In every career, there are things to be thankful for—things like meaningful moments with co-workers, the opportunity to learn and personal growth that can put the challenges and difficulties in perspective and help you find a renewed sense of purpose at work.
Reflecting on their careers and business journeys, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council each have their own moments to be thankful for. Below, nine of them shared what they appreciate most about their careers thus far and highlighted the lessons they’ve learned that can help other leaders succeed.
Young Entrepreneur Council members share what they’re most thankful for in their careers.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.
1. The Ability To Run A Business While Being A Mom
The main thing I am thankful for in my career is being able to run a business and be a mom of four. Unfortunately, society makes us think that moms cannot do it all, but I am here to prove that we can. I have been able to balance working and running businesses and being a mom. It is important for women to know that they do not have to choose. It is possible to work full time and be a good mom. You just have to make sure you take time to make time—meaning you need to take time each day to map out your next day. Make sure you take advantage of every second of every day. I schedule out my days and prioritize and delegate to my team. It can be done, and it is important that all women know that! – Lisa Collum, Top Score Writing
2. The Loyalty And Support Of My Employees
My team knows how thankful I am for each of them, and if I talk about it, I will probably tear up. When you treat people right, you build a rock-solid foundation of support. I had a lot of people coach me early in my career to hold employees back and not offer them training because they will leave and start their own practice. We have structured our environment for continual growth and that has helped provide employees what they need while also fostering my passion to “educate and provide opportunity” for our staff. – Marjorie Adams, Fourlane
3. The Customers, Clients And Investors Who Have Called Me Out
I’m most grateful for the customers, clients and investors who have bluntly called me or my business out for something they think is a shortcoming or a problem. Of course, it’s a gut-wrenching feeling at first, but these are the people who buy into what you’re selling, whatever that is. If they find a pitfall or they come to you with concerns over something they think could be better, then it’s a real wake-up moment. How can you or your business grow and improve if no one questions the things that are problematic or could be better? It’s these patrons whom I’m so grateful for because, without them, I’d still be doing what I was doing when I first started and, frankly, I’d have failed a long time ago. – Emily Stallings, Casely, Inc.
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4. The Relationships I’ve Built
I don’t care what industry you’re in, from television to material manufacturing. The fact is, the world runs on relationships. Who you know is more valuable than what you know because if you know the right people, you can seek their wisdom and input. I’m a long-range relationship maker and have several professional and personal relationships that are now more than 10 to 20 years long. All relationships take diligent tending and effort, and I’m thankful for all the doors I’ve been able to waltz into because of those relationships. – Beck Bamberger, BAM Communications
5. My Grit And Determination
Rolling up my sleeves, falling down and getting back up again is something I learned at an early age while growing up in lower-middle-class neighborhoods and working early jobs in labor and customer service. This character trait of grit has helped me develop humility, a strong work ethic and curiosity about the world and people around me. You can always tell when someone has grit by how they react to adversity and how they respond to others who are facing it. Grit helps me learn compassion for myself and others because I’ve been around that block of hard times. The security and comfort of a steady job is not a luxury entrepreneurs have, so grit teaches us how to deal with unknowns and roadblocks. – Givelle Lamano, Lamano Law Office
6. What I’ve Learned
The thing that I am most thankful for in my career is learning how to start, build and manage a profitable business. Acquiring skills in human resources, marketing, business development, client relations, finances/accounting and operations has taught me better interpersonal skills, compassion and empathy for people, work-life balance and financial/accounting knowledge. – Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
7. My Ability To Think Strategically And Pivot
I am thankful for my ability to think strategically and pivot. Regardless of my position (whether it be working as a leader in the corporate world or as a business owner), my ability to accept challenges full-on and pivot when needed has been instrumental. Nothing goes the way you plan, and having the knowledge to recognize when things have changed and adjust as necessary has been key. – Amber Anderson, Tote and Pears
8. The People I’ve Met Throughout My Business Journey
I’m most thankful for the people I’ve met throughout my business journey. I’ve come into contact with so many intelligent, helpful professionals who have given me insight so my business could grow smoothly. When you run a business, your network is a huge part of your success. You can get your foot in the door just by knowing the right people, so it’s important to make those connections early on. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
9. Myself
I’m most thankful for myself. On bad days, I find a way to self-regulate by improving my communication skills and learning how to accept criticism. On great days, I’m able to tap into why I’m doing what I’m doing and inspire women to become financially free by showing them they are capable. Whether we don’t hit our goals fast enough or a staff member unexpectedly leaves or we can’t fill the org chart, there’s always one constant: me. I became a self-made millionaire by putting myself first and making my goals come to life. Every day I show myself love by setting and reinforcing my boundaries and showing our staff and clients how important it is for them to follow that lead and put themselves first too. – Libby Rothschild, Dietitian Boss
