In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.

Stephanie Cotsirilos | Author, lawyer

Leaving something behind for the folks I care about — and that’s a broad swath of people. Making money from selling books isn’t always realistic, so I count the return on values that matter to me. Read more>>

RIIIVER JORDAN | Singer/Songwriter & Dancer

Seems cliché but “Treat others how you want to be treated.” I think often people change this to “treat others how they treat you.” this outlook doesn’t leave room for change in the highest possible outcome. Read more>>

Daniela González Reyes | Filmmaker

I rule myself with a lot of values, but I consider RESPECT as the most important one. We are humans, we are surrounded by more humans, everyone is dealing with their own struggles. Being respectful to people can lead you to so many things. Respect for their work, for their opinion or mindset, respect for their time, etc. Read more>>

Claire Lee | Illustrator & Designer

Something that I highly value in my life is keeping an open mind and embracing change. Throughout my life, I’ve struggled with confidence in my work and finding who I am as both a person and an artist. For the longest time, I wanted to be a character designer. Read more>>

Kevin Barile | Action Filmmaker

There are many principals that are important to me in life and in my work. Honesty, effort and humility to name a few. But the one I’d like to focus on in the context of creating entertainment and art is loyalty. Read more>>

Olivia Collins | Website copywriter

Connection is at the center of everything – my personal life, and my business (and that’s the ONLY way I’m able to function as a business owner, by the way!). In my personal life, I’ve been called “adventurous.” I’m a rock climber, dabbled in the aviation world, and I like to take semi-planned road trips all over remote regions of the US. Read more>>

Dr. Leslie Dobson | Clinical and Forensic Psychologist

Authenticity, transparency and consistent confidence are my main principles. After years working with criminals and very mentally ill individuals, I learned how to be myself. I learned how to be okay with myself and set boundaries with toxic people around me in my life. Read more>>

Freya Berkhout | Composer & Creative Technologist

Authenticity is most important to me. I think that word gets thrown around a lot, but at its core it’s about self-awareness, understanding who you are and being bold enough to share yourself honestly. It’s important to me because I think it makes for a valuable life. Read more>>