We’ve always believed that forming a strategy is impossible until your 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.

Arron Garcia

The most important principle or value that matters most to me is Honesty. It will always keep doors open or open new doors where ever life takes you. Read More>>

Michael Way

The Principal matter of Sound Pressure Labs (SPL) is the quality of the sound and the integrity of the art. The music business is first and foremost the principal that matters. I have always had an adherence to integrity and the best of the best.

After watching the future of businesses unconditional alliance with profits, and the allegiance to the share holders, the corporate interests have displayed a lack of understanding and respect for the world, the environment and life itself. Read More>>

Ramona J. Smith

The most important principle is worthiness. There was a time when I didn’t charge what I was worth because, deep down, I didn’t feel worthy of it. Even as the World Champion of Public Speaking, I found myself undervaluing my expertise, afraid that if I charged my true worth, no one would invest in my services. Read More>>

Chalzea Xu

For me, the most important values are empathy and equality, especially when it comes to giving a voice to marginalized groups. I’ve always believed that art is not just a way to express oneself, but also a means of making the overlooked voices heard. I support the idea of “maximizing happiness” because I see every illustration as an opportunity to bring warmth to others, particularly to women, LGBTQ+ communities, and any other marginalized groups.  Read More>>

Gabriel D’elia

Discipline. I think discipline is the biggest form of self love and the engine that allows any creative to get from point A to point B. Without the discipline that creates consistency, it is very difficult to achieve anything. Read More>>

 Desteny Tolbert

The principle that guides me the most is Memento Mori, the reminder that life is running out for all of us and that we must make the most of the time we have. It’s not about fearing death but about embracing life with purpose, passion, and authenticity. Knowing that nothing is guaranteed pushes me to pursue my dreams fearlessly, take creative risks, and be fully present in everything I do. Memento Mori reminds me not to hold back, not to wait for the “right” time, and not to let doubt keep me from chasing what I love. It also keeps me grounded, helping me appreciate the small, beautiful moments, the laughter, the connections, and the stories we share. Because to me? Those are the things that truly matter in the end. Read More>>