"My life began with setbacks beginning at 9 months old when I was diagnosed with precocious puberty and then at 2 years old with a bone disease called MCCune Albrights Syndrome but even at such a young age I was able to bounce back…because my support system was always amazing…" — Lauren Ruotolo
In February, I woke in the middle of the night panicking about S.H.E. Summit for three consecutive weeks. In April, my husband had an intervention with me because I was talking about S.H.E. Summit morning, noon and night. I talked about it over dinner with friends, during chats with local shopkeepers and even with our READ MORE »
Founder & Executive Director, GEMS: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services
A: There have been lots of times where I’ve experienced real challenges and setbacks, both personally and professionally. It’s hard when you don’t even feel like getting out of bed to bounce back. I remember years ago watching an Oprah special with a woman who’s face had been almost completely burnt off in a car accident. She talked about how she ... READ MORE »
Founder, Girls Who Code
A: In 2010 when I lost my Congressional race I felt this overwhelming sense of failure. I had given something my all and still come up short. I grieved for a few weeks, but then I thought of all the commitments I had made to people on the campaign trail and I knew I had to get back to work. So ... READ MORE »
CEO & Designer, Tory Burch
A: A challenge I face every day is getting over the loss of my father. His sensibilities and his value system—empathy, kindness, compassion—are integrated into the DNA of the brand. It’s reassuring to me that his legacy is so much a part of the company. READ MORE »
Executive Director, Nest
A: One of our main setbacks has been the ability to balance all of the things that we have wanted to achieve through Nest. It always seems as if there is more that can be done. It is a challenge to provide loans, education, and training, while also supplying an aggressive sales channel. We have had to split up already limited ... READ MORE »
President, American Express OPEN
A: Managing through the recession. In a crisis you have to combine everything you’ve learned, and bring it all to bear at once to serve you and everyone you are leading. In this fast-paced environment you are instantly right or instantly wrong – which makes “sound judgment” the most important quality to possess. Even in the most confusing moments of the ... READ MORE »