Who taught you the most about work?

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.

Usama Yaqoob

My mother – she is the hardest working person I know, and tackles every problem and situation in her life with the fullest energy. I’ve watched her resilience to the struggles of life since I was young, as the oldest and only son of the family. Read more>>

DeAnna Butler- Toombs

The person that taught me the most about having a great attitude and an even better work ethic would be my Mom. I watched this woman work jobs that I could never have worked just so she could give me the best of what she had to offer. I watched her smile through tears in moments that I probably would have flipped out. Read more>>

Mo Clark

My dad. His work ethic was unmatched. He always had friendships that he would grow from. He watched other people’s work ethics and grew from that. He was the definition of hustle. He was constantly teaching himself to do new things. Once he somewhat mastered a thing, it became some type of passive income. I’m that same way. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Fellows

My parents and grandparents are all entrepreneurs! I knew very few adults who worked normal 9-5s growing up, and I’ve learned over the years that it’s a unique gift to be surrounded by so many entrepreneurs. My grandparents own a sign company. As a kid, and even now, their work was so interesting to me. Read more>>

Patrick Bell

The crews and trades I’ve worked beside—masons, steel fabricators, grading operators—taught me the most. They showed me that details aren’t abstract and most things are possible. Read more>>

Rhashanda Rochester

Observing my parents as they navigated their careers profoundly influenced my perspective on work. My mother built her tax business from the ground up; I remember riding along in the car with her as she took clients on weekends, eventually welcoming over 500 clients to our home for their tax needs. Read more>>