Most people say they want success, but when you ask them what success means you get wildly different responses. We recently asked some of the best and brightest in our community to tell us about how they define success and have shared their responses below.

Jenna Alcala | Commercial Photographer & Creative Director

My definition of success has varied wildly over the course of my life but I love my current interpretation the most. Success is a fulfilled, peaceful and balanced life. It is evenly weighted in all the areas that matter- career fulfillment, family life, spirituality, connecting with nature, great friends, travel and adventures, being creative and inspired, and of course a level of financial security that brings the freedom to hold space for all these privileges. Read more>>

Melissa Mandel | Music Industry Innovator. 70s/80s Style Vocalist, A&R, Booking Agent, Music Manager, Music Marketer

For myself, success is a dynamic, ever-changing, multifaceted feeling representing my ability to lean into the strengths of my unique experiences and inspirations as I embark on my journey making meaningful connections and allowing both myself and others to thrive at every part of their journey in the pursuit of success. Read more>>

Xinhao Lu | Filmmaker/Film Director

Each person’s definition of success is very different. But in a world that is materialistic, money and fame are the criteria that most people use to measure success. For me, I think success depends on whether a person is a kind person or not. Perhaps this standard of success is somewhat low, but in this modern era, it is rare to see people who are truly kind. Because of the increasing competition in the world, war, inequality and other problems occur frequently, but there are few people in the world who can really lend a helping hand and are not asking for anything in return. Read more>>

Jean He | User Experience Designer

To me, success is not a static destination; it is a dynamic and ever-evolving journey. I firmly believe that true success lies in constant growth and adaptation, embracing both successes and failures as valuable learning opportunities. It is about setting meaningful goals, fostering personal growth, and continuously pushing boundaries. Read more>>