Lean the eff in.

"As a physicist, a field where women are very much in a minority, I've learned not to mind if I'm the only woman in the room. The important thing is not to let that intimidate you nor change who you fundamentally are: don't try to become one of the boys but work out who your allies are and how to present yourself truthfully but also persuasively. Sometimes standing out as a minority can even be an advantage because people remember you when they've forgotten the identikit men!" — Professor Athene Donald, University of Cambridge and Master of Churchill College

As told to BuzzFeed Life

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"Embrace failure. Missteps and roadblocks are inevitable but are ultimately an opportunity to learn, pivot, and go after your goals with new perspective." — Jenny Fleiss, Rent the Runway Co-Founder ​and Head of Business Development

As told to BuzzFeed Life

Photo by Alexis Doyen / Design by Alice Mongkongllite for BuzzFeed

"Don't be afraid to follow your passion, wherever it may lead you even when the path forward may not seem clear. Be willing to take risks and push outside of what is comfortable and predictable. Also think as much about being a mentor as being mentored. We all have a lot to learn from each other." — Dr. Helene Gayle, President and CEO of CARE

As told to BuzzFeed Life

Chris Ritter / BuzzFeed

"Watching great people do what you love is a good way to start learning how to do it yourself." — Amy Poehler, actress, writer, producer, and director

From Yes Please

Chris Ritter / BuzzFeed

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