Breaking Borders

Glean incremental lessons and small victories from your experiences.

Kate Isler began her working life with wildly varied early experiences. Coming from a humble background, she was a hotel switchboard operator, a fast food server and a receptionist. Her later professional experiences included becoming a high-ranking Microsoft executive and founding her own river rafting business in Colorado. Throughout, she learned these important lessons.

• Never underestimate yourself – Find strength within. You can accomplish more than you imagine.
• Don’t fear risks – You might not make millions when you launch your first business, but you’ll gain valuable lessons and accrue small victories that make it worthwhile.
• Embrace honesty – Reflect on what you’re actually able to handle and live with, and stick to your resolutions as you embark on your own path.
• Craft your life vision – Decide what your dream life looks like. Then, commit to realizing that vision.
• Study people – Regardless of what roles you take on, you can always learn new things by...