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

Michelle Anderson

Drawing upon my extensive background, I’ve gained invaluable experiences and lessons from previous roles, with one significant takeaway being the ability to discern what truly matters and not allowing minor details to disrupt the workflow. Additionally, I’ve discovered the importance of finding joy in my work. Read more>>

Amanda Tucker

Prior to moving into interior design and starting my own firm, I spent 15 years as a practicing attorney and also a high school teacher for 3 years before that. I learned a lot of good lessons from my time working in these other fields, as well as being an employee. During my time practicing law, I was fortunate to have a great mentor for almost half of that career, who was also my boss. Read more>>

Christina Fenendael

I worked as an athletic trainer and an assistant to the physical therapists in a high level sports PT clinic for 5 years (after working as a personal trainer in gyms and fitness studios for the previous 5 years as well). While it’s difficult to pinpoint “the” most important lesson I’ve learned from my past jobs, especially since I have had a fairly wide range of job experience, I DID learn some extremely valuable pearls of information from my patients, coworkers, and mentors at that clinic. Read more>>

Kelby Joseph

Back in the day, when I was working at a FedEx drop-off point, doing the whole routine of packaging and shipping, I stumbled upon a lesson that really changed how I see work. You know, the usual drill of clocking in and out, wondering if what you’re doing really matters. Read more>>

Lei Hattori

My prior job: Modeling. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?:1. Authenticity I was tall and thin, so I mainly did runway work. The runway job involves going to each casting to see if you get the job or not. In the first week of starting as a model, I was rejected at every casting. Read more>>

Artem Lomaz

Before entering the event industry, I worked in advertising. I was chasing my Don Draper dreams and wanted to be an ad agency copywriter. While I still love advertising, I quickly learned that the office environment wasn’t for me; however, my time in advertising did teach me about selling an idea or concept in front of a room and using a variety of presentation skills to do so. Read more>>

Jasmine White

Growing up, everyone always tells you to “be yourself.” It’s probably one of the most cliche things one can hear, but it holds so much value in life. I remember booking one of the biggest dance jobs I ever had, with the hottest A-list rapper and I was in disbelief that I was going to be dancing for him. I remember waling into rehearsals and immediately started doubting myself. I was comparing myself to the other girls on the job, and not allowing myself to be present or show up authentically. Read more>>

Bryan Coward

Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams, says every entrepreneur has two jobs?! Their chosen profession and lead generation. In my last company, I made the mistake of becoming a lead-receiving business. I remember sitting there with this new truck and all this new equipment, having been in business a while, expecting the business would come to me. I thought, “Well if they want top-notch service on top-notch gear, they will call me!” How wrong I was. Read more>>

Candace Wallace

Before I started W2 Marketing, I spent 15 years as a professional makeup artist, makeup educator and salon development for a major beauty company. I travelled all over the United States teaching makeup, they used my talents for New York Fashion Week, Trade shows and more. I literally climbed my way to the top in hopes to be recognized for my talents, tenacity and hard work ethic, Only to be stuck for years in pay scale that no matter what I did, I never got a raise. Read more>>

Stella Grizont

For nearly a decade, I chased happiness…and whatever I thought being “successful” meant. Yet, despite achieving whatever I set my mind to, I found myself feeling empty, burned out, and crying in the bathroom. I regularly appealed to higher forces, “please, there’s got to be more to life than this.” Have you been there? Read more>>

Naomi Duben

I absolutely adore this question. Never having been a full-time artist and perpetually juggling a day job with my artistic pursuits, perusing through the list of prompts felt like, “Well, this doesn’t apply to me, and this certainly doesn’t quite resonate.” Read more>>

Peter Baez

My last job before to be come a non-profit owner was a one with deferent peoples from all around the word, culture and backgrounds. Certainly i learned the importance of treating everyone with fairness and respect; regardless of their past experience or background. This approach not only fosters a positive work environment but also allows for diverse exchange of ideas. Read more>>