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.

Ana Serrano | Ministry Director

As a nonprofit, it is always recommended to seek out grants. But, getting grants is not easy, and most grants, especially government grants are very restrictive as to who can be served and helped and what services can be provided, Also, there is no guarantee that a grant will be awarded to the nonprofit. Also when a nonprofit only relies on grants for funding, it limits what can be done and who can be served, and if the funds are not used as outlined in the grant, the funder can take back the funds given to the nonprofit. This is why I run my nonprofit like a business because a nonprofit is after all a business with the added advantage of being able to fundraise and obtain grants. Also, I am able to help and serve whoever walks into my door, I am able to expand and add services without having to ask permission from a funder. I also have the ability to interact with the business community and obtain donors for my nonprofit. Read more>>

Ameer Navidi | Furniture Designer & Builder

I’ve always had a problem with the phrase “Fake it till you make it”. I have never had success faking anything! My mantra, that I often repeat to myself is: “Consideration & Communication”. The weakest part of this advice is that it doesn’t have the rhyme that most famous sayings often come with, but it has helped me out of a jam more than one time. This doesn’t just go for business, I follow C&C in all relationships. I’ve found that when I use empathy to help understand somebody’s possible perspective, and then I communicate to that person what I know, how I’m feeling, and what I think they may be feeling, the outcome is almost always positive for both parties. C&C is a way to build trust, do a quality job the right way, and to feel good at the end of the day that you’ve done things the way you want them to be done, the right way. Read more>>

Nina Montejano | Artist

It’s no question that there is a lot of negativity surrounding the idea of pursuing a career in art. Before I even decided to study visual arts in college, I was told countless times that earning a degree as an art major would be easy, but useless. I was still interested in studying art in college, but these comments, which felt like they were coming from everyone, made me question whether or not I was making a smart decision for my future. I was two years into college when one of my art professors finally convinced me that I was on the right path. I earned my degree in 2019 and I can assure you that it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t useless. I see why people would warn against becoming an artist—there is no direct career path, rejection is constant, inspiration is hard to find, and it takes a lot of self-motivation to push through it all. While it’s important to listen to the advice of others, it is equally important to make decisions that are best for you. I’m determined to continue working as an artist. I love sharing my work with the world and I have the patience and persistence to continue. Read more>>

Alexis Amato | Mindset Coach, Lifestyle Influencer, Food Photographer

I have so many I disagree with! I would say the biggest one most people can relate to is “You have to work long and hard to make money.” Although I feel that you do need take action to acquire your goals, I think if you love what you do, work comes easily and the money will come along with it easily as well. Also, as you move along in your success, I feel that the actual action of making money flows more efficiently, allowing you to concentrate smaller amounts of time on the key strategies that earn you money. Read more>>