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.

Jade Dee | Disc Jockey

The key factor behind my success as a DJ and in building my brand has been my dedication to connecting with the audience and creating experiences that resonate with them. I’m grateful for my journey, from being a DJ in the Philippines to performing in different venues here. I’ve focused on truly understanding what people want to hear and feel, which has helped me adapt and keep the energy alive throughout events. My passion for music and the joy of seeing people enjoy themselves motivate me. I’ve also been fortunate to collaborate with brands, which has allowed me to share my work with more people and continue growing in this field. Read more>>

Shamekka Marty | Speaker/Connector/Patient Advocate/Cybersecurity Specialist/Boardwoman

I believe the success of my brand comes from being truly relatable. I began by sharing blog posts about my journey with chronic illness and later started documenting my daily experiences on social media. I’m not only relatable, but I also aim to educate. Whenever I discover a new tip or strategy, I make it a point to share it with my followers and community. On my social media, I’m open about my good, bad, and difficult days, always aiming to motivate others. On your toughest days, know that you’re not alone—I, along with many others, face similar challenges too. Read more>>

Cory Toth | Hairstylist & Salon Owner

As a hairstylist and small business owner, the most important factor behind my success is connecting with each of my guests. I genuinely care about each of them and their haircare needs. I believe haircare goes beyond just hair; it is about building trust and understanding by listening, by making my guests feel comfortable in a judgment free space, and by providing an exceptional experience. As well as, being creative, versatile, and passionate about my craft. Read more>>

Yosi Arbib | General Construction

The most important factor behind our success is undoubtedly our team and the shared goals that unite us. While I have a clear vision and am extremely motivated to bring ideas to life, it’s the collective effort, dedication, and expertise of my team that turn those ideas into reality. Our success is built on collaboration, mutual support, and a commitment to delivering excellence together. Read more>>

Nga Weng Chio | Lead Composer for Film & Games

Fusing musical elements from a particular culture into a score has always been my vision in composing. I love to combine traditional elements with different modern genres to create a new soundscape that aligns with the storytelling. Coming from Macau, I am hugely influenced by the diverse culture. Since Macau was once a Portuguese colony, there has been a lot of European and Portuguese influence on music and architecture. Besides, Chinese temples, culture, and music are also a huge influence in Macau. Growing up with classical music and Hong Kong pop music, these elements have been a mark in my composition journey, encouraging me to fuse the unfamiliar with the familiar. Read more>>

Maeve Haber | Illustrator

I try to depict girlhood in a relatable way so young women, especially queer women like myself, who didn’t get the chance to express themselves in the way they wanted growing up, can embrace their nostalgia and femininity. I hope other young women and queer people can relate to my art and use it to experience missing pieces of their adolescence. Deciding to depict hyper-femininity is important to me since, growing up, I was often told girly things were frivolous. Read more>>

Al Cuevas | High School Teacher & DJ

“The most important factor behind my success—and the success of my brand—has been the commitment to relentless improvement and balance. I believe success is never final; there’s always room to grow, new skills to master, and new sounds to explore. What people see at an event or a set is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, we put in countless hours prepping, finding music, practicing transitions, and staying current with music trends. It’s a craft that requires dedication far beyond the event itself. Read more>> 

Austin Peyton

One of the most important things in the acting industry is to simply keep putting one foot in front of the other and knowing that you will achieve what you wish to. For me, it’s not enough to dream or believe that I will have a successful career as an actor, I have to know it in my heart of hearts. Acting is the great love of my life and for me, there is no other option. It is the thing that makes me the happiest. This industry is so tough and filled with so much rejection, but as long as I constantly remind myself why I love this craft and that one day I will achieve all I dream of achieving, then I can handle the rejection. Read more>>

Anton Baklan

The most important factor behind the success of my brand SOIA DESIGN is the continuous evolution of conditions, approaches, and self-development. This prevents stagnation and drives both professional and personal growth. For instance, we recently relocated to Los Angeles to embrace new opportunities and further pursue this philosophy. Read more>>

Dr. Parsa Peykar

Success, to me, isn’t about meeting society’s standards or keeping pace with others—it’s about fulfilling what’s uniquely right for you. It begins with uncovering your purpose and committing to it fully. But purpose alone isn’t enough; it must flow outward through service. True service isn’t an occasional act—it’s a mindset, a way of living. You give, give, and give again. Read more>>

Roy Lucian Baza

I have to say I haven’t reached the level of success that I know I can and will reach. But honestly, based off of the success that I do have/ achieved thus far, I have to say, it’s my drive and determination to spread joy and bring love to those who need it most. Via the memories that will stick with me for life, living and breathing though the lyrics of my songs. Read more>>

Dennis Mulyar

My faith has by far been the greatest factor to success. Sure there’s been a lot of hard work and intentionality, but if it wasn’t my faith in Jesus, I would not be alive today (literarily). There came a moment in my life where the money, the successes and the celebrities I got to be around didn’t fulfill me… I needed something deeper. I think everyone can live a meaningful life believing what they believe, but for me, this is the only thing that truly worked. Read more>>

Betsy Chung, Psy.d

I’m a firm believer in paying your dues and being realistic about expectations. I would consider myself fully self-made, and along the journey of getting here, I needed to do a lot of “free work” to get noticed and overcome many personal challenges to grow as a mental health professional. What I often encounter are people who earn a degree, become licensed, and expect to have a thriving business. I recall having those same expectations because I felt that I “earned” success by completing so many years of schooling, but later learned that that’s just entitlement. Read more>>

Brittney Marie Darling

The most important factor behind my success has been my faith. Moving from Chicago Illinois to Los Angeles to pursue my career took a huge leap of faith. I understood I had a calling on my life from an early age, having the courage to pursue my ambitions came naturally for me. As I’ve never believed in limits to my success. Read more>>

Maggie Morton

To be honest, it’s putting human-centered needs at the forefront of my practice. My first degree was in Psychology, where I began to understand what it is to be human. For instance, personality psychology dives into what makes us unique. Introverted versus extroverted, thinking versus feeling and so on. When I’m working on branding, understanding the person behind the brand, or the reason for the brand’s creation is where I start. Bringing life into the brand that truly encompasses who it is, aside from current aesthetics or what’s presently trending. Read more>>

Tehya Jennett

I’m lucky enough to do what I love, and having passion for my work has to be the most important factor in my own personal drive and success. In finding my own path career wise, I always knew climate justice had to be an integral part of my work. I feel most fulfilled when I’m helping imagine and create a more just and livable future, and I believe storytelling plays a huge role in doing that. By focusing Stranded Astronaut Productions on bringing stories that we need to hear – stories about those on the frontlines of the climate crisis, stories of solutions, of communities, of love, and sometimes just good old fashioned fun – we’re part of a larger movement working to communicate the climate crisis. Read more>>

Andy Seltzer

I think one of the most important factors of my success in the career of music production is my ability to create an open, ego-less, respectful, and trusting sanctuary for artists; allowing lots of room to access their most honest selves in order to make meaningful art that they are proud of. Read more>>