The deciding factor: what’s the most important factor behind your success?

There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Alice Macedo | Singer/Songwriter & Music Industry Specialist

I believe that my success is a lot due to my resilience and unending commitment to learning. The music industry’s constant evolution demands adaptability, and I firmly believe that my ability to embrace change and my continuous pursuit of knowledge have been pivotal in my journey. I highly value the practice of listening to others, absorbing diverse perspectives, and seeking out new insights. Read more>>

Polina Yatsuk | Fashion Model

My three simple rules for achieving success are: never give up, focus on your goals and believe in yourself. It may seem trivial, but all these principles really work. Throughout our lives we all face difficulties and failures and it is only through perseverance that we can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way. Read more>>

Fatima Albuquerque | Personal Real Estate Corporation

I think real estate is a business of people, first and foremost. Therefore, the success of a business of this kind depends on the professional’s ability to differentiate from others. In developing my brand I always focus on my unique traits so I can establish deeper connections with my audience, my prospects, past and present clients. Read more>>

Kim Argetsinger | Business Coach & Mentor

Most of us start our entrepreneurial journey because we see a need in the market or because we have a passion and purpose for a kind of work we simply can’t ignore. At this stage, business is personal, it’s a dream, a desire, it’s a fire inside us, it’s our “baby”, and it’s often all about us, the entrepreneur. Read more>>

Sinki Huang | Illustrator, Designer & Photographer

The cornerstone of my success lies in my unwavering commitment to continuous learning. One of the standout achievements I am immensely proud of is the creation of the FILA CHINA Sports Club logo, a design that emerged victorious from a pool of designs submitted by various talented designers within the company. This logo, which I conceptualized and designed in 2020, remains an integral part of the company’s branding to this day. Read more>>

Lacey OLeary and Julia Wunner Brilly Design co | Muralist

The success of our business is a tapestry woven from various elements, but at its core lies the bedrock of mutual respect that defines our partnership. We revel in the joy of working as a dynamic duo. While it’s true that each of us could have embarked on this journey alone, we both know that our union is a force to be reckoned with. Read more>>

Whitney Brown | Professional Portrait Photographer and Studio Owner

Self-value and consistency is at the forefront of everything I’ve done and accomplished in my life. I kept showing up, regardless of who thought I was meant to be in the room; and each time I showed up, I showed up better. They can’t deny you’re out there doing it, when you ARE and the work is good. That takes time, trust in yourself, and a lot of self-value work, which in my opinion should be your very first task in pursuing a creative endeavor as a career. Read more>>

Jiarui (Ruby) Cai | Fashion Designer

Do not let the gaze of the world intimidate you; persevere in your passion. My collections often face a lot of controversy. There was a time when I would be saddened upon receiving negative feedback. However, one of my instructors told me that people with many controversial about my collections are better than people looking at them, offering no comments, and then forgetting. Read more>>

Teresa Baxter | Co-founder, Fair Trade Long Beach

I have devoted my life to the principles of fair trade as a business model, and as an activist movement. I have been a part of many campaigns from coast to coast promoting the economic empowerment that ethical consumerism can create. Read more>>

Brandon Stevenson | Owner/Found – Moment At Home, Inc

Effort combined with the willingness to listen and learn from others. When I was just starting out in the professional world, I was pretty quiet and felt a little out of place. I would hear people around me answer questions with authority and because of this, I thought that they were seasoned veterans that had the answers to everything. I felt that I needed to listen and learn it all! Read more>>

Dina Belenko | Still life photographer and magician

A major problem with The Reason of My Success Speech is Survivorship bias. This is a lottery winner telling you not to stop buying lottery tickets (which is clearly an unwise investment plan: people who play the lottery lose far more money than they win). Talks from people who took risks and became successful can give us a false impression about the likelihood of success in any other field of endeavor. Read more>>

Justin Zhengyi Yu | Concept artist & instructor

The most important factor behind my career success as a concept artist is my passion for storytelling through visual arts. This passion fuels my motivation to continuously polish my artwork until it effectively conveys the intended narrative and resonates with audiences. Not only elevated the quality of my creativities, but has also enabled me to establish a unique artistic communication that stands out in a competitive field or in the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Iting Chen | Designer

It’s been an incredible journey so far. I’ve been a part of the design industry for over a decade. I am currently working and living in the USA but I grew up in Taiwan and I lived in Korea for a year. I feel grateful for the opportunity to use my design skills to make a living and explore various cultures along the way. Read more>>

Andy Yi Li | Filmmaker

My journey in the film world has been a whirlwind, packed with unexpected twists that could fill a movie script. From setbacks to curveballs, I’ve faced challenges that demanded perseverance and adaptability. I initially pursued real estate in college and aspired to become a businesswoman working in the finance world. Read more>>