"The best lesson I have learned is to be patient," says Michelle Abramov, managing director of RIPCO Real Estate LLC.

Risk management through insurance is built into our society and culture, but insurance education is not.

"You want to create a work environment where employees feel trusted – a place they want to go to (and stay) when they come into the office," says Deb Donley, founder and CEO of Vocon.

"My advice to get a foothold in the industry is to take any available position that will get you in the door," says Mindy Mcilroy, president of Terranova Corp.

"I always advise younger people to find a mentor early in their career, who will give honest feedback and support," says Marcy Moneypenny, Avison Young principal and managing director.

"My job is not necessarily about the details or even the specific outcomes, but to guide my team at Hill West to do great work," says David West, founding partner of Hill West Architects.

"Client relationships are similar to any other relationship in your life: they require a sense of connection, mutual respect, and care and feeding."

"The best and most surprising lesson that I have learned is that anything can happen. You can't take anything for granted because what can happen, will happen– whether that's in life or in business," says Robert Nelson, president of Nelson Management Group.