstock

There was one very valuable moment I learnt from a friend, which really changed the way I thought about spreading helpfulness and some kindness. When I was in my early 20’s, I was playing a gig with a friend of mine, and I honestly felt way out of my depth at the time, as a musician and playing guitar in a music festival which was for a genre of music I didn’t know too much about. Read More>>

Marc Coqmard

Some of the most important lessons I learned came when I was working at Soho Beach House as a beach attendant back in high school. That’s where I really learned about sales and, more importantly, listening to the customer. LISTEN HARDER and take a second to understand . Once you actually tune in to what someone needs, you can figure out how to help them—and that naturally leads to sales. Read More>>

Ian Roberts

The most important lesson I’ve learned came from walking into what looked like a ghost town disguised as a summer camp. The cabins were empty, the dining hall was silent, and the budget… let’s just say it had a pulse you could barely find. My first thought? “What have I gotten myself into?” Read More>>

Miranda Barrett

At the insanely young age of 19, I began working for the White House Travel Office, first as an intern, then as a full-time staff member traveling with the Clinton Administration. I didn’t have the most glamorous job – I was responsible for the logistics of moving around the White House Press Corps, which included things like organizing luggage delivery, making sure buses showed up on time, and setting up workspaces around the world. Read More>>