We asked some of the brightest folks in the community to open up to us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Erika McMillon | Queen of Automation

I’ve learned that developing, growing and leading a successful business is all connected to one thing – personal development. The success of your business is really about your own personal growth. The more you grow and evolve into the best version of yourself, a better leader and a better subject-matter expert, the easier it is for your business to grow. People often don’t want to do the self-work necessary to acquire success. They want to press an easy button and arrive at the destination, but it does not happen that way. You must put in the self-work. And that self-work is multi-layered. Areas of development that are often the unattractive but very much necessary are: – mindset – discipline – personal relationships – mandatory vacations / times of restoration – daily & evening success routines – health & wellness (physical, spiritual and mental) – daily metrics to track life / business progress Success is not an accident. It is very intentional. Read more>>

Danielle Bertrand | Business Coach, Author & Speaker

The most important lesson my business has taught me is to show up consistently. Showing up builds trust with perspective clients but also in personal relationships. Being present shows you care and desire to serve. It’s not always easy being present in the moment so I have learned how make sure I’m present even if its not in “real time”. I make sure my audience is still getting valuable and timely information. Read more>>

Winnie Tam | Owner

Dream big and work hard. My husband and I are happy with what we are doing: selling coffee & signature drinks while helping local rescue groups. We are glad that Frisco Fresh Market is pet friendly, and we can arrange and support the local rescues hosting adoption events there from time to time. Read more>>

Shawn Robles | Photographer and History Teacher

I think an important lesson I’ve learned is that you need to make time for what you are passionate about. In pursuing a career in photography as an artist, I thought that it would be the “dream job”- taking pictures is what I love so it should be perfect, right? What I’ve found however (for myself at least), is that I began to think of my passion more as a chore or simply another task to complete rather than something that brings joy. So I’ve learned that even though I am in the business of taking pictures, I still need to take time for personal projects and goals so that I’m reminded of my love for photography. Read more>>

Emma Evans | Film Producer & Director

The most important thing I’ve learned over the course of my career is how to be a more open person. The reason I wanted to get into filmmaking in the first place was because I wanted to be a part of something that could change people’s perspectives. I’ve had many movies open my eyes personally to situations I would likely never experience, and it’s affected my ability to empathize with others, which is why films and other forms of media are so crucial to society and culture. When I started, I was more on the creative side, primarily writing and directing. I became much more aware of my surroundings and the people I interacted with, trying to read people and situations deeper. I began to see things happening before me that I had never noticed before. Going around with a writer’s mindset, I saw myself becoming a better person who was more able to anticipate and deal with tough situations. Read more>>

Marisol Gordillo | Access Bars Facilitator and Reiki Healer

The most important lesson my business has taught me is the importance of discipline and dedication. The first step is to feel inspired by the deepest desire of your heart. What do I mean by that? Is to follow your inner instinct, we all have it. If we stop for a second and give ourselves the time to listen to what we truly want, the answers will flow to you. With that said, once your inspiration has been defined, then it takes discipline to begin creating (one step at a time) your final outcome. I would dedicate two hours in the morning to complete one task every single week. The two hours would include training, learning a new tool, reading material related to my work, social media marketing, creating banners or advertising to place on my website. The key here is to dedicate time, and be consistent every day in accomplishing one thing. The days will pass whether we decide to do do something or not. Read more>>

Tynee Sims | Host/Producer of the Tynee Talks Podcast

The most important lesson I learned by creating the Tynee Talks podcast, is that if you build it, they will come. What I mean, by this statement is that, you may be afraid of starting that dream, that has been tucked in your heart, because you fear, people won’t like it, or no one will show up, and a plethora of other negative thoughts. However, if you build it, start it, or create it, your message or intent will attract those it was meant for. Your family, or even your closest friends, may not like what you produced, not because it’s not dope, but they may not be your target demographic. Therefore, go for it, like connect 4; just do it like Nike, and shoot your shot like Kobe!. Read more>>

Charline Orozco | Actress & Entrepreneur

More than one… Here are the most important lessons I have learned through creating a graphic designing company. -You don’t have to know everything to start. -Learn as you go. -Don’t be afraid to fail. I have learned more through my mistakes and have become more humble because of it. -Do it. Even if it’s not popular, if you genuinely enjoy what you do, do it!. Read more>>

Tori Lewis | Support Group Founder

Help comes in many forms! Sometimes we expect the people closes to us, to be our biggest supporters, that we deny or give less focus to those that are strangers to us. I’ve learned to focus on the love, and it doesn’t matter where it comes from. A friend of family member not supporting you initially doesn’t mean they won’t in different seasons of your business. Read more>>

Kandace Walter | Intellectual Property Lawyer

I heard this advice from Day 1 but I resisted following it until late in year 4/start of year 5. Delegate. Your business cannot grow without hiring help. It’s important to develop systems and hire staff so that your business can run without you. In addition, when you have staff, they can handle the adminstrative tasks (phones, emails, calendars, intake, invoices, etc.) so the business owner can focus on working in their area of expertise (law for me). People think that they cannot afford help when in actuality, the business owner cannot afford to not have help. Having a staff person will make the business owner free to focus on the money making tasks for their business. Read more>>

Stacey Oliver-Knappe | HR & Training Expert Strategist

Owning a business that is all me has taught me more lessons about myself than I ever imagined. Beyond the gazillion personal development lessons, the most important business lesson was to not be rigid in what you think your business will be. My first company, I had a specific client model that I thought everyone needed (still do, LOL), and the only way to work with me was using my model. I take it to market and had no customers. Instead, potential customers found me and asked “Can you do X or Y?” Most of the time I said yes. It wasn’t the model in my mind, but it was still great work. If I had not been willing to flex, I would have missed several fascinating experiences with a diverse ray of business types in all types of industry. I also met so many wonderful interesting people that were beyond of my normal network. Being flexible to what I thought I would do in my business has made the ride much more fun. Read more>>

Kimberly “Glam” Davis | Event Planner

The most important lesson Decor by Glam has taught me is that risk taking is a necessity! Playing it safe is no longer rewarding. Go for the unimaginable!!. Read more>>