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.
Chuck Arakelian
I learned the value of hard work at a young age. Whether it was working side by side with my grandfather and witnessing firsthand what true dedication looks like, or hearing my dad head out the door at 5 a.m. — even on weekends — I grew up surrounded by examples of relentless commitment. Read more>>
Maresa Keene
The person who taught me the most about work is definitely my dad. Growing up, I watched him build his own business from the ground up, and I saw firsthand the kind of dedication, resilience, and creativity it takes to be an entrepreneur. He never sugarcoated the challenges, I saw the long hours and the sacrifices. Read more>>
Po
My mother taught me the most about work. Growing up I saw my mother work hard under very tough conditions. She was never without a job, and every job she had she put her heart and soul into. Read more>>
Zeke Esdale
There are endless amounts of people who taught me about work but the person I give the most praise is my mother! Raising me and my siblings mostly alone speaks power and love. Seeing this only put more motivation and grit into my soul. It taught me to fight and push for what you love. Read more>>
Nicoleta Forbes
The person who has taught me the most about work is my husband. We used to work together, and everything I know about real estate and how to truly connect with clients, I learned from him. He lead with care, integrity, and a genuine desire to help people, and that approach has shaped the way I do business. Read more>>
Charan Favazza
This one is a little difficult to answer- so many people in my life have helped me through different times in my life to help shape who and what I wanted to become. Read more>>
Shaina Brown
Who taught me the most about is my parents. During my childhood, I witness the dedication and sacrifice my parents did to provide for myself and my siblings. My mother would work the night-shift at the hospital as my father worked as a truck driver in the day-time. They both worked non-stop and even when we were home they both worked on their side hustles. Read more>>
Cortni Ortega
The foundation of my work ethic was built by the examples set in my own home. I watched both of my parents, at different times, raise us as single parents – showing up everyday with grit, sacrifice and a quiet strength to provide for their children, no matter the circumstance. But the lessons didn’t stop there. Read more>>
Dimitris Gazonas
The hardest working people I know gave me the best lessons in life and work — my grandparents. I’m a first-generation Greek-American, and I was always very connected to my homeland in Greece. I basically grew up there for a part of my life, surrounded by the hardest-working people I’ve ever known, even to this day. Read more>>
