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

Amber Todd

After graduating from Indiana University in 2007, I joined the Teach For America program, a leadership development organization with the mission to bridge the achievement gap between affluent and low-income schools. With a two year commitment of service in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a part of Americorp, I began my intensive training in the inner city of Atlanta. This was one of my first experiences of truly confronting poverty face-to-face.. Read more>>

Rebecca Musayev

The Art of Listening: Before starting my own photography business, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian and dedicated most of my life to that profession, working as a veterinary technician, attending an Ivy League school specifically for a degree in animal science, and eventually being accepted into vet school. Read more>>

Anna Eastman

My first “serious” creative job— I’m adding quotes because I think at the root of it, it’s important to be a little un-serious to make seriously good creative work— was at a cannabis company that also had its own apparel brand. I worked on the apparel side of the company and spent most of my time arranging logos, branded graphics, and designs made by freelance artists onto technical garment files so that they could be approved and then sent out for production. Read more>>

Teresa Syms

A year ago, I took up the challenge to leave my coaching practice behind and go back to the steady paycheque, 9-5 world. I was to work as a customer account coordinator (basically a data entry position), entering feed orders from animal nutrition.  Read more>>

Sarah Calzada

Well, a fun fact about me is that I never went to school for art. I got a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Most of my jobs before deciding to start my own art business were rooted in environmentalism. Read more>>

Lauren Anderson

When I first moved to Nashville I had the chance to grab coffee with a songwriter who had been in the business for 30+ years. He told me how tough the business was and shared something he called “the 20 second rule.” He said that when pursuing a passion you’re driven towards, it’s gonna feel like every 20seconds or so that it’s too hard and you’re gonna wanna quit. Read more>>

Lanae Lang

Before my career as an Air Force officer, I had a lot of little odd jobs here and there in high school and college growing up. These ranged from lifeguarding, being a swim instructor, working at a hair salon, being a special needs camp counselor, hosting little kid’s birthday parties at Sky Zone, and even Photography! Read more>>

Trish Reedy

I had an internship after my freshman year at Kansas State. My boss made it clear how important it was to get everyone’s name correct, to give them your full attention and to ensure the client knew they were your priority when you were together. I accidentally spelled someone’s name wrong on outgoing mail and she “eagerly” corrected me. Read more>>

Hannah Antony

A valuable lesson I learned right off the bat was to choose my first job based on a company that aligned with my values. Graduating from university and being thrust into the workforce is a stressful period and the pressure feels immense to make the right career choice. Since that initial choice, I have always tried to apply this mindset to new roles and my career decisions. Read more>>

Rahim Gray

I use to be a chef, I worked in some of the best restaurants and catering companies in Boston. Its cool how the skills overlap, like Mise en place a French culinary phrase which means “putting in place” or “gather”. It refers to the setup required before cooking, and is often refer to organizing. Such a big help for me and my ADHD. Read more>>

Jumel Javonillo

I have worked being a customer service provider ever since I can remember. My first job as a teen was at a fast food chain, which comes with their own unique and truthfully the most challenging experiences. Working with other people has always been easy for me, so I thought how difficult can this job be? I disregarded the fact that I also have to help other people whether they were having an amazing day or the complete opposite. Read more>>

Jayson Green

The most important experience I have had working in previous positions is centered around working with and for the people I served. The biggest impact on my professional career has been the people I was working for. Connecting and learning from the community. Realizing my legacy is connected to the people I help to move forward and empower to be a part of the solution. Read more>>

Nadine Park

My tenure in the restaurant industry has been a whirlwind, a never-ending learning curve, and a constant reminder of the power of human connection. It’s not just about food; it’s about creating memories, fostering community, and sharing a slice of joy with every plate served. And that, I believe, is the most delicious reward of all. I started in the restaurant industry at 19 while going to college. Read more>>

Paul Polivnick

started studying classical music when I was eight years old. I started playing in youth orchestras as a violinist and trumpeter when I was 10. I fell in love with the communal act of making music with others. I had great, positive teachers, went to all the best summer music festivals (Aspen, Tanglewood, Academia Chigiana in Siena, Italy), graduated as a conductor from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, after which I won a post as the Conductor of the Debut Orchestra of the Young Musicians Foundation of Los Angeles. Read more>>