Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Marcus Aurelius Anderson | TEDx and International Keynote Speaker, Bestselling author of ‘The Gift of Adversity

In 2012 while preparing to deploy with the US Army Infantry I suffered a severe spinal injury that left me paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors said the good news was that I lived to tell the tale, the bad news is I was going to spend the rest of my life in my paralyzed condition. Read more>>

Tiffany Marshall | Wine and Spirits

The most important factor is I’m the first woman and first black woman that created my own vodka cocktail in the state of Kentucky! My goal is to make my brand worldwide! Read more>>

Adrian Olivares | Director for Wynwood Podcasting

The cornerstone of my brand’s success lies in creativity and excellence. As a pioneer in the Miami art and production scene, I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries and setting new standards. By infusing every project with innovation, authenticity, and uncompromising quality, we’ve not only built a strong reputation but also forged meaningful connections with our clients and audience. Read more>>

David Karli | Physician, Biotech Entrepreneur and Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Specialist

Without question, the most important factor has been perseverance. I Founded Greyledge Technologies, a biotechnology company researching stem cells and cell therapies, in 2010 and it was in development for several years before that. I left a very successful clinical practice in Vail, CO after 20 years of development to start the Karli Center in Miami at age 52, because I had taken the practice as far as I could within that environment, which wasn’t the vision that I had as to where it could go and what it could be. Perseverance allowed me to stay true to an ideal that we could responsibly, innovatively and commercially develop cell therapies for Orthopedic conditions, during a time where many companies were cutting corners to meet high consumer demand for solutions. Everyone wants stem cells to reinvent medical care, but not everyone is willing to do the difficult work and equally difficult execution to make that happen. Read more>>

Dr. Marva Brewington | Dr. Marva | Inspirational Speaker, Credit Advocate & Mortgage Loan Officer

In my journey, the most crucial factor behind my success has been a genuine passion for making a positive difference. I firmly believe that passion is the driving force that fuels determination, resilience, and creativity. When you are genuinely passionate about helping others, it becomes a powerful catalyst for success. This passion motivates me to continuously seek out opportunities to contribute, innovate, and inspire those around me. Read more>>

Elizabeth Sutton | CEO, Elizabeth Sutton Collection

I’d say there are three things that contribute to my success. First and foremost, I was given a creative talent by God that I’m eternally grateful for. I am self taught and never studied art or design. My ability to be a multidisciplinary designer sets me apart from others. Second, my tenacity / resilience / work ethic. I am willing to work 18-20 hour days if an opportunity demands. For 3 years of my life I’d work 4am – 1am. I do not get discouraged by hearing the word no, rather I recognize the rejection only leaves opportunity for the right doors to open. If I want something badly enough, I keep chasing it. Third, I’m not afraid to ask for help. Anyone who is afraid to ask others for help won’t go very far. Read more>>

Katherine Murphy | Nonprofit CEO

This January my affiliate, NAMI Palm Beach County, celebrated our 41st anniversary. Resilience is core to my success and the success of the agency. Read more>>

Ansley Tilley | Strategic Thinker & Water Resources Solutions Professional

Integrity and perseverance are the two primary factors behind my success. My story, like many, is one that has included challenges along the way. How I overcame those challenges shaped my future. Keeping true to who I am, doing the right thing for me and my family when it was hard and slogging away, made me look at every challenge with two perspectives: 1) “I can let this obstacle consume me” or 2) “I can figure out how to overcome it and then DO it”. I chose 2) everytime. Read more>>