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

Jey Tran

When I first became certified as a personal trainer, I started my career in corporate gyms like 24 Hour Fitness, Frog’s, and LA Fitness. I actually think corporate gyms are a great place to begin — they give you experience, exposure, and help you get your foot in the door. Read More>>

Brad Ramsey

One of the most important lessons I learned early in my career came from realizing that I was often learning what not to do just as much as what to do. Read More>>

Sasha Floyd

I just recently bought a home and I had to get a day job as my business wasn’t making as much money as I needed it to to help pay our mortgage so I looked around and got a job at In n Out. Working at In n Out I learned the importance of caring about your employees, communication, and teamwork. Read More>>

Jenna Shulman

Early in my career, I was a junior employee at a nonprofit—eager, observant, and still learning how organizations really work. One day, a senior woman in leadership pulled me aside and made it very clear that my role was to stay in the background. Not metaphorically. Literally. Read More>>

Dr. Shagranda Traveler, DBA, MBA

One of the most important lessons I carried into business ownership was learned long before I ever owned a company: expertise alone is not what moves organizations forward; trust does. My career in global talent development required me to listen to thousands of voices across cultures, geographies, and leadership levels. Read More>>