We asked some brilliant folks from the community to tell us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Hallie Dantzler | Social Media Manager & Coffee Shop Owner

I’m from what used to be a small town, but is no longer! I grew up in Johnstown, Colorado. My heart is very much still there in the time period of 10+ years ago when everyone knew everyone, you had to plan for at least an extra half hour when going to the grocery store, and you were extra careful with whatever you got into after football games because it was sure to make it back to your parents. My upbringing in a small town really shaped my service mentality and how I run my business today in several ways. With the “everyone knows everyone” aspect, I became accustomed to never meeting a stranger. I have always been shy but have never met a stranger, so to speak. Read more>>

Nadine Bridges | Community Leader and Advocate

My name is Nadine Bridges (she/her), and I grew up in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, primarily raised by my father after my mother left when I was nine. I am the oldest of three. My father instilled in all of us the importance of supporting vulnerable populations, connecting with older adults, and advocating for ourselves and others. He understood the unique challenges of raising a Black children and worked hard to instill confidence, empathy, and resilience in me and my siblings. Read more>>

Trey Newsome | DJ, Radio Personality

I am from Hattiesburg, MS and I was brought up around a multitude of different genres of music that shaped me as a DJ. My mom was big on 70s music, such as, Earth, Wind, & Fire and The Spinners. My dad is a big Southern Soul/Blues fan of Johnnie Taylor and Tyrone Davis. My older sister introduced me to prominent 90s artist growing up, such as, Jodeci & Dru Hill. Finally, both of my grandmothers were big into Gospel. Being around a multitude of music, it helped shape my sound and attitude when it came to combining different sounds and styles. Read more>>

Viraj Padte | Co-Founder & Sr. Solutions Architect

I am originally from Mumbai, India. Growing up, my father always had an entrepreneurial mentality, inspiring me to be similar. He taught me even if failure is possible, nothing is certain until I try. Most importantly, he taught me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable because only discomfort will help me grow. This mentality directly impacted my trajectory: taking challenging courses, moving to the U.S. to pursue higher education and a career, and eventually, starting this business. Read more>>

Jackie Burt | Author, founder of #showupforgood and Orsch, lender with GB&T

I was born in Denver and feel a deep sense of home now that I have finally landed back in the city I love. My childhood was spent moving from one place to another. Due to the nature of my parents’ careers, we moved every year or two–sometimes overseas, sometimes to small rural towns, sometimes even living in campgrounds. So my upbringing, schooling, and social life was eclectic, varied, always changing, and built of very broad perspective. I think this perspective gave me a sense of how big and wonderful the world is, and how different cultures and social structures can be. This perspective has translated to my out-of-the-box thinking and the embracing of a creative and anti-boring life. My upbringing also fostered a deep belief in the power of goodness and acceptance of others. Read more>>