We love rebels and people who challenge the status quo, conventional wisdom and mainstream narratives and so we asked some really bright folks to tell us about one piece of conventional advice they disagree with.

R.D. Kratz | Hiker & Photographer

I disagree with the socially-accepted concept that you have to have a degree or be highly trained in your field to be successful. I believe that by following your heart and staying true to your passions, you’ll be successful every time, even when you may fail. Read more>>

Kaitlin Moss | Founder/CEO, Wipeys

I have always found it interesting that in NPRs podcast “How I Built This”, Guy Raz will ask founders how much of the business was luck verses hard work. Most times, they say it’s an even split of both. I have found that luck is such a key factor in creating a successful business. It’s all about knowing the right people, taking advantage of the right timing and hoping people will see your product and want to purchase it. Yes, you have to work hard as well, but there are lots of people who work hard and don’t get anywhere. You need a lot of luck too, which can be the most frustrating part about being an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Andrew O’Connell | Arcade Enthusiast/Entrepreneur

I was a butcher for twenty years and always wanted to do my own thing with video games. I was always told that I did not have the background or training to do anything in this field. I strongly disagree with this notion. Learning new skills is something we should aspire to do; when that new skill is something you are passionate about you will find that it is not as daunting as it would seem. I spent a lot of free time working on and learning about arcade machines and pinballs and loved every minute of it. I could have listened to conventional advice and stuck with my 9 to 5 but i would still be punching that clock and would certainly not have taken the risk of starting The Retro-Cade. Follow your dreams. With hard work and dedication they will come true. Read more>>

Patience Elkins | Flight Attendant & CEO of Nonprofit Organization

The one piece of advice that I don’t agree with but unfortunately receive often is, “ Just take it slow”. I am a strong believer in, go big or go home, time is of the essence and strike while the iron is hot. In the words of Pablo Picasso, “Action is the foundational key to all success. Read more>>