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

Alex Camacho

Before I became a jewelry designer I worked in management at a variety of cosmetology schools and then ran the websales department for a international clothing retailer and wholesaler. The most important thing I learned was navigating through difficult customer interactions and communicate in a way that made them feel heard while also protecting the company. As you can imagine managing customer service for either business could present it’s difficulties, from the worst haircut imaginable to managing lost international deliveries, it gave me the patience and honed my communication style to set me up for success for my future business. Often times our best reviews mention our customer services, and I think that when we can value the experience our customers have with our brands just as much as the products we sell, that we can provide that assurance and confidence that so often lacks in the online market place. I love that my customers trust me, and I believe that is one reason they keep coming back. Read more>>

Christopher Mooney

For ten years worked a full-time Security Guard at the Portland Art Museum, Portland, OR and part-time assistant preparator as well. After that I was a picture framer for Aarron Brother’s Art and Framing in Lake Oswego, OR. Surrounded in the world of art and artists I became familiar with the professionalism, the public and the artists with their needs. What I’ve learn the most was to be able to understand how to be successful in any field means a job well done in a timely manner. Patience, execution and methodical work are essential but also it is necessary take personal joy in what you do. It helped me to refine my paintings to be exquisite, and detailed. If it’s worth all the details, it’s worth it. Read more>>

Jingxin “Karina” Chen

The Most Important Lesson: Solving Core Challenges in Filmmaking Through Fundamental Logical Thinking

During my journey of learning filmmaking, there was an experience where my team and I were shooting a short film. I was the producer on that production. We believed our plan was thorough, but when it came to the actual shoot, problems emerged one after another — adjustments in equipment requirements during filming, unexpected scheduling conflicts with actors, and the sudden change of mind of the location owner. These issues led to severe delays and threw the team into chaos. Read more>>

Kateryna Demchenko

I knew I was going to move to another country, so I started looking for career options that would allow me to work remotely in case I couldn’t find a job in the UK. It was quite a stressful period because I was around 27 years old and felt fairly confident in my skills in another area. However, when I joined an IT, I found myself surrounded by younger colleagues who were already skilled more than me, while people my age were holding senior positions. Read more>>

Jocelyn Jane Cox

For over two decades, I was a figure skating coach to mostly girls and young women ages 6-18. I witnessed all different types of coaching methods around me: tough love, friendship, loud-n-angry, punishing, fear-based, quiet, strict, loose. While I was finding my footing, I tried out a few of these coaching personas – I yelled, I pushed hard – and discovered quickly that, while discouragement can “feed” a few athletes, it mostly just thwarts progress and destroys confidence in the long term. Read more>>

Sandra Glagla

Early in my career as a trainer, I was incredibly driven—I wanted to change every single person I worked with. I believed that if I had the knowledge, the strategy, and the right plan, there was no reason why someone couldn’t succeed. If they had goals, I wanted to push them toward those goals at full speed. Read more>>

Arthur Walsh

I used to work as a software engineer and consultant, which was all about fast problem solving and picking up new skills quickly. So as a musician / entrepreneur, I have no problem learning new technologies, and my creative side helps me piece these aspects together to make something new. Read more>>

Amanda Belair

In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to sing background vocals on tour with Roger Waters. It was my first time touring, and first time performing at that scale. I was 25, and so immensely proud of myself. I had always dreamed of performing on these stages, and worked hard to get to where I was. And even though I was more than deserving to be in the position I was with my new peers, I put an unhealthy amount of pressure on myself. I felt as though I needed to be perfect to remain where I was. I wasn’t allowing myself to be fully present in some of the most impactful moments of my career thus far. I learned in those moments from my mentors, peers, and myself that being “perfect” is inauthentic and unattainable. Read more>>