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.

Christina Burns | Chef, Makeup Artist, Travel Agent & Founder of The Hero Worship Initiative

Let me start by saying thank you so much for such an incredible opportunity to be able to tell my story! I was born in Cleveland, Ohio raised in Colorado, Springs. I come from a big family, seven sisters, and my parents have been married for fourty years. I was born and raised in church as a pastors kid, and although I didn’t understand the necessity or expectation then, I’ve come to realize that my faith based background laid the groundwork for a very secure foundation and future! Read more>>

Victoria Gutierrez | Social Media Influencer

I grew up in a military family, so we moved around a lot. I’ve lived in different states and even overseas, which taught me to be able to adapt quickly to change, which is definitely reflected in how I tackle content creation today. I also come from a family of pretty bold and loud personalities, so I was always raised to be unapologetically myself and pursue whatever my heart desires. Read more>>

Stephan Cote | Leadership and Communication Coach

I was born in Boston and raised in Canada by divorced parents, and throughout my life, I constantly heard the word ‘BE’—be kind, be generous, be adventurous, be helpful, be respectful. That mantra shaped my outlook and who I’ve become today. Growing up, I developed a strong sense of curiosity and adaptability, which was further enriched by my diverse professional experiences across different sectors. I’ve worked in religious, non-profit, corporate, and public affairs environments, each teaching me invaluable lessons in communication, leadership, and empathy. Read more>> 

Chenoah Porter-blount | CEO

I am from Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY. For me, Brownsville is a resilient area characterized by its strong sense of identity and community and that concept is what led me to my Non-Profit Organization. Growing up in a marginalized neighborhood, everyone was very close-knit to one another despite not being related. I witnessed firsthand the power of collective effort and unwavering support. These experiences taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of giving back. Read more>>