The Best Lessons Came From

Beverly Hills High School Graduation 1991

The Best Lessons Came From What Mom Got Wrong

A friend once asked me: "Does your mom find your posts offensive?"

I told her the truth: My mom isn't on LinkedIn. But even if she was, she knows — I wouldn't be where I am today without learning what NOT to do from her.

She was my anti-role model.

And here's what I've come to believe:

Humans can learn from others' mistakes.

Watching someone else fail is a shortcut.

You skip the emotional toll. The financial cost. The years of recovery.

Your brain still gets the lesson — without the scar tissue.

The problem? Most people can't adopt lessons they didn't live through.

There's no emotional attachment. No skin in the game.

But I was lucky. I had a front-row seat to my mom's financial chaos.

I felt it. I lived in it. And I swore I'd do the opposite.

That contrast became my curriculum.

Now, I've realized: I don't need one role model.

I need a personal board of directors — different people for different values.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 — I learn from friends.

Friends who give their time freely. Who show up without keeping score.

I watch them closely.

𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 — I see my kids take risks.

They don't overthink. It makes mama proud.

I, in turn, become bolder.

𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 — I learn from Westminster.

Watching the college process, I've started to believe: kids end up where they're meant to be.

Role models don't have to be older, richer, or more accomplished.

They just have to be further along in the values you're working on.

And sometimes? The most powerful teacher is the one who showed you what NOT to become.

Who's on your personal board of directors — and what are they teaching you?

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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