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

Sibylla Nash

This is not so much a lesson, but a piece of advice. I used to work for a tech company years ago. One thing my boss said that has always stuck with me is to “Always keep the end in mind.” You should know where you want to end up. It helps you to be more intentional about your decisions. Read more>>

Ashlee Fowler

In the beginning, doing hair wasn’t exactly a “dream come true”. As a hairstylist, your first job is not actually doing hair- it’s being an assistant. The job included everything from washing hair to folding towels to running to Starbucks for clients. It required me to fall in love with my passion, not my position. Read more>>

Lisa Gornall

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my career – because it took me a couple times to get it – overworking hurts me. Read more>>

Tiffany Jones

The most important lesson I’ve learned from another job may sound negative, but the flipside is that it protects your space and peace: do not give your colleagues the full extent of your trust. You can be friendly with others, but they are not your friend. Always keep in mind that whatever you put in writing can be shared with others, especially if it’s via email. Read more>>

Kenneth Kynt Bryan

You know, I’ve learned that you can do whatever your heart desires. My teachers taught me that hard work, discipline, dedication, persistence, and attention to detail are the key factors that determine whether or not what you are trying to accomplish will come to fruition. […] I suffered from low self-esteem due to bullying which made me insecure and doubtful as to what was my purpose in life. Read more>>

Mar Alvarado

Prior to becoming a photographer, I worked in banking for almost nine years! I was a customer service representative and although, it has nothing to do with photography, the people skills I learned at the bank have come a long way. A key word from the bank I used to work for was, INTEGRITY . While dealing with people’s money, you must have integrity. It is imperative that you are an honest person. Read more>>

Rebecca Lee

There are a couple things I’ve learned and have taken away from my career. Read more>>

Gustalvo Gus Gonzalez

Owning up to your mistakes will improve your working relationship with your team. I learned this lesson at a previous job where I had just started a new position as an occupational therapist (OT) in an inpatient psychiatric unit. First, OT is a type of rehabilitation where the goal is to help someone problem-solve how to re-engage in meaningful activities after experiencing a trauma. Read more>>

Joseph Quilio

I spent 18+ years in hospitality, specifically hotels starting as a front desk agent in 2004 and finishing as a General Manager of an upscale brand in 2022. One of the most important lessons I learned, regardless of position or location, was how important core values and genuine respect are in building relationships and in turn successful team. As a Front Desk Supervisor at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, I was a member of the ERT (Emergency Response Team). Read more>>

Sélynne Silver

I have learned over the years that I am not on set to be mistreated no matter how “small” my role is. We are all in this to achieve the same goal, create a beautiful story for the public to watch and relate to so no matter what function we have in a movie/project, whether it is being a background actor, lead, director… no one should feel superior to others and mistreat them. Read more>>

Dominique E

The most important and defining lesson I learned at my previous job within my professional career was to be my own advocate. Throughout my adolescence and early adulthood, I often took a backseat and a more supportive role, not wishing to be acknowledged for my contributions and surely not speaking up for myself. As a deep humanitarian, I have almost always put the needs of society before myself. Read more>>

Michelle Marquez

The most important lesson I have learned at my previous jobs and internships is staying authentic to myself no matter what. It is so easy to compare your life to others and feel less than when you look at what they’ve accomplished, but honestly, everyone is on a different timeline. Read more>>

Tom Ciurczak

The most important lesson I learned in my prior job is to always surround yourself with people more talented than yourself. I’ve built 3 highly successful, multi-million dollar companies. It’s not easy to do this without surrounding yourself with the best people you can find. Many business people are reluctant to hire people smarter and more talented than they are. Read more>>

Meghan Carr

I worked my previous job for over 20 years and boy was that a journey. About the half way mark during my time there I had to take an opportunity or would be forced to leave. I took that opportunity and I had no idea that I would be so miserable after. I had to move to a different location that was an hour away from my home and a $13 pay cut. Read more>>