24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. Junior investment bankers regularly work 80-90 hours a week. Many other high profile professions require the same level of commitment. Often those on the outside claim that working 80-90 hours a week is bad/wrong/terrible/silly/etc but we’ve spoken with so many folks who say working that much has been the best decision of their life – it allowed them to develop a deep and strong skill set far faster than would have been possible otherwise. In other words, by working 2x the hours, they were able to generate 5x or more the rewards. And depending on where you are in your career, investing heavily in your skills and competence can pay dividends for a long time.

Catherine Parks | Founder and CEO

I would have to say it’s building authentic relationships. I have always loved meeting new people and I think with Los Angeles being so big it can be harder to form that sense of genuine connection. Building relationships that are authentic has been fundamental in building our brand! Read more>>

Mae Jo | Artist

I want to inspire people, I think anything in life can inspire someone to be someone the want to be or so something they want to do. I want to inspire people from Paraguay, and everyone else in the world to believe in themselves, to be their true self and to be themselves. I want to achieve my dreams and with them help other, inspire others, and hopefully if I’m lucky to have a voice that matters to people to use that voice carefully and with purpose. Read more>>

Renato Fimene | Actor | Director | Writer | Producer

Preparation. As I have always been very curious since I was a child, I am constantly improving myself, seeking the unknown, and giving structure to each new step. I confess that it is not as linear as we often expect and that it requires patience but preparing myself and having an avid eye for human matter gives me an artistic perspective with great care and technique. Also, I consume a lot of art in books, films, series, exhibitions, and plays and have a traveler’s gaze, hungry for every new millimeter experienced. I’ve learned in recent years that I must be my biggest spectator. This taught me to respect myself as a person and my artistic life path and, above all, to understand that I am the sum of all my experiences and this is reflected in the work that I do. Read more>>

Anthony Walton | Founder & CEO of Icebreakers

The most pivotal factor behind the success of Icebreakers Artesian Spring Water is our unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. From the inception of our brand, we recognized that in the competitive world of bottled water, consumers are not just looking for hydration; they’re seeking an experience that transcends the ordinary. Our commitment to sourcing the purest, artesian spring water has been the cornerstone of our success. We meticulously select pristine water sources, ensuring that every drop that goes into our bottles is not only refreshing but imbued with a natural purity that sets us apart. This dedication to quality resonates with our consumers who have come to trust Icebreakers as more than just a beverage – it’s a lifestyle choice. Read more>>

Polina Bogomolova | Tour & Artist Manager

Even though I am still far from the level where I aspire to be at, I believe that the reason my career develops so quickly, consistently and well is the most basic thing you can ever hear – hard work, strong discipline and dreaming big. I’ll never forget the wise words I’ve been told by Lady Gaga when I met her back in 2012 – apart from a motivational speech she gave me which included a mention of believing in yourself, she couldn’t stress enough how crucial it is to have a very, very strong discipline. This part screamed to me the most because at the time I had issues with it. I always knew how to dream, keep believing in myself and stay inspired, always knew that if I touch something I won’t stop until I make it perfect – but the discipline was one thing which wasn’t my friend at all. Read more>>

LaToya Jane | Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist

the most important factor is me not to lose myself during this journey and to maintain keeping it real to myself before others, besides that my God and family is very important to keep in my mind to continue success Read more>>

Courtney Coons FNP-BC | Skincare & Injectable Specialist

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is woven from three essential threads: dedication, adaptability, and the invaluable support of my colleagues and peers. My genuine passion for aesthetics is the driving force that fuels my dedication to excellence. For me, this is more than just a profession: it is a commitment to consistently delivering high-quality results. It is a commitment to constantly adapting to the dynamic nature of the field; because in the ever-evolving realm of aesthetics, it is critical to provide clients with the most up-to-date techniques. I am constantly evolving with the industry, incorporating the latest technologies and evidence-based practices to ensure that my clients receive treatments that not only have a high safety profile, but provide cutting-edge results. Read more>>

Laura Petkunaite | Holistic & Quantum Medicine Expert

The most crucial factor behind the success of Whole You | Electrodermal Screening is a combination of objectivity and a comprehensive understanding of diverse areas such as Western and Eastern medicine, Quantum physics, and Psychology. Maintaining objectivity in the realm of health and healing is paramount. By delving into various fields, I equip myself with the knowledge needed to make objective judgments tailored to each specific case. This multifaceted approach allows me to provide precisely what is necessary for the unique needs of my clients, contributing significantly to their overall well-being. Another key element is my commitment to open communication and thorough engagement with my patients. Read more>>

Rylee Carter | Baker and Owner of Treats By Rylee

One of the biggest things that contributed to my success thus far is my drive and determination. I’ve always been somewhat of an entrepreneur; I started my first little bakery business in 5th grade, selling to teachers and parents at my elementary school, and it’s very full circle to be where I am now. I knew I never wanted to work for anyone else, so everyday that I am working on my business, I’m thinking about how to make this the job I get to do for the rest of my working life. I’m genuinely excited to work on my business, which I believe is part of what got me this far. The goal of being able to provide for my family in the future weighs heavily on me 24/7. I have a pretty clear picture of what I would like my life to look like in 5 years, 10 years, etc., and while things don’t always go to plan, I know that is what I’m striving towards. Read more>>

Victor Loo | Principal Consultant/Androgynous Model

During the pandemic, it teaches us we cannot prepare for what we cannot prepare for, and I affirms more what Marie Konda’s method on #SparkJoy. The most factor behind my success is do what #SparkJoy, and learning to embrace minimalism and live by the quote, ” Do what you love, love what you do” to continue to be intentional to integrate my passion for arts/fashion into the healthcare sector by turning a vision to an impact. Read more>>

Eden Shimon | Professional dancer and choreographer

I believe that the most important factor behind my success is who I am as a person and my energy. I get that a lot that one of the main reasons of me getting booked is because I’m a trust worthy person and I have good energy that people like to be around, which is also why all artists feel comfortable next to me and it’s something very important on a job. Read more>>

Zac Elam & Cougan Hobbs | Founders & Designers

We began our business knowing that we wanted to be business owners – just not sure what that exactly looked like. We helped other brands with product photography and marketing for several years. Something was missing as it felt like we would spend all our time promoting someone else’s dream. Little did we know the universe was about to give us all the time in the world to develop our growing (pun intended) eco friendly planter collection. Early 2020 when the lockdowns began – we both lost our jobs. We had dabbled with 3D printing our own propagation stations and planters as a hobby. Now with a chance to be independent we ran full speed ahead. Read more>>

Zarah (AKA Zarah Maillard) | Singer-songwriter, Author and TV personality

My ability to never give up and persevere throughout my journey in life while weathering the storm so to finish what I’ve started. And the fact that my drive and determination superseded my weaknesses and that the passion I have for my work has fueled me for a long time especially after encountering such unforeseen circumstances in my life lately that I could’ve never prepared for. The fact that I’ve not only beaten all the odds against me, but to still find the success you set yourself out to do in the midst of an ultimate crisis in your life, is virtually impossible not only to me but for anyone. Because I’ve been involved in the entertainment industry as singer-songwriter, author, television personality and producer, my talents and skills are the basis of my marketing and promotion hence, I am the overall brand and my creative work is what drives it. Read more>>