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.

Rachel Loui

On paper, I’m a professional optimizer. I’m a consultant serving small and mid-sized B2B companies to help them become more effective. How? I help business leaders save time and make more money with the resources they already have.

But here’s what I really do: I motivate people to set and achieve their goals. The secret sauce behind my two consulting businesses, StrategicGrowthFactor.com and HackingFears.com, is pushing people to do the things they know they should…but absolutely don’t want to. That might mean finally raising their prices, speaking at a conference that could change their career, or learning how to use GenAI to stop wasting time and start making money. Read More>>

Jorge Lopez

My ability to assess or discover talent has been one of the most important factors in our success. I really enjoy being able to see the possibilities and potential in people and opening their eyes to these new opportunities.

Many times that includes people who have never worked in our audio/visual or production industry.

This is not just technical or event skills but personal attributes such as work ethic, people skills, friendly demeanor, a desire to learn and take on new challenges. Read More>>

Johnny Ray Gill

The most important factors behind my success are my mother and the educators who believed in me and gave me the tools to build as an artist. I firmly rebuke this very American idea that we “do things on our own”… it’s a fallacy, and individualism has its roots in colonialism. I didn’t pick the strawberries I ate today, nor did I pave the road upon which I’ll drive when I get the opportunity to sit one day—I hope soon—and build with Ryan Coogler, so I always think of the community when I think about my success.  Read More>>

Todd Elliot

Always think positive. Communicating very well with clients from the get-go and then following up after. Being prompt, professional, respectful, and following all the terms and request from clients. After all goes well, requesting a referral or a review on any sites like yelp or social media Helps. Word-of-mouth is the best type of referral for the success of your brand. Improving and updating my website and broadening out with suggestions and feedback from others about my website and company to help succeed the best as possible. Read More>>

Desiree Kitsmiller

The most important factor behind my success has been the way I was raised. My upbringing taught me the value of working hard to achieve my goals and staying consistent no matter what. That foundation shaped everything—from how I show up for myself to how I build long-term relationships and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Read More>>

Sara

The most important factor behind my success—and the success of my brand as a Registered Dietitian—is authenticity rooted in science, empathy, and relatability. I don’t just share nutrition facts; I translate complex science into practical, individualized guidance. I use relatable stories and analogies to help people truly understand and connect with the information, making it easier to apply in real life. I also don’t hide my personality—being personable and approachable is just as important as being knowledgeable.  Read More>>