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.
J/O/E
My family has been my greatest teachers when it comes to work ethic. From my parents, aunts, uncles, and even my grandparents, I’ve learned the invaluable truth that hard work consistently yields the best results. The more effort you invest, the more rewarding the outcome. I’ve been a direct witness to this principle. Read more>>
Sheena LeMay-Nelssen
My parents taught me the importance of hard work and gave great examples for my sister and me. My dad was an engineer with Union Pacific Railroad and worked as a cowboy for a feedlot in his spare time. My mom was a postal worker who took night classes for 10 years to earn an associates degree in science. Read more>>
Christina Cheng-Patel
My parents taught me directly and indirectly about work and work ethic. Their story is a fairly typical immigrant story. They arrived here with less than $100 between the two of them, dreaming of starting a new life and raising a family in this melting pot of possibilities. Read more>>
Justin Zimmerman
I would definitely give credit to both of my parents. They were born and raised in Kansas on family farms, where hard work wasn’t just a value—it was a way of life. Throughout their lives, they demonstrated incredible dedication, perseverance, and integrity in everything they did. Read more>>
Kayla Smith
The person who taught me the most about work was my grandmother, Helen “Cat” Smith. She didn’t have a formal degree or a big title, but she had this incredible way of showing up for people, with strength, grace, and quiet determination. She was the kind of woman who made a lasting impact without needing to be in the spotlight. Read more>>
Nikki Caviness
Both of my parents worked when I was growing up – my dad was in the oil and gas industry, and my mom was an audiologist. They were high achievers, with both having advanced degrees, and they always emphasized the value of hard work and education. But what stood out just as much was their presence. Read more>>
Shannel Gray
My father instilled in me about work ethic. My father was a machine operator for Georgia Pacific for 40yrs. He was the only person in a household of 5 to provide for the family. My mother stayed home to raise us girls. I watched my father work tirelessly for many years. Read more>>
Brittany Rodriguez
My mom. She was a single mother who, at one point, worked three jobs to take care of us before going to nursing school. She always showed up—no matter how tired she was—and did what needed to be done, even when she didn’t feel like it. After becoming a nurse, she found her passion caring for patients in a nursing home. Read more>>
John McBride
I grew up in a restaurant family. My great grandfather founded El Fenix, a Tex Mex restaurant that grew to 15 locations in Dallas/Ft Worth. I had the opportunity to work with my family during my early years. As a busser or a waiter, I would hear my grandmother give talks to the staff. Read more>>
Seerel Meadows
Running @Dallas_Discovered has taught me more about work than any traditional job ever could. When you’re building something from scratch, especially in the fast-paced world of content creation, you learn quickly that success doesn’t come from talent alone. It comes from showing up consistently, adapting to change, and wearing every hat in the business. Read more>>
Nelly Kaakaty
My mom will forever be the hardest-working person I know. She came to America from Egypt a little over 40 years ago and built a business from nothing. She worked several jobs on the side, never complained, and taught my sister and me to be independent and never give up on our goals. Read more>>
