We’ve always believed that forming a strategy is impossible until your clear on what your values and principles are. Without values and principles to guide you, making decisions can seem impossibly difficult. Given how important setting values and principles is to decision making we asked folks we admire to tell us about the values or principles that matter most to them.

Victor Rosiles-Tessier | Owner & Talent Buyer

The Haven Pomona values being a true, safe space for live entertainment. We believe that live music should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, etc. We are a welcoming environment for those who have a desire to listen to their favorite local bands or be heard by their earliest, most passionate fans. We understand the importance of the DIY scene and provide a professional platform and services to see it thrive in our community. We are truly a venue like no other simply for valuing music first. Read more>>

Jade Shmaia-Malka | Co-Founder & CEO – DYM Builders

At Arch and DYM Builders, the value that matters most to us is trust. We believe trust is the foundation of every successful project and relationship. It’s not just about the quality of work we deliver, but also how we interact with our clients, partners, and team members. Building trust means being transparent, reliable, and consistent in everything we do. Read more>>

Hayoun Kim | Production Designer

Not losing curiosity is the most essential value in my career and my life. This curiosity brought me here, and that makes my days colorful. If I hadn’t endeavored to know new people, new spaces, new environments, and new narratives, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy my life and career this much. My life is a series of encounters with new things. I cherish these new encounters, and my curiosity toward this inspires me to create unique spaces and characters visually. Read more>>

Chris Zilong Wang | Producer

During my early career in film and television, I wholly engaged in a hands-on, collaborative learning environment. I tried directing, camera, and even sound but I found my voice in producing eventually. I enjoy having the privilege and responsibility to bring stories to life by carefully navigating the delicate balance between artistic vision and logistical feasibility. I always held the belief that my professor, an academy nominee, Christine Choy told me – you collaborate or you die alone in the business. I kept this mindset for all the production I’ve been involved in during my undergraduate studies as being a producer means you are the leader and mediators between the collaborators. Read more>>

Yasmeen Abdallah | Artist and Curator

I most value connectivity, respect, depth, dialogue and communication. These are the pillars upon which any practice initiative should be founded on, as these principles are the fundamental foundation for success in any capacity. Everyone wants to be valued, understood, seen and heard. How we treat others is a reflection of how we treat and feel about ourselves. These qualities speak to me louder than anything else ever could. Read more>>

John Kim | Project Manager, Business Owner, CEO, Board Chairman, Webmaster

Integrity takes form in many shapes. It is incredibly difficult to go through life wondering if a person’s “yes” means “yes” and “no” means “no”. The need to preface a statement with “Honestly…” or “I promise…” is rather frustrating every time I hear it. I make every effort to be true to my word and I expect the same from others. I have been called “predictable” but I prefer to be referred to as “reliable” or “dependable”. The nuances between these words are miles apart. Read more>>

Andrea Montufar | Illustrator & Character Designer

To me what matters most is community and helping to lift each other up. No man is an island- we are here to love and support one another. I believe that a strong and healthy support system is the key to a strong and healthy mind body and soul. Read more>>

Dan Gomez | Audio Engineer, Writer, & Editor for Film.

Work Ethic. Plain and simple. I think at a very young age, observing my father, and somewhat by osmosis, I learned that whatever you do in life, do it well. My dad famously used to say to my two brothers and I, “Even if all you become in life is a manure shoveler, be the best damn manure shoveler in the business.” So that’s what we all did. It’s important to me at least, that even if you’re not being noticed or rewarded, there is definitely some personal satisfaction in just doing the best job you can in whatever it is you do in life. Eventually, someone will notice. But even if they don’t, you should always still bust your ass. It builds character. Read more>>

Huiyu Zhou | Editor&Designer

I think one of the values that mean a lot in my heart is Sincerity. Before I started my filmmaking career and socializing with people who have different cultural backgrounds from me, I had a really difficult time getting involved in American culture because I am super introverted and I cannot speak English very fluently. When I was 18 years old, I went to UC Davis and I barely talked because all things are new to me and I am a person who needs a longer time to get used to those new things. However, I know I cannot stop here. I tried so hard to practice English and talk with my professor about my plans for the future and making new friends. I want to let other people know that I am open to them and I accept different voices and opinions. It takes time to let myself jump out of my comfort zone to see through a new world and it also takes time for other people to trust me that I am a person who usually speaks the real opinion to them. During the cooperation, people would all have different kinds of thoughts that want to tell. As one of the members of the team, what I need to do is be a good listener and help them to analysis about the advantages and disadvantages so that they can make the best decision. Different voice sometimes is a good thing for people like me to learn and to see, and to get a new vision about the world. Read more>>