We asked some folks we admire to share one piece of conventional advice they disagree with.

Autumn Collier, LCSW | Private Practice Owner and Licensed Mental Health Therapist

Oftentimes, I hear people say, “start a side hustle” or “pursue your business on the side while working your 9 to 5”. While this practically makes sense and assumes less risk, our side business stays ‘on the side’ longer than we would like. Becoming an entrepreneur takes courage, not being adverse to risks, and intention. Having a business on the side instead of being all in serves as a buffer for those qualities. I totally understand everyone is not able to fully jump in to full-time entrepreneurship, however, at some point there comes a time when you have to jump. Having a full-time job and side business can make it difficult to take the leap because you also become accustomed to having income from both. Read more>>

Tomika Jackson | Media Professional & Entrepreneur

One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is that you have to “work harder” to achieve more or see bigger dreams manifest in your life. We live in a generation that pushes the idea that you have to “work harder” or “hustle harder” than the next person in order to rise to the top in your industry but my experience as an entrepreneur and career woman has taught me that that is not necessarily true. While working hard matters, whether you are running your own business, leading a Fortune 500 company or raising a family, there are a whole lot of unsuccessful, unhappy, and poor hard working people in the world. Hard work for them is a constant drudgery in their lives. Read more>>

Shequana Leon | Founder of Brewing Hearts

That you should always have a backup plan. To me, having a backup plan means that you started off having doubts that Plan A will work. When you have an idea that you’re passionate about and you’re willing to put in the time, consistency, funds, and energy to make it work, IT WILL WORK. Read more>>