Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in our conversations with some of the most interesting and trailblazing entrepreneurs and creatives we noticed the biggest lessons they learned about work often came from unexpected sources. We’ve shared some of those responses below.
Ben Huynh
The most important lessons I’ve learned about work came from two people, but I have to start with my father. He was the one who showed me what sacrifice looked like. As immigrant refugees, work for my father was about survival. I watched him work seven days a week for years to provide for us. Read more >>>
Robbib Turner
My grandparents, hands down, taught me the most about work. They didn’t just talk about work ethic—they lived it. My grandmother was the heartbeat of the home. She worked part-time while we were at school, but somehow still managed to have breakfast ready in the morning, our lunches packed, and a hot, home-cooked dinner waiting for us every single night. Read more >>>
Chris Medina
This is going to sound crazy…Yes, I have parents but I was raised by my guides. I learned everything about myself and the lessons that came along with my life through my guides. It was like having a second set of parents that I couldn’t see, only hear. It’s definitely not as fun as you would think. Read more >>>
Grace Heth
My dad! My dad is a brilliant business man. Although he worked an extreme amount throughout my life, he was always very present/ around. He made many deals on the phone between driving me to swim practice, dance rehearsals, etc. I learned how to negotiate from the back seat of his sedan at a VERY young age. Read more >>>
Kelsey Hewlett
One of the most valuable experiences I have had as an actor was an internship with Oklahoma’s leading casting director during my senior year of college. Learning how perspectives and opinions are formed about auditioning actors from the other side of the camera really changed my approach to my work. Read more >>>
Sean Gallagher
My mom. She had amazing taste and acumen in film and TV. Before she passed away she called both Robert Downey Jr’s and Mickey Rourke’s comeback! She exposed to me a lot of great talent and work. She had absolutely amazing taste while never being pretentious and taking some film and TV for what it was. She was a dreamer but too scared to try. Read more >>>
Ann Diener
The person who provided me the most insight into my work was Dr. Colin Gardner, Professor of Critical Theory and Integrative Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara. Through his classes on Critical Theory while pursuing my MFA, I read a wide variety of writers, learned how to critically analyze my work, research a wealth of new ideas and push it into new directions. Read more >>>
Robert Lo
My parents taught me from an early age about hard work. Coming from a foreign country with absolutely nothing, they had no choice but work for everything. Ever since I can remember, my parents have worked 70+ hour weeks. They recently retired, but still keeps busy by gardening, going to the gym, and helping me out anytime I ask them. Read more >>>
