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.

Stephanie Morrison | Wellness Center Owner

The most important lesson I learned in my 25 years in Human Resources is there is no guarantee or security in a job, nor in life. Growing up, I thought if I was able to get a good job with a stable company, I would be set for life and I would stay there until I retired. While I always wanted to own my own business, I thought it was too risky and a corporate job was the safe bet. I can tell you after all that time with downsizing, rightsizing and budget cuts, that no one outside of the company owners were safe. At any moment, your life could change on a dime and the security you thought would last forever was gone. The good news is that once you realize you need to take control of future and your destiny, that is where your power comes from. If there is no guarantee either in a corporate job nor in starting your own business, you may as well follow your heart and follow your passion. Do not give your power away. Read more>>

Max Lefeld | Founder and Creative Director

I guess several things. I have learned so much, It has actually changed me for the better. First of all, to believe in yourself, to stay humble and rooted, thankful. To never let success get to your head. I have said it all along my 17 years since I opened Co.Jones Creative that “we are a start-up everyday” because every day we have to win to keep our client’s confidence and trust. I started back in 2004, and since then, I have never taken my eyes off the helm. We are a small business by design, we openly criticized bureaucracy, those who point fingers and delegate. Co.Jones is a small shop where we are responsible for the good things we do, as well as the mistakes we make. I have learned to be thankful for my clients. They have given us the opportunity to work with them. I have also learned that running your own shop is tough. Actually I have a heart attack to prove it. But I never feared away from it, and even after the heart attack, I came back and it’s been a decade since it happened and that also taught me valuable lessons. But, back to your question, I have learned that I really love what I do, and I will forever be thankful of my many adventures in advertising. Read more>>