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.

Mark Drushchenko | Tattoo and contemporary artist

The most important principle in my work is to do only what aligns with my chosen creative path (my artistic vision). As a tattoo artist, I constantly interact with clients, and if I merely follow orders and fulfill every whim, I could lose both my sense of taste and personal style. I don’t want to offend anyone who comes to me for a tattoo; I’m open to any ideas and challenges. However, I am not willing to copy others or work under strict instruction. For me, collaboration is crucial: it’s about merging the client’s idea with my vision of that idea. This is what I enjoy about tattooing and the philosophy I follow. Read more>>

Nobu Yamamoto | Co-Founder

Perseverance is everything. The most important quality I believe anyone who’s trying to accomplish their goals can have, is perseverance. If you believe in what you want to achieve and how it can benefit society then all you have to do is keep going and work hard and in spite of all of the obstacles you may face, you will make it. Trying to build up Little Akihabara has had its ups and downs, and there have definitely been days that felt defeating, but I never let myself lose hope. Once you lose hope, you lose sight of your goal and you can’t move forward. Read more>>

Jen Montzingo | Disability Advocate and Neighborhood Councilmember

Despite being on stools thousands of times (I am 4’2”), a simple fall off of one changed everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. I fell — resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury. Four spinal fusions led to three years living in medical facilities. For much of it I was paralyzed chest down. Life was sterile, lacking all color and connection. Read more>>

Haulston Mann | Actor/Director

I think the think the thing I try to pursue the most in my life and career is “creating from a place of joy with people I like and care about.” That’s sort of the true north on my artistic compass. If that’s happening, the project will probably turn out pretty good, but even if it doesn’t I can still stand behind it because it was time well spent with people I want to be around. Read more>>

Tina Tsung | Product Designer

The principle that resonates most deeply with me is sustainability. To me, design isn’t just about creating beautiful objects; it’s about crafting meaningful, enduring experiences that respect both cultural heritage and environmental responsibility. This ethos of sustainability extends beyond materials—I aim to create designs with long-term relevance that also tell a story. Whether it’s blending traditional Taiwanese motifs into contemporary forms or exploring eco-friendly materials, I’m committed to a design process that minimizes waste and enhances connection. This value has driven every project I take on and has shaped the foundation of my work as a designer. Read more>>

John Luo | New Media Artist

The intention to communicate and discuss with the audience matters most to me. In a normal conversation, you start and proceed by making yourself clear, which is the mindset I think many artists lack. Art should be an invitation—a bridge between the creator and the viewer, sparking thought and conversation without unnecessary barriers. Too often, artistic expression becomes so abstract or overly complex that it loses its power to connect, creating a divide between the artist and their audience. For me, clarity doesn’t mean simplicity; it means crafting experiences that are engaging, meaningful, and accessible while retaining depth and complexity. Read more>>

Melissa Bent | Pediatrician and Children’s Author

Representation and inclusivity are the values that matter most to me. Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me in medicine, which can impact how young people envision their futures. It is incredibly important to me to create spaces and stories that uplift underrepresented voices and show kids, especially from diverse backgrounds, that they can achieve anything. Women make up 38% of all practicing doctors and underrepresented minorities like myself, make up less than 3%. In my book, I hope to inspire young readers to pursue their dreams without feeling limited by stereotypes by showcasing a range of women from different specialties and backgrounds. Read more>>

Reyhan Esen | Film Producer, Director, and Actress

The most important values for me are honesty and sincerity. In both my personal life and professional career, telling the truth, being genuine, and staying at peace with myself allow me to trust that I am on the right path. In my view, art only becomes meaningful when it connects deeply with a person’s inner truth. As an artist, if I don’t confront my own truths and emotions, the work I create will lack authenticity and impact. Read more>>