"Success takes clarity, consistent action, determination and commitment. It is important to not waste too much energy or attention when you want to give-up. Keep your eye on the prize, stay focused and keep moving," says Deb Cleveland of Small Town Dynasty.

"What I have learned and observed along the way is that having a diverse workforce is a powerful business strategy. You have a broader perspective to offer clients when your team represents a wide range of thoughts, genders and experiences," says Juan Bueno of Avison Young.

"While a crisis indeed, COVID was an accelerant for the trends and shifts in our industry that were already afoot. While we cannot always anticipate change, we must work to build a business that can handle change and use it to our advantage," says Scott Meyer, CFO of PTM Partners.