We asked some brilliant folks from the community to tell us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Veronica Harris | LE, Beauty Business Owner & Author

Accountability and the drive necessary to pursue personal development have been the most impactful lessons I have learned throughout my throughout my career and in business. Read more>>

Karin Tatsuoka | Professional Dancer

The most important thing my career has taught me is to stop comparing myself to others, never ever give up, and to stay true to myself. Read more>>

Michael De Sane | NFL Agent

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is that relationships matter. You should look to build genuine relationships with people in your field. No matter how much study and research you do, proper relationships will put you in better positions, open up doors, and create more opportunities than just only doing research (which is important). Second is attention to detail. Double and triple check anything you work on, along with having another person review it. When putting out professional work you don’t want to have minor errors. The little things matter! Read more>>

Casey Dunmore | Music Producer, Composer & Record Player

To have patience no matter the situation with others and myself. Read more>>

KoKo Kennedy | Singer/Songwriter/ Recording Artist

Music has taught me patience and consistency. It’s important to be consistent in your craft and work towards your goal everyday. However, it’s also important to understand patience and real success does not happen over night. I’ve also learned to remain 100% true to myself. I’ve learned that God has given us all something different, so it’s important to fully understand that being yourself makes you authentic. So with that, I’ve learned my competition is within own mind. Read more>>

Alana Rich | Singer-Songwriter

I’ve learned countless lessons through my artistic career, however one important one in particular is that consistency and the willingness to adapt are key to creating longevity. The modern music landscape requires artists not only to create, but also to know how to market the music from start to finish. That means I have to constantly educate myself on what’s current plus wear many hats and learn new skills on the fly. From writing and producing, to studying the PR, to designing and directing video and photoshoots, to consistently interacting with my followers online… every day as an independent artist demands something different and we have to roll with the punches. I feel that this approach can set one up for success in other parts of life, too. Read more>>

Clara Zimm | Recording artist and singer/songwriter

The most important lesson my career has taught me is that there is no such thing as giving a handout; no ones gonna chase your dreams like you are! And no one else is going to give you your dreams except yourself. Read more>>

Kendall Bird | CEO and Co-Founder of Frame Therapy

As the co-founder of a mental health startup (Frame Therapy) I am still learning and growing every day. This entrepreneurial journey has already taught me so much and if there are three pieces of advice I could give to an aspiring entrepreneur it would be the following: Minimize catastrophic thinking by getting mentally prepared: During the months leading up to fundraising for my startup, I refused to let any negative thoughts enter my mind about what might happen. Read more>>