Q&A

"You have to be willing to spend hours of your own time developing the skill sets you need to succeed in your functional area," says Colleen O'Connor of BioMed Realty.

"To truly be successful, you need to be unique, think outside of the box, and continue to avoid growth traps to become a leader and not a follower," says Ralph DiBugnara of Home Qualified and Cardinal Financial.

"Women must become allies to one another, sharing valuable experiences and encouraging each other to take on new challenges," says Kate Keller of Keller Augusta.

"Be sure to learn from and develop strong mentoring relationships with those around you. In the end, you are only as good as the team you are working on and with," says Bonnie Neuman of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.

"Motherhood has actually made me better, as the balancing act that is needed with kids is similar to the one needed to manage a full plate of transactions."

"But motherhood has actually made me better, as the balancing act that is needed with kids is similar to the one needed to manage a full plate of transactions," says Michelle M. McAtee, partner at Jenner & Block.

"I think the key to successful business development is to advise your clients as though you are their internal counsel, and regard their issues as though they are your own," says Jennifer M. Kiely of Mintz.

"I have found the most professional growth during the pandemic by serving on CLE panels," says MaryBeth Heydt, partner at DTO Law.