There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas). Similarly, what matters to others can vary widely – so we tried to tighten up that question to focus on three key traits to see what most folks in our community valued most – intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Peggy Garner
In my opinion, integrity is the most important virtue a person can have. Integrity is the quiet strength that shapes who we are, both in the workplace and in our personal lives. In business, it means doing what’s right even when it’s difficult—keeping promises, treating others fairly, and building trust that lasts longer than any single deal. Read more>>
Jesse Chavez
Definitely intelligence. I think that if you are always open to building yourself up, learning from others and educating yourself in current trends then your integrity and positive energy all come together organically vs forced. Never underestimate knowledge or intelligence. Read more>>
Jennifer Chidester
While intelligence and energy are both valuable, integrity is the most important to me. I’ve told my children that your word is your word—if you can’t honor your word, then you don’t have integrity. Mistakes are a part of life, but what truly defines a person is how they handle those mistakes. That’s a core part of integrity: owning your actions and making things right. Read more>>
Jillian Ferry
When I realized that sharing the hard parts could help someone else feel less alone. For a long time, I thought I had to look like I had it all together, especially as a leader and now as a founder. But the truth is, entrepreneurship is messy. It is full of rejection, doubt, and moments that make you question everything. Read more>>
James Pierre X
This is such a powerful question because it goes straight to the core of why I do what I do. It speaks to the essence of my being, my message, and my reason for existence. Pain is necessary. From my perspective, pain is purpose. There is no separation. Everything we go through, the beauty and the brokenness, is part of the same divine thread. Read more>>
Kayla Martinez
When I first started painting and selling my work I would always create bright work. People saw my paintings with more of a positive perspective. Now I’ve always struggled with depression. So when I was creating those paintings to keep my mind on the positive it felt great of course but I felt like I was hiding a part of me. Read more>>
Regina Andrews Duarte
Growing up in a family that did not encourage the expression of emotions and conflict/resolution skills has moved into forming a career that promotes these traits. Hiding sensitivity and empathy became unsustainable. Coming to terms with my authentic self freed me up and was a catalyst to work in a helping profession. Authenticity became my friend, guide and empowered a sense of self. Read more>>
