Significant Career Lesson From a Business Consultant and Online Educator at Bianca Lager Inc.
Bianca Lager's most significant career lesson centers on the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, a stark contrast to negative experiences where she was treated poorly. This principle, which shaped their business, Social Intelligence, emphasizes creating a workplace environment built on trust and comfort, proving that "we can definitely create work environments that don't suck."
Communication, Professionalism, Work Environment, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Bianca Lager
Business Consultant & Online Educator
Bianca Lager Inc.
University of California, Santa Barbara
Pepperdine University - MBA
History, Art History
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Treat others with respect and dignity: Bianca emphasizes the importance of creating positive and comfortable work environments where individuals are treated with respect. She highlights that this approach not only improves the overall work experience but also leads to greater productivity and fulfillment.
2. Don't tolerate toxic work environments: Bianca encourages people to trust their instincts and not endure toxic work environments. She suggests that while sometimes financial obligations may necessitate staying in such situations temporarily, individuals should strive to find work settings that prioritize their well-being and professional growth.
3. Prioritize trust and open communication: Bianca's experience running her business, Social Intelligence, demonstrates her commitment to fostering trust and open communication. She emphasizes how these elements contribute to a productive and fulfilling work environment, where team members feel comfortable working together towards common goals.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
The one lesson I keep returning to, and which has truly become a value for me, is how you treat other people. It sounds simple, almost cliché, but it's profound.
I've experienced poor treatment in my career, where some people acted as though I was insignificant, explained things condescendingly, or were simply rude, whether online or in person. It’s unnecessary.
There's no need to treat others that way. If I ever find myself in a bad mood, I try to compensate or explain myself. The last thing I want is to make someone else's day miserable for no reason.
Work has often been seen as a place of suffering, discipline, and a no-nonsense environment. While professionalism is important, and we shouldn't be too casual or inappropriate, we can still be human to each other.
We can create work environments that aren't terrible. We can foster workplaces where people are treated with dignity and respect. This is incredibly valuable.
My father, who passed away five years ago, had a lackluster career with unfulfilled dreams. He worked many remedial jobs and was constantly treated poorly.
This motivated me when I ran my business, Social Intelligence. I was determined to create a workplace where people felt comfortable. It didn't mean a free-for-all, but rather approaching everyday work with trust.
This sense of trust seems to be missing in some work environments. If you're in a toxic or uncomfortable workplace, don't ignore that feeling. You don't have to endure it just for the sake of it.
While sometimes you need to collect a paycheck and do what you must, remember that it doesn't have to be that way. You are not wrong for feeling uncomfortable.
I've had amazing work experiences with people I trusted, where we did productive work, solved problems, and it was fulfilling.
So, if you're an entrepreneur creating businesses, keep this in mind. And if you're ever in a leadership position, be someone others can look to for guidance and light, not for fear or retaliation. That’s the most important lesson I've learned in my career, and I want to pass it on.