as told to

Dr. Joel Warsh is a pediatrician based in Studio City.He's also dad to two boys, a 5-year-old and 10-month-old.His family had to evacuate their house early Wednesday morning.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Dr. Joel Warsh, a pediatrician with Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine in Los Angeles. It has been edited for length…

Mom Lisa Ward lives in Topanga, between Palisades and Malibu, where the LA wildfires are raging.Her family was horrified when they saw TV images of their local high school burning to the ground.While her 17-year-old won't get the graduation he hoped for, his priority is to help homeless friends.This as-told-to essay is based on a…

Shayla Smith is the COO of a Hollywood law firm, where curt corporate speak is normal.She realized she needed to take a more nuanced approach to communication at home.Her experience in retail helped her refine her communication techniques, she says.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shayla Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Lichter…

Multiple blazes raged out of control in Los Angeles and Southern California Wednesday.Business Insider spoke with three residents about their experiences fleeing the scene.They called it terrifying, devastating, and apocalyptic.The fires storming through Los Angeles and Southern California have left over 1,000 structures burned, at least two people dead, and tens of thousands of others…

Zou Qiang, 39, is the founder of a tailoring brand based in Shanghai.She met her partner 11 years ago and, like an increasing number of women in China, doesn't plan to get married or have kids.Part of her decision is due to money and time, but it's also a personal choice.This as-told-to essay is based…

When Dapo Bankole moved to Canada in 2012, he had years of IT experience under his belt.But he struggled to find a professional job for months and did minimum wage work to make ends meet.Bankole said he thinks companies weren't hiring him because he lacked Canadian experience.This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation…

Shawna Lum moved to Barcelona from Los Angeles after several failed relationships.She said the dating scene differed in Spain because men were "more emotionally available."The 31-year-old has now been married to a European she met in Barcelona for three years.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shawna Lum, 31, of Barcelona. She runs…

Amanda Driscoll, 26, is a mom of two living in Florida.She was inspired to prepare for her second child with a "nesting party" after seeing a TikTok about one.Family and friends helped with tasks like putting together a crib and making freezer meals.This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Amanda Driscoll. It has…

Alisha Pasha is a 26-year-old from Pakistan, and is now living in Dubai. She had her first baby in March 2021 and stayed at her mom's house for 30 days after giving birth. Each time she visits her mom, or her mom visits her, Alisha feels she can rest.This as-told-to essay is based on a…

Sherri Carpineto is senior director of strategy and operations Ascom Americas.A few years ago, she was headhunted for a VP role but only offered 10 days off.She said she always negotiates time off, because flexibility is critical.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sherri Carpineto, senior director of strategy and operations Ascom Americas.…