A host of factors, developments, and dynamics have made most industries more competitive than ever. As a result so many of us wonder whether there is still such a thing as work-life balance. We reached out to the community to hear perspectives on finding the right balance.

Senaida Ng | Experiential Artist, DJ, Producer

I think success is defined differently for everybody and for a long time, my definition of success was feeling confident and proud of the work that I was creating and putting out into the world. I always believe that at the end of the day, passion/drive and hard work can make any dream a reality. Many great artists and innovators were told that what they were doing was ‘useless’ or ‘impossible’ and yet they persisted, which is what makes them so great. I strive to do the same in my own work and brand, defying what we think is impossible, or has yet to be imagined, and using it to create a better, more equitable future. Oftentimes, I think about how far we as a human civilization has come. When we are born, we are not capable of doing very much. Read more>>

Sergio Dosal | Illustrator & Creative

I’d say I base success in three pillars: First one is to keep yourself curious. I always try to discover new series, music, food, places, artists… that could inspire myself. I love to learn new things and to challenge myself in doing things that I never did before. Second one is to surround yourself with good people. I think if you’re doing your own business – in every kind of area -, you need to be surrounded by people who can not only help you when needed, but make your process enjoyable and cheerful. I’d say PR is a big part of having a project, and while contacts are super important, you will need a closer circle of people who understand your situations and encourage you when in lower times. Read more>>

Favor Valentine | Pop/rnb artist

The most important factor behind my success would have to be my mom being that she’s so strong and endured so much illness. But conquered them all! Read more>>

H.C. Guida | Writer & Producer, Founder of Synkronicity Projects

A growing conscious community is key to my entertainment brand’s success. Synkronicity Projects was founded two years ago with the calling and the intent to inject a truthful, more forward-thinking kind of content into the current series and film landscape. What started with a an award-winning short film called Aho, about a first timers foray into he world of ayahuasca, has led to the series pilot for a project titled Topanga, which explores the world of plant medicine and spiritual healing. Both projects are comedies, using humor to facilitate the familiarization between mainstream society and the world of spirit, psychedelics, and yoga. It’s not as far out as it sounds. Read more>>

Brian Goddard | Audio Engineer

The most critical factor behind my success as an audio engineer, and the success of my brand, is a combination of technical proficiency, a relentless pursuit of sonic excellence, and a deep understanding of my clients’ needs. Being able to consistently deliver high-quality audio productions is fundamental. This involves staying current with the latest industry trends, technologies, and techniques. Moreover, building strong and lasting relationships with clients has been instrumental. Communication is key in the audio engineering field, ensuring that I understand their artistic vision and can translate that into a polished and impactful sound. Collaborating effectively and adapting to diverse musical genres or project requirements has allowed me to create a broad portfolio and cater to a wide range of clients. Read more>>

Kevin Atkinson | Owner at Sweat 60

At Sweat 60, the emphasis on fostering a culture of support and community, driven by a genuine passion to assist and uplift others, We truly care about the well-being and success of our members. These values collectively contribute to a positive member experience and a strong brand reputation. Read more>>

Shannon Corbett | Actress & Singer

The most important factors behind my success are these big 3: confidence, hustle, and never take no for an answer. When I book work, it is important for me to trust myself I’m capable of doing my job, whether it’s acting or singing, and walk in to the job confidently because it is a form of communication that shows you know what you’re doing and that you’re going to do excellently. Confidence shows that you are sure of yourself and it’s attractive.
The reason why I’m successful is mostly because I am a hustler. Constantly submitting daily all day everyday and I’m always putting myself out there on social media and at events. I do not take ‘no’ for an answer. If I don’t get something, I look other places until I get a ‘yes’. I do not believe in giving up! If not this, then something better! Read more>>

John Wusah | Actor, Writer, Martial Artist.

Being perseverant, and just doing your due diligence. Hollywood is like any other industry, it takes dedication and repetition to get use to the flow this industry is set to. I decided to quit my 6 figure job in Taiwan to move half way around the world to pursue a career in dance at the age of 27. That took extreme courage on my part, I didn’t know anyone here. But I knew my work ethic was strong, and that I only have this one life to live. So why not live it the way I want to and push to make my dreams come true? Read more>>

Hélène Cardona | Actor, Poet and Writer, Producer

The first thing is believing in myself, knowing that I’m meant to do what I’m doing, and pursuing it with all my heart. I’m an actor, a poet and writer and feel that for artists it is a calling. I also have a strong work ethic. I always show up prepared, and give a thousand per cent. Making movies is a collaborative process and I love contributing in every way I can. In addition to working in front of the camera, I also do a lot of voice work, and the team work there is just fabulous.
Learning to deal with rejection and accepting that’s simply part of the process for everyone, for acting as well as for publishing books. What is yours ultimately finds you. Read more>>

Andrew & Polly | makers of music & podcasts for kids

This might seem simplistic, but we’re truly interested in our audience. Whether it’s a million families listening to us on SIRIUS XM or one kid wiggling in their grownup’s lap, we identify with families bouncing between absolute joy and utter chaos. We believe kids are curious, funny, playful and brave — their content should be, too! We want to make media that respects children’s intelligence and welcomes them into the experience as partners and participants. Read more>>

Shaneen Bonner | CEO/ founder

The most important factor behind my success is my faith and self belief. Read more>>

Rolanda T. Pyle | Author and Social Worker, LMSW

I think the most important factor behind the success of my writing is that writing is one of my gifts. It was not something that I planned to do. I just used to write because I was shy, inhibited and found it easier to write to express myself than to talk to people. So I started writing, especially poetry for every occassion. Eventually folks started asking me why haven’t I published my poems or when did I plan to do so. I think folks relate to my writing because I write about anything and everything. I started by writing poems for people for special occasions, for birthdays, for holidays, for Black History month etc and then expanded to other areas. Read more>>

Venice Wong | Lead Singer of the Wong Quadruplets Band

The most important factor to reach success is to NEVER give up. As long as your passionate and love what you’re doing, try to make connections, hone your skills and show it to the world. Read more>>

Zheng Nathan Nie | Filmmaker & Film Festival Programmer

The most important factor behind my success has been my willingness to be a jack-of-all-trades, which a lot of people consider to be a weakness. Being a young filmmaker often means having to do the jobs of many departments on one’s own. I had a cinematography/G&E background before I started concentrating on writing and directing when I got into the UCLA Film School. I also know the basics of editing and color correction. On the production of my short film, Submerged, which currently has more than one million views on YouTube, I was the writer, the director, and the cinematographer all at once. I also wrote, directed, and colored my most recent short film, Strangers, which played at Dam Shorts Film Festival and the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. Read more>>

Tanya Lavache | Photographer & Creative Director

The most important factor behind my success and brand is how I make people feel. At the beginning of my career, I discovered the great Maya Angelou. Her words took hold of my mind like nothing I’ve ever experienced prior. Once I discovered this quote of hers, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” my thought process was never the same. I think about her perspective every time I interact with someone. This mindset has truly shaped my brand and its success. Read more>>

Tara Larson | Founder + CEO of RxGenerate

The biggest thing for me in developing RxGenerate, was to conduct comprehensive root cause analyses to identify the underlying factors contributing to health challenges. I have years of hospital experience, and we tend to slap a band aid on symptoms people are experiencing instead of diving deep into the ‘why?’. I wanted to take that next step, and so, RxGenerate was born. We prioritize individualized and patient-centric care. Our team of experts, including physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and wellness coaches, collaborates closely with each individual to develop personalized regenerative medicine plans. By recognizing that each person is unique, with distinct genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors, we tailor our interventions to address specific health needs. Read more>>

Ian Spanier | Commercial Portrait Photographer

From day one, I embraced the philosophy that consistent, dedicated effort is the driving force behind any success, I have always been athletic, and my approach to business parallels my athletic endeavors. Day in and day out, I immersed myself in the hustle, tirelessly pursuing opportunities, cultivating connections, and honing my skills. The 10,000 hours and then some. With this, a consistency that is represented in all aspects, in everything from the lead up to the job, the team I surround myself with, post photoshoot and beyond. The consistent message is the key to longevity. This unwavering commitment to the grind has not only propelled my business forward but has also become synonymous with my brand. Read more>>

Adam Lyons | Founder & CCO of POP THE PIXEL

The most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand is reputation. Building and maintaining a positive brand reputation is essential for establishing trust with clients. Companies that prioritize building and maintaining a strong brand reputation might see a boost in sales as a result of increased customer loyalty, network referrals as well as new opportunities. POP THE PIXEL has established and maintained a reputation of providing unique creative services at reasonable prices, communicating transparently through all project phases as well as collaborating as part of internal teams to meet or exceed specific objectives. Read more>>