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.

Johannes Rillo

What taught me about work wasn’t a single job or lesson — it was the process of creating itself. Through toy photography, I’ve learned that meaningful work isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the patience, persistence, and quiet dedication that happens behind the scenes. Read more>>

Lucero Rivero

I’m dedicating this part to a real friend, Tim Chow, who’s in the same industry and took the time to share his knowledge with me and another friend for an entire year. He gave us the foundation and techniques we needed to grow into the creators we wanted to become. Read more>>

Natalie and Mike Trelstad

We both learned a lot about hard work and dedication from our parents. Natalie grew up watching her parents run their own family business, and that experience really shaped how we approach Radish Builds – with care, consistency, and pride in what we create. We’ve both seen firsthand that meaningful work takes time, patience, and heart. Read more>>

Beverly J Ray

My parents taught me the most about work. I watched them working to provide our family day in and day out. My father was in the military, a Navy man. That alone told me that he had a formal work ethic and training. After leaving the military, he worked as a warehouse foreman for a chemical company that also distributed supplies to the Navy. Read more>>

Jamila Graham

I think with growing up in a single-parent household and seeing all that my mom did to take care of my sister and me, I learned a lot about work and work ethic at an early age. Read more>>