We asked some folks we admire to share one piece of conventional advice they disagree with.

Dmyia Williams | Dali Dimàge / Designer

One conventional advice i disagree with is “fake it till you make it.” While striving for confidence is important, pretending to be knowledgeable or skilled in something can ultimately lead to negative consequences. Faking expertise can result in mistakes, poor decisions, and erode trust with others. This piece of advice have always left me stuck. Instead, it’s better to acknowledge areas of weakness and seek out learning opportunities to improve. Authenticity and honesty are valued qualities in my personal and professional relationships, and pretending to know more than you do can damage those connections. Read more>>

Lisa Janay | 16X Published CEO | Published Model & Celebrity Interviewer

One piece of advice that I disagree with is you have to go to college to become successful. I don’t believe in that. I believe that if you’re consistent with your goals/craft you will make it far. With the platforms we have today, it’s a lot more easier to promote your brand and get yourself out there to more people! Networking is everything honestly. I can say that I am a 12X Published Entrepreneur/Media Personality/5X Published Fashion Model without going to college. I also was able to have my business co-sponsor a HBCU scholarship for a young lady from Chicago Public High School. With that being said, college is not really a necessity to me but I will say if you feel it in your mind/spirit you should go to college… then go! Read more>>

Pat Brownewell | Wedding photographer & photography teacher

“Always have a backup plan” is advice that I’ve heard throughout my life, but it never quite made sense to me. In my mind, if I spend too much time developing a backup plan, then I can’t focus enough of my time on my main plan. For me, my photography is all or nothing, I’m going to do this or nothing else. Read more>>