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

Rachel Pereyra

As I worked my way up the corporate ladder I learned all about HR and it’s importance in an organization without being in a traditional HR role. I had just gotten promoted to be a branch manager and was opening up a new office so I needed to hire an assistant. Our company recruiter was stretched too thin and not sourcing great candidates so I took it upon myself to find people. Read more>>

Christine Howard

How you treat your employees and the culture you create within the company really matters. I firmly believe that if you treat your employees the way you want to be treated – they will treat the clients/customers exceptionally well. Read more>>

Monica Shoberg

I was working at my dream job in Oregon in a beautiful office with big windows, close to the ocean, surrounded by pine trees. I could bike to work, walk my dog at lunch, and was surrounded it seemed by constant spring. Read more>>

Kate Firoved

My number one piece of advice to people interested in opening their own coffee shop is to get a job in a coffee shop as a barista. Owning a coffee shop is often glorified in television and movies, but when you get into the job and get your hands dirty, you quickly figure out if you truly have a passion for the work or not. Read more>>

Alex Eaves

From 2000-2007, I was a merchandise manager for touring rock bands. I witnessed first-hand the mass production and, unfortunately, destruction of T-Shirts. I knew that I wanted to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. This led me to making my first large batch of reuse shirts and saving 144 garments from being destroyed. My brand and life would never be the same. Read more>>