Current Issue Previous Issues Subscribe for FREE
Close of Business: Wise Beyond Their Years

by Lauren Gordon

Whether you’re just getting started in your career, looking for a fresh start, or just in search of a little inspiration—who isn’t?—our 20 Under 40 recipients have some great advice and a fresh perspective that anyone could benefit from.

Adam Taliaferro
“I just keep saying to myself I don’t know what will happen in five or 10 years, but I know if I work hard, I’ll be where I want to. So never give up.”

Amy Sonstein
“I have an incredible support structure in my husband. He is the single most supportive spouse out there; he and I are partners in every way. So have strength in your partner. And don’t try to be everything—know what you are uniquely talented at.”

Anthony Perno
“Don’t be afraid to meet as many people as possible who are in the field you want to go into. It is amazing how much networking is done by word of mouth. Make a list and start asking those people how they got involved. What is the worst thing they are going to do? Say no they don’t want to meet you? Don’t be afraid to ask. That aggressiveness makes you stand out in this field, which you need to do.”

Anthony Mongeluzo
“Follow your dreams and don’t listen to the naysayers. A lot of people will tell you what you can’t do. Prove them wrong.”

Dr. Satwik Seshasai
“Pick the company first and the job second. Most people do the opposite. …When companies are growing and looking to hire, the first thing we look for is culture fit. What we look for is people who want to come along on the mission we are on.”

Joseph Anton
“For a young person wanting to break into health care administration, you have to have the passion to do it. It’s an environment that’s as rapidly changing as any other industry could be.”

Joshua Batushansky
“Just remember, whatever you do, in everything there’s people. There’s always a customer, especially in this business. So, if you want to gain respect of the people inside, don’t just do your job, get to know the people.”

Meredith Lorrilliere
“A lot of people always say it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. I think it’s really important, especially in college, to get involved as much as you can in different academic groups and meet alumni. Take every opportunity you can to network yourself.”

Sean Kennedy
“I’m probably one of those people who was driven more by the fear of failure than by success. I always remember that no one woke up this morning and thought, ‘How can I help Sean Kennedy?’ Not that I don’t have support, but you have to make that transitioning leap yourself.”

Tricia Mueller
“I always tell women to read two things. Read the sports page, because inevitably, if you’re in a meeting that’s starting and it’s mostly men in the room, the first five minutes of chatter is always about the current sports. And read the Spotlight section in the Wall Street Journal. If you have those two things covered, you are covered in the world of small talk.”

Chris Lukach
“When [joining a company], I think I would say do a really heartfelt, honest and sincere assessment of what your company’s goals are and what the operating principles are. What is the fundamental philosophy of the organization that you are looking to join and, if that is not in line with where you see yourself perfectly, think long and hard about it. Clients are always going to come and go, business will fluctuate, ebb and flow, but all you really have is your reputation and your operating principles.”

Dawn Kaplan
“I’ve always said to people my opinion. I don’t think this is a type of law you can do without a passion. Clients are people and they entrust you with their families and children. I think at the end of the day that I care to a fault. We practice 24/7. And if you are looking to get into family law, be prepared for that.”

Dr. Marla Deibler
“Plan well but don’t be afraid to take risks. You don’t succeed unless you take risks.”

Kevin Zepp
“My advice would be to stick with it in the health care industry. You will be afforded the opportunity to prove yourself. It won’t be easy, but if it was, everyone would do it. You might have to work twice as hard to achieve it, but I think it will be worth it.”

Matthew Green
“Find a place where you fit personality wise and somewhere you can find a mentor to help you grow from a professional standpoint, someone who you can respect and trust to show you the ropes. A mentor will take you from wet behind the ears to ‘I can do this.’”

Richard Heritage
“Constantly be evolving and changing. We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for that.”

Sara E. Piddington
“First and foremost, I wholeheartedly believe in college education. For students in college, I think it is so important to be involved and to keep in touch with your professors. They were able to introduce me to some key people that helped me out. As a young student, I didn’t know of the big players in the local community.”

William “Tra” Thomas
“Never quit and always continue to push yourselves. Our programs are designed to push them to a point where they are either going to make a decision to quit or they are going to push through and keep pushing them the whole way. Do the same for yourself in your own workout regimens.”

For photos, click here.

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 2, Issue 5 (May, 2012).
For more info on South Jersey Biz, click here.
To subscribe to South Jersey Biz, click here.
To advertise in South Jersey Biz, click here.