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.
Vanessa Barnes
My parents taught me the most about work, mainly through their example. From preparing work attire to planning meals for the week, they showed me the importance of starting the day organized rather than rushed. This mindful approach to time management not only helps ease the work commute but also reinforces reliability by arriving on time. Being punctual presents you as a dependable employee. Read more>>
Alessio Ricci
Definitely the one who thought me the most about work has been my father. My father was a tailor, he started working at the age of 12 I always admired him in the way how dedicate a passionate was about is job. I grow up seeing him making beautiful suits by hand, he was one of the master for his job a perfectionist. Read more>>
Lisa Gerstenslager
The two people who taught me the most about work are my mom and my husband. My mom showed me, by example, that hard work and integrity go hand in hand — never cutting corners, treating people with respect, and pushing through challenges with grit and grace. Those lessons are at the core of how I run my business today. Read more>>
Alex Packard
I grew up in a household with hardworking parents who instilled a strong work ethic in me. My mother, Valerie Cesmat, was a 2nd grade teacher in the San Diego Unified School District and my father, Mathew Packard, was a VP at St. Vincent De Paul. Read more>>
Michele Lando
My grandfather was a major influence in my life, and was one of the people I looked up to most. He built his own sunglass business, Style Eyes, from the ground up (I named my company Write Styles as a personal nod to him), and successfully maintained a strong market position before ultimately deciding to sell it late in his career. Read more>>
Trinity Kesterke
My parents are hands-down the biggest inspiration in my life. They’re two of the hardest working people I know—and they couldn’t be more different. My mom has always believed in working hard so you can play hard. Life is short, and her goal is to never waste a second of it. Read more>>
Diana DuMelle
My parents. Both were second-generation Americans, raised in hardworking immigrant families where dedication, responsibility, and care for extended family and community were core values. From the very beginning, those principles were instilled in me. My father served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict, then earned his college degree while working full-time and raising my older sisters. Read more>>
Thomas Bui
As an immigrant and first-generation American, I’m deeply grateful for the sacrifices my parents and extended family made to create the life we enjoy today. From an early age, my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep sense of purpose. Read more>>
Sonia Gupta
My dad is one of the most hardworking individuals I know. He immigrated to the United States at a young age to the complete unknown, not knowing a word of English, not having a community to rely on, and only motivated by ambition. He started our riding his bike to his first job, and through perseverance, he worked his way up to becoming an engineer. Read more>>
