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.
Kevin Johnson Sr.
My father taught me about work. Growing up we was always cuttings yards for extra money. My father would let me go work with his friends who had small businesses. Read more>>
Dina Torres
losing my job overnight was initially devastating. but it became my greatest teacher , that experience taught me that security doesn’t come from depending on others – it comes from believe in yourself and your ability to create your own path. running my own lash studio has shown me that real work i just about earning money its about serving others with purpose . Read more>>
Marquita Gill
My parents have definitely taught me the most about work. I grew up watching them run a successful bar and restaurant. I also noticed their sacrifice in closing it down to be more present with me and my sisters. Read more>>
Tanya Djavadzadeh
My parents taught me the foundations of work. My dad immigrated to the U.S. from Iran when he was 15 and has worked tirelessly – both for others and as a self-employed business owner. He’s had moments of triumph and loss, but has never given up on his pursuit of excellence. Read more>>
Justice Payne-Tyson
This isn’t a one-person answer. My mother is the hardest worker I know. I’ve watched her grind for as long as I can remember, never complaining, and everywhere she went, she elevated the organization. Her father, before her, was often the first and only Black male nurse in the hospitals where he worked, earning many awards. Read more>>
Cassey Castro
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from so many people. My family taught me the values of hard work, faith, and dedication — those are the foundation of everything I do. My close friends have kept me grounded and reminded me to enjoy the journey, even when things get tough. And my coworkers, especially in the kitchen, push me every day to be better. Read more>>
Jarmal Burton
My Mother Cheryl Pichon I use to watch my mom everyday go to work day in and day out rain, sleet, snow. She was a housekeeper at an apartment complex I could remember her catching the bus and seeing her walking up the street to come home everyday because we didn’t have a car. Read more>>
Helen Brison
I must say grandmother and my mother taught me the most about work. I was raised single parent and I was blessed to have alot of time with my grandmother growing up. My grandmother was a housekeeper (for all of my life at least) and I would go with her to her clients homes. My Maw Maw worked hard and worked until her late 80s. Read more>>
Aleisha Davis
My mother and father taught me the most about work. They both instilled good work ethic in me at an early age. They always worked hard and provided for me and my siblings. I never saw them give up or quit anything. So when I became a parent, I did the same. Read more>>
Maria Raudales
Who taught me about work? Well i taught myself because i bealive that this is the best way to go on in life Read more>>
Steve Smith
Most definitely my father. He had an incredible work ethic and sense of responsibility. He not only taught by the example he set in getting up to go to work every day, but he very strongly encouraged me to get jobs at an early age whether it was a paper route, mowing grass or shoveling snow. Read more>>
Yesenia Davila
My grandmother is the first person I can remember really instilling in me what hard work brings to you. She was a custodian for a local school district and then retired after she had an injury while working. Read more>>
Matt Harpalani
My father’s influence was pivotal in my journey. He not only introduced me to the world of custom clothing but also instilled in me the values of perseverance and hard work—principles that I carry into every garment I design Read more>>
