Madeline Di Nonno, the CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, always knew she wanted to be an executive — but getting there was another story.

How the CEO of the Roosevelt Institute found her calling in the “real world.”

Plastic surgery resident Carrie Stern decided to take a year “off” — and started a company instead. Now she juggles both. (Just don’t ask her for Botox.)

The bestselling author of 24 (soon to be 25) novels isn’t afraid to make readers uncomfortable: “It’s because I’m doing my job to challenge them.”

The CEO and “Leapfrog” author talks burnout, “retiring” from tech, and the importance of daily vacations.

How to change laws, befriend people you admire, and gracefully exit your failed startup, courtesy of entrepreneur Jacqueline Boltik.

The banker-slash-hacker on rising through two notorious boys’ clubs—finance and tech—and co-founding her new blockchain startup, Clovyr.

ASG Works co-founders Mishuku Matsuda and Chizuru Otsuka ask the tough ones.

What happens when you worry you’ve made a huge career mistake? UCLA’s top kidney donation expert has been there.

The bestselling YA novelist talks high school popularity and learning to take herself seriously.

PayPal’s Jill Rose shares advice for building close relationships with higher-ups, asking for feedback, and handling criticism even when you don’t agree with it.

How the co-founders of Changemaker Chats created a forum for women to share the nitty-gritty.

What’s it like to lose your job — and then start your own news organization? Chalkbeat’s Elizabeth Green talks leadership, risk, and shaping the future of journalism.

Author Kathryn Lasky has written over 100 books, ranging from award-winning novels to a wildly popular children’s series (about owls!). Here’s why she’ll never stick to one genre.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid of total reinvention? Nina Lorez Collins and Stephanie Staal would know: They’ve got six successful careers between them, the latest of which is running The Woolfer, a website and newsletter for women over 40.

The global strategist for Girls Who Code on her “ideal day,” overcoming nerves, and fighting against perfectionism.

Author and time-management expert Laura Vanderkam talks Facebook breaks, misplaced guilt, and why she tracks her hours every day.

The French-Moroccan author on the myths of motherhood, her obsession with taboo subjects, and being “born under a good star.”

Crowdfunding wizard Alex Daly started her own company and then almost gave it up. Here’s how she overhauled her work habits instead.

Bestselling novelist Curtis Sittenfeld talks writing rituals, the role of good luck, and the inspirational powers of Miley Cyrus.

Shane Goldsmith on how she discovered her passion for community organizing.