We asked the community what factors they felt were responsible for their success and we’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Michelle Martinez

The most important factor behind my success has been my team. My team is filled with moms who all share one common goal – to stand alongside other moms and help create a village that demonstrates a healthy, loving atmosphere to raise our babies. FIT4MOM Foothills is more than just a workout because of our strong team. When you come to a FIT4MOM Foothills class, you’re always welcomed by a team member who has been in that moms shoes before. Each of them carries such kindness and passion for what they do. Read More>>

Carin Yates

I think as a photographer, in the beginning, I did everything. Mostly, I was doing family portraits, but also would get asked to do real estate, catalog shoots, weddings, product shots, and events. Although I will still do some of these things, I have found my niche and have a specialty, and found that not only does this help market me as a photographer, but it has also helped open new doors. I can now turn down some of the jobs I didn’t enjoy doing, which in turn makes me love what I do even more. As an artist, I spent many years wondering if I was good enough, second-guessing my work. I am rebooked by my clients all the time, which lets me know they are happy with my work. Read More>>

Carleigh Blonigan

The most important factor behind my success has been the ability to truly personalize each session to meet the unique needs of every client. My background in BASI Pilates, Foundation Training, pre/postnatal specialization, and NeuroKinetic Therapy gives me a diverse and comprehensive toolbox. This allows me to approach each client with a fresh perspective—assessing their body, listening to their goals, and designing sessions that are both effective and supportive. Read More>>

Rie McClenny

The most important factor behind my success has been my willingness to stay curious, work hard, and be honest about what I don’t know. When I first started as a video producer at BuzzFeed Tasty, I had no background in video production. Instead of letting that stop me, I spent my free time taking online courses and teaching myself the basics of editing and filming. I was genuinely excited to learn, and I wasn’t afraid to admit when I didn’t know something. Read More>>

Becky Broyles

The most important factor behind Ovation’s success is our mission of changing the world, one child at time. It is our driving motivation in every facet of our organization. Read More>>

Grania Murray

If I had to name the thread running through everything I do, it’s clarity.
Not just in the way I design – but in how I help people move through big, complicated decisions with a sense of calm and direction.

I’ve been working as an interior designer for over 25 years – originally from Ireland, now based in Los Angeles. My projects have taken me all over the world, from Europe to the Middle East to California. I’ve always cared about beauty and balance—but more than anything, but what truly matters is helping people feel calm, clear, and confident in the face of big, overwhelming decisions. Read More>>

Mahesh Kondiparthi

The most important factor behind my success is the seamless fusion of imagination and execution. I’ve always been fascinated by how structured engineering can coexist with boundless creativity. My format, Cinematic Live, emerged from that intersection—where storytelling meets systems thinking. I don’t just perform; I bring emotions to life through storytelling and special effects. What’s helped me stand out is that I didn’t aim to replicate what already exists—I invent formats that didn’t exist before. Read More>>

Matt Wolf

For me, the most important factor has been staying aligned with what feels real and meaningful. Music has always been where I feel most alive, whether I’m creating, performing, or teaching. That connection to music and the joy it brings is what fuels everything I do. It’s not just about sound, it’s about emotion, presence, and impact. Read More>>

Lauren Francesca

I think the most important factor behind my success has been consistency and connection. I’ve been creating content online for over a decade, and I’ve stayed true to who I am while constantly evolving with the platforms. Whether it’s acting, directing, or just being silly in a skit, I show up, I create, and I engage. My audience has grown with me because I’ve always tried to be real and relatable — even in a world that’s full of filters. And honestly, I love what I do. That passion keeps me going through the hard days, and I think people can feel that. Read More>>

Leah Davidson

I think it’s a mix of heart, creativity, and a whole lot of real-life experience. I don’t just teach nervous system work – I’ve lived it, professionally and personally. I lead with authenticity and a willingness to be seen, even in the messy parts. I’m not afraid to feel the full spectrum of emotion and let that be a compass, not a limitation.

I also have a “what’s there to lose?” kind of attitude. I share generously, because I genuinely believe there’s room for all of us. I’ve built multiple offers to meet people where they are because access also matters to me. And for me, success isn’t just about the big milestones; it’s also about showing up, staying aligned with what I care about, and celebrating every step of the way. Read More>>

Mikey Montemayor

I think what’s helped me the most in all of my creative endeavors, both as a screenwriter and a stand up comedian is consistency. There is no waiting for a muse or inspiration to hit you. There’s no such thing as writer’s block. You just have to sit down and do it everyday. On days you don’t feel like it, on days where it doesn’t seem fun or inspiring, those are the days that will make you. All of the work I’ve done in the dark, on my own, is what leads to the stuff that people see and applaud for. And learning how to consistently show up for yourself like it’s a full time job, is the most important thing that has helped me. Read More>> 

Alexander G. Seyum

What’s most important to me is staying true to the goals I set for myself when I founded Carnival Pictures. Remaining authentic to my artistic style—drawing inspiration from others but making my own way. This has always been my main factor. From the very beginning, I understood that this journey as an artist, filmmaker, and photographer would be lifelong. I anticipated the ups and downs, the struggles ahead, but I also envisioned myself reaching my creative goals. That belief in my vision has been the fuel that keeps me moving forward, continuing to create with purpose and passion. Read More>>

Boy Bowser 

I think the most important factor about my success is my authenticity. As a trans man who makes music, for a long time I struggled with a lot of feelings of self-doubt. There wasn’t much representation for people like me in the music industry, especially not in hip-hop, and it was scary to take those first few steps. But now, I embrace my differences and my identity, and I hope my listeners are drawn not just to my trans-ness, but also my message of being authentic and true to yourself. The self is something that should be celebrated and I try to convey that message in my songs as much as possible. Read More>>

Amin

I believe that the key to achieving success lies in continually improving your knowledge and skills in any field you’re passionate about. You have to be dedicated to learning and growing, and then actively apply that knowledge by working and creating in those areas. It’s crucial to imagine success vividly and to want it deeply, from the very core of your being. Even when things get tough, you have to keep moving forward, driven by hope and determination, rather than letting yourself be consumed by hopelessness.  Read More>>