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

Jessica Martin

I held more jobs than I could count from ages 16-28. While I usually started out doing great, with every new position I would lose passion quickly, usually within months, after learning the basics. Read more>>

Deandra Brunson

The most important thing I learned is what not to do. I learned how I wanted to be treated and how to treat clients. I watched my former boss try to walk all over us and allow clients to do the same. Read more>>

Hamish Macdonald

I was lucky enough to have an incredibly insightful and decent fella as my direct manager as I first started in Advertising and Production. When it was my time to lead as TV Producer of my first campaign, Read more>>

Jeff Tan

In both my innovation role at Microsoft and previous roles at some of the world’s biggest marketing agencies, I learned one crucial thing about leadership; the need to have a strong vision, your ‘WHY’. Read more>>

Caitlyn Schrader

Before I decided to fully lean into my life as an artist as a viable path forward, I held onto the balancing plate act of “stability/instability” and “traditional/non-traditional” pursuits. Read more>>

Cyla Fisk

I’d like to focus on two important lessons I learned that very much go together. To trust your gut right away when something doesn’t feel right and prioritize your mental health over other competing needs. Read more>>

Namarah McCall-Spellman

Your voice, your thoughts and perspective matter. My first job was non traditional. After finishing school I was a part of a diverse team of creative minds and performers. Read more>> 

Marsha Thompson

The most important lessons I learned at prior jobs is to take it all in and see what works and what doesn’t work. Being at other companies made me realize things I didn’t want to do as a business owner and things that I felt would help in my success. Read more>>

Efrain Santiago

Back in 2014 when I was in college, I took some time off for financial reasons and was working the graveyard shift doing security for a corporate building full time. Read more>>

Kate Martinelli

My family was always involved in community theater and I studied dance for many years. This led to a BA in Theater and Dance. I went on to get my MA in Dance/Movement Therapy from NYU in 1991. Read more>>