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.

Seoung Hyen Cha | Student at Tufts University

The relationship between my loved ones is what I value the most. Without my family and friends, I would not have been able to continue my school and my career. However, this value has just started to alter from last year when relationship with my father became stronger and this year, when one of my close friends passed away. Before realizing the value of these connections, I was a very goal-oriented person. I wanted to be successful, and by being successful, I defined it as having a job everyone looks up to and earning a lot of money. Read more>>

Brenda Loya | Wife, Mother, & Personal Trainer- CPT | CES | PN-L1 | CF-L1

Honesty and respect are to me the most important core values in all aspects of life. They are the foundation of trust and necessary for all types of relationships to thrive. As a fitness coach, it is imperative for me to build rapport with my clients and gain their trust in order to build a long lasting, productive trainer-client dynamic. Cultivating an open-mind, being attentive to the particular needs of a client, and having transparent communication are key elements to how I handle my coaching practice. Read more>>

Monique Sledd | Mental Health Therapist & Beer Homebrewer

Authenticity is the value that matters most to me in both my professional and personal life. Our world and society fills our brains with the thoughts that we “must” prove ourselves, follow the pack’s values and beliefs, and assimilate in order to be successful in life. Although there is some safety and value in following the crowd, that also does not fit for everyone. It can lead to constantly questioning if we are “good enough,” Read more>>

Shane Gardner | Real Estate agent and Father

Integrity. This word has always been an important part of who I am. As the years have past my ability to honor my own integrity and that of others has grown. I am challenged daily with innumerable opportunities to fail at this endeavor, but with the support of the great people that I surround myself with I am able to succeed more often than not. My Wife and Daughter are the fuel that drives me. Influencing them in a positive way is the most important job that I will ever have! Read more>>

Devon Henry | Catering Chef & budding Yoga Instructor

The thing I value most in myself and in others is courage. I’m not one to toot his own horn, but I am the most courageous person I know. When I started this catering business, I had little to no idea how to make it work, save for the support of a mentor of mine who knew the potential and heart I had. Lack of experience or knowledge at the time didn’t stop me. Another mentor once told me, “don’t let the fact that you don’t always know what you’re doing slow you down,” and I never have. I have always had faith that I would find a way in whatever endeavor I sought to accomplish. That’s who I am: I just keep moving forward. Read more>>