We’ve always believed that forming a strategy is impossible until you’re clear on what your values and principles are. Without values and principles to guide you, making decisions can seem impossibly difficult. Given how important setting values and principles is to decision making we asked folks we admire to tell us about the values or principles that matter most to them.

Melissa Giller | Chief Marketing Officer, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

Teamwork and patience are the principles that most matter to me. A task – no matter how big or small – can not be done as well when it is being done in a high-stress, “only-me” attitude. When people work together for the common good and talk through the problems and issues that arise rather than yell through them, the project, the company, and your own self, will all be better served. Read more>>

Elyse Hopps | Chef/Restaurateur

When it comes to the restaurant, David and I were very clear about our values going in. One thing that came up constantly was changing the restaurant/kitchen culture. The idea was to create a safe space for people to be creative, all while staying true to our background and education in Japanese cuisine. We wanted to take the things we’ve learned over the years, whether they are food related or not, and make them accessible to our staff and community. The restaurant industry has a reputation for being harsh. For years, restaurant work has meant low-paying, stressful work environments that are blatantly ignorant of mental health and substance abuse issues. Read more>>

David Hoffman | Film Composer, Producer/Songwriter

I believe in learning at least one new thing everyday, no matter how big or small. Whether it is revolving around your self, your work, your friendships, your interests, there is always more to see than what is there. I think the best thing we can do as people is expand our understanding and knowledge constantly and grow as individuals as well as together, I think it how we can be the best possible versions of ourselves.. This also allows us all to connect with that inner childlike wonder that sparks inspiration and imagination, that to me is what living is all about. Read more>>