Follow up on all of this by asking what do your colleagues think? Then, go a step further. After reflecting on your own, have some close friends and colleagues take the same audit on your behalf, imagining you in the boardroom. How do their impressions …

Don’t make the men in charge of your organization your enemy. You will need champions, trusted advisers to help you interpret the business landscape, inside the firm and out. And you can’t be mentored by an adversary. …

Lift as you rise. You are never too early in your career to mentor, inspire and assist others. …

If you want truly great results, you have to push yourself. Discomfort is a necessary path to excellence. No shortcuts. …

In your professional career, you have to say “yes” more often than you say “no.” Every time you say no to an opportunity, you are building your own ceiling. …

Diversity is a mindset. It is not about having more representation for the sake of appearing diverse. If we don’t have more diverse voices in our companies, we may not be making the right decisions. …

Whether you are trying to sell an idea to your colleagues or trying to make your mark in a competitive industry, it is important to be aware of your image and business reputation. …

Young, talented and ambitious women need to realize their own potential and be forever unstoppable. Believe that you can conquer the world and not take any No’s. If you believe in it, with passion, perseverance and the complete belief in yourself, you will get there. …

Getting invited into the right “rooms” is still the key to success, right? And how do we make that happen today? One word: Generosity. …

Above all, be brave. If you determine that you are in the wrong place, walk away on your terms. You’ll be fine. Chalk it up to a great life lesson and never, ever look back. …