We’ve always believed that forming a strategy is impossible until you’re clear on what your values and principles are. Without values and principles to guide you, making decisions can seem impossibly difficult. Given how important setting values and principles is to decision making we asked folks we admire to tell us about the values or principles that matter most to them.

Betsaida LeBron | Improv Teacher & Facilitator

I believe that all people need to be seen, valued and included. Over the years I came to realize that every person can teach me something if I’m willing to listen. That mindset has opened many doors for me and I have always felt it was important to keep the door open and invite others inside. I want people to know they matter. When someone is left out, skipped over, not looked to for input, they are marginalized and may feel unimportant and unworthy of sharing their perspective. The opposite of feeling left out is feeling empowered and I really want to make space for people and empower them. As a facilitator and improv teacher I teach organizations to build camaraderie, improve team dynamics, and strengthen culture. I see my role as creating a safe space for each person to show up, fully participate, and be part of the group. Read more>>

NJ Stevenson | Brand and Commercial Photographer & Business and Project Manager

Integrity. I’m really big into being a person of your word. If you said it, stand behind it and do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t easy because it may involve going against the grain or what’s trending or culturally expected. In this time of racial and political tension this is even more important on a personal and business level. Having consistency in our integrity as well. You don’t have to guess where I stand. That doesn’t mean I’m loud with it, it means I have taken the time to inform and educate myself and make a decision that I will be firm with. This enables me to have the consistency as well and the integrity. Read more>>

Karissa Collins | Photographer & Boutique Owner

When I started my businesses, my goal was to bless people with more affordable options. Having a big family, I understand wanting to get photos but not being able to afford it. And as a mom, I understand wanting to look stylish but not wanting to feel like your finances are all spent on you. So the thing I value most is bringing other families and other moms a better option. I want to be a blessing through what I do so I have a mission and passion that will push me through the tough times of business. Read more>>

Janet Vermillion Moos, R.N. | Texas Pool Foundation Founder

Faith, gratitude and love are at the heart of life’s journey. They are a guiding force for success and the centerpiece of the Texas Pool Foundation’s community-centric mission. With the belief that nothing is impossible, suddenly all things become possible. When we do all things with love and with charity, people, neighborhoods, society as a whole, and nature flourish through and around us. As Masaru Emoto writes in the Hidden Messages in Water “the words gratitude and love form the fundamental principles of the laws of nature and the phenomenon of life.” Read more>>

Foster Cranz | Artist & Interior Designer

I deeply value being an artist and designer for a few reasons: I love the process behind making a handmade, unique, one-of-a-kind piece. The discoveries, mistakes and successes are so exciting. There is a lot of problem solving and finding new avenues for creating, and I really enjoy that part. I love improving an environment when I design an interior. It’s so gratifying to make a person’s life more bright, functional and aesthetically pleasing. I love creating something that comes from my heart and soul; always with a lot of blood, sweat and tears involved. This is how I express myself. When someone says they love my work, it’s truly validating. I love being part of a community of other eccentric, clever, fanciful types who support each other. Read more>>

Stacie McCans | Principal of Paxton Place Design

Kindness matters most to me. We currently live in such a tumultuous world and (though I’m certainly not perfect) I try to treat others as I would want to be treated. I run an interior design company and even though it is a LOT of work it should also be fun. Who gets to do this?! What a dream job. I want not only our clients but also our vendors, the subs, our workrooms, etc. to be treated with the utmost kindness and love. I take great pride in the team we have built at Paxton Place Design. It revolves around honesty, integrity, creativity, and kindness. Read more>>

Tiffany Woodson | Managing Partner & Interior Designer

Quality. Quality is timeless and never goes out of style. At I+O we approach all projects with the same process, big or small, which includes a rigorous process of making sure we nail our clients vision and expectations. The time and effort we put into our work is evident in the end product. Read more>>