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.

Andrew Racho

Early on I worked at a supermarket. And I had a boss that was just a decent guy to us, Jim April. He was nice. He had our backs. He was understanding. He got that we were working at a supermarket and kept things light. We bought him some beer mugs for his birthday and he was surprised and grateful we were all so nice to him back. And we missed him when he left. Read more>>

Jenna Hernandez

When I think of a great boss, I don’t envision someone who is simply always kind and lets you get away with things. I think of a person who can effectively lead a team, teach and guide those coming up, and, in a professional and respectful manner, help you understand the rights and wrongs or the dos and don’ts of the job. Read more>>

Stefania Tiveron

Absolutely. The most impactful leader in my life was my boss and mentor, although he’d never describe himself as a leader. He embodied all four elements of trust—competency, consistency, integrity, and compassion—not as a strategy but as a natural extension of who he was. Read more>>

Lauren Greene

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to experience amazing leadership. One person who stands out is my former supervisor, Anna Smith. Anna was generous, relatable, and incredibly down-to-earth. In 2018, my cat Jasper faced serious health issues that ultimately led to his passing. Knowing that Anna was also a pet lover, I shared what I was going through. When she learned about the significant veterinarian bills I had to cover, she gave me a small monetary gift to help with the expenses. I found this gesture to be both thoughtful and incredibly kind. For me, Anna modeled what good leadership looks like—combining empathy, generosity, and a genuine care for others. Read more>>