We’ve been fortunate to connect with so many brilliant, thoughtful entrepreneurs and creatives and we regularly ask them about the most important lessons they’ve learned over the course of their careers. We’ve shared some highlights below.

P Sheff | Graphic Designer & Photographer

One of the most important lessons my career has taught me is to slow down and celebrate your wins. If you don’t, you will never feel like you have achieved much. I remember being stressed and disgruntled a lot in the earlier stages of my career because I was constantly giving in to all of the noise I see in on social media and my day to day life. Then I had someone in my life who made me take a moment to reflect on what I have done to get where I am. In this reflection I was able to see clearly a lot of my accomplishments. Read more>>

Alissa Palladino | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Personal Trainer (MS, RDN, LD, CPT are the credentials I use after my name and before this description)

Practicing as a registered dietitian for over 7 years, and in a freelance capacity for nearly 2.5, has taught me the value of relationships and communication. Whether it is building rapport with clients during an individual nutrition consultation, gaining the trust of an audience when doing group nutrition education or giving a presentation, or establishing authentic, solid partnerships with other professionals, businesses and organizations, these connections become unexpected referral streams and open doors to other opportunities. Read more>>

James Cockerham | African American Music Composer

The most important lesson my music career has taught me is to focus on music, not the fame and fortune it might bring. Don’t chase money. “If you can’t afford it, wait until you can.” Develop a budget, know who is and also how you will reach and grow your audience. It is okay to use your non-music related job to help fund your music business. Focusing on fame and fortune will many times leave you disappointed. I remember renting an eight hundred fifty seat theatre and only three hundred people came. Read more>>