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

Angela Burton

I have learned a lot from previous jobs and employers. I’ve learned that mistakes happen, you can’t make everyone happy all the time, and to never give up. Read more>>

JJ Baker

I have recently been thinking of former bosses that I worked with, especially bosses that were hardasses with high demands, and I’ve been incredibly appreciative of these people. Read more>>

Beatriz Ayala

Until December 2023 my identity was directly intertwined with being a Founder and CEO. For the past 4+ years I had been building a company from scratch. Read more>>

Victoria Sanchez

In a position where you are viewed as the “Covid Police,” it can be difficult to find joy. This is how I felt working as a Set Monitor, or Covid Production Assistant, on a children’s sitcom. Read more>>

Josh Jensen

In my undergraduate degree, I majored in psychology and fine art. I went on to grad school and became a Marriage and Family Therapist. I continued to paint after I moved into a private practice setting. Read more>>

Laura Evans

‘Under promise and over deliver’ has to be the most obvious, and perhaps cliche piece of advice I heard before I started my business, but it rings true to this day in many different aspects; Read more>>

Christos Monastiriotis

The valuable things I’ve learned a previous jobs in the same field as mine is learning what I don’t want to be. Being able to work in an environment that is related to your field in my case another gym was being able to see how I didn’t want to run my business and being able to learn from others mistakes. Read more>>

Karonna Hosey

While working for one of the largest corporations in the world, I learned some very valuable lessons that I carry with me to this day. The company’s management philosophies were centered around 9 guiding principles. Read more>>

Nathan / Ali Mott / Gawronski

(Ali) In my younger years I worked for Vans shoes, and I learned a lot of valuable things about business and marketing there. The company was really great at keeping employees at all levels up to date on trainings that covered anything from how to interact and connect with customers, to identifying features versus benefits of the product, to emergency protocol. Read more>>

Poppy Askew

One of the most transformative lessons from my prior employment that greatly influenced my role as a business owner was learning to navigate challenging situations with resilience and adaptability. Read more>>

Brian Halbach

I often reflect on how my prior work experience has influenced my photography style and approach. I had various roles in customer service and teaching. Read more>>