People need a "Why?". I'm a big fan of Simon Sinek, people need to know why they're doing what they're doing, me included, and they want to work at a company with values and a culture that matches those values and I think that those things matter even in a pure tech company.

Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.

Surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher.

Spend time with people who know how to use their days well. Just as iron sharpens iron, positive people will inspire you to be positive.

The best thing is to always keep honest people around, because when you have a bunch of yes men around that know that you're making a mistake but let you go on with it, that's when it ruins your mind state as an artist.

It's better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you'll drift in that direction.