We often hear about bad bosses, but we think it’s important to talk about the good ones because we hope that by giving folks examples of how to be a good boss we can inspire future bosses to be better, to do better for their employees and all stakeholders.

Lisa He

In the realm of bosses and mentors, one leader stood out during my time as a systems analyst in the medical device software industry a decade ago. Our facility faced closure, but this extraordinary leader’s empathy and compassion turned a sensitive situation into a positive experience. Read more>>

Jamell Paxton

MY BEST BOSS WAS CHRISTOPHER REED OF REEDS GINGER BREW A ENTREPRENEUR COMPANY. HE TAUGHT ME THE INS AND OUTS OF SELLING MARKETING AND I WAS APART OF THE TESM WHEN HE WENT PUBLIC TO THE STOCK MARKET Read more>>

Cindy Allis

Before starting my business I had the privilege of working at Adyen, a Dutch tech company that left a lasting impact on me. Adyen’s leadership and company culture served as an inspiration for how I envision leading and building my own business. When I joined Adyen as a part-time student, the CEO, Pieter van der Does, surprised me by personally introducing himself during my first week. It was remarkable to see his genuine interest in each and every new employee, regardless of their position within the company. This emphasized the inclusive and welcoming environment at Adyen. Quickly I realized that Adyen was a special place: every person and opinion mattered, no matter whose it was, and if you have a good idea and speak up you will likely be encouraged to go do it. Read more>>

Jamell Hightower

My mentor and amazing boss’ name is Jillian Williams. In my journey to greatness, I did not always see it in myself, but she did.

In 2010, while I was employed as a line cook at St. John Hospital, Jillian came to me and said “you have natural attributes that are unteachable.”Read more>>

Josey Dunbar

There is a degree to which I am fortunate as a business owner to not have an authority figure hovering above me, and yet at the same time I have such a responsibility to my team that I often times feel more pressure to preform perfectly than I did being a subordinate. Read more>>

Caroline Liem

Early on in my career I was an executive assistant at a studio. While I knew I loved casting film and television, I wasn’t 100% certain being a corporate assistant was the best fit. My boss at the time took me for a walk, tissues in hand, and proceeded to tell me that it was clear I had an eye for casting – that I was someone who should have the assistant rather than be the assistant. I was fired. This is the part of the story where usually paper work is signed, you file for unemployment and update the resume. Instead… A temp was brought in to cover my desk. I was given an office, stellar references and space for 30 days to focus on and secure a new job in independent casting. In hindsight, this was likely an HR decision and protocol. But the impact it made was twofold. The way in which I was treated throughout the entire process was with respect and dignity. I was set up for success, treated as a peer with value and contribution, and the leadership in which my boss handled the issue reflected for me that there’s a place for everyone, and if it’s not the best fit (or if it’s a “no”), that there’s always another way to pursue your dreams using strengths that, at the time, I wasn’t sure I had, but my boss certainly knew. I treat my colleagues, associates and assistants the same – providing space for them to succeed, leaning into their gifts. Also, the temp on the desk, the subsequent assistant who was hired and my next casting projects, were all successes, with each one of us thriving for years to come. Read more>>

Elif Karakoc

Honestly, I am my favorite boss! I love working freelance, making my own rules and leading the projects I work on. I love keeping my clients and co-workers content during shoots and I am always thrilled when they say they love the final product! Read more>>

Cydney Tyrpak

I started working when I was 15, jobs seemed disposable to me at the time. I’d start a job and if it wasn’t for me, I’d put in my two week notice. You could say I got some experience during my teenage years. However, I applied to a little boutique for some extra money, not expecting to stay very long. But, right from the interview I knew I should give it a chance. It seemed like a fun and supportive environment. Every college girls dream! Read more>>

Janice Seungmee Rim

I consider myself lucky to have worked with a lot of nice people in my animation career, but the one who stands out the most is David M. Rodriguez, my then Storyboard Revision Supervisor at Titmouse New York. Dave and I first met at Nickelodeon when I was a Story Revisionist, and he was a Story Artist temporarily helping while waiting for another show at Titmouse to get green-lit. In contrast to his quiet, tough New Yorker exterior, he had a personally of a sweet teddy bear that made him so easy to befriend. When time came for him to return to Titmouse, I basically pulled the “Puss in Boots” eyes and asked to take me along. Out of the goodness of his heart, he gave me a chance to take a story test, which were rare to come across back then, and luckily it led to a job offer. Read more>>