Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in our conversations with some of the most interesting and trailblazing entrepreneurs and creatives we noticed the biggest lessons they learned about work often came from unexpected sources. We’ve shared some of those responses below.
Josue Vargas
This answer is a bit a vague, but really it was getting involved in my local music scene at a very young age (Around 13 years old) and seeing so many young, amazing, creative people in bands around me putting in work, blood sweat and tears into their passions and inspiring me to do the same thing. Read more>>
Tiffany Hamilton
The people who taught me the most about work were definitely my parents. Both of them were entrepreneurs, so I grew up surrounded by that mindset. My dad owned a car wash, and after school me and my brothers would get off the bus and hang out there until he finished his day. Read more>>
Kiyona Miah
My Grandmother taught me the most about work. As the oldest daughter of 15 children, she was a leader and hard worker from an early age. Some of the lessons that she instilled in me include the importance of not only being on time but being early. Read more>>
katherine bigott
I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. Both my mom and dad built a business from the ground up—producing and installing asphalt in Venezuela—and turned it into a thriving, highly successful company. From an early age, I witnessed the deep commitment, resilience, and vision it takes to start and grow a business. Read more>>
Reesa Myers
There have been several people who taught me about ‘work’. If I have to pick one person, I would say I learned the most from my Grandma Pearl. She had MS (Muliple Sclerosis) and she always moved forward like a boss. Read more>>
Patricia pastor
Definitely the founders I’ve worked with. Watching entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty, pivot their models in real time, and stay focused when everything is against them has taught me more about hard work—and leadership—than any book or mentor ever could. Read more>>
Lindsay Kalan
My mom taught me the most about work. She was a single mom who always worked two jobs and never took a day off to enjoy the fruits of her labor. Watching her hustle day in and day out showed me what real work ethic looks like. Read more>>
Lauren Casgren Tindall
My dad taught me the most about work. He’s one of the most motivated, hardworking people I’ve ever known. He had his own business for a while—he even developed a specialized program for the oil industry, which he eventually sold before transitioning back into consulting. Read more>>
Jermaine and Racquel Domonique Wright
Racquel: I would have to say my mother, the late Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hawthorne Reid. She was the definition of resilience. While raising a large family—and when you read my book, A Pot and A Prayer, you know I had a lot of siblings. She also opened her heart and home to many other young people in our community. Read more>>
Maria Harrison & Jonathan Schwartz
Although we were raised miles and years apart, we both have similar influences which is probably why we make great partners. Jonathan was influenced by his Dad, a cardiologist, who demonstrated incredible work ethic and compassion for his patients. Maria was also influenced by family coming from a line of Italian-American immigrants who were hardworking and entrepreneurial. Read more>>
