Mikayla Cann

I would say my ambition, and how I'm very intentional when it comes to how I want to execute certain things. I'm very intentional on how I want to execute my goals and my plans. That focus and drive to be deliberate about what I'm doing and how I'm going to achieve it has really been key to getting where I am today.

I wouldn't say I received this from someone else, because I kind of came up with this on my own, but I always tell people this: keep going until you get that one yes that opens up the door for you, because you're going to get a lot of no's, but all that matters is that one yes that somebody tells you to get to the next level, to get to the next job, next promotion, the next season in your life. That's all that matters, is that one company or that one person that tells you yes.

Get as much experience as possible while you're in school. Do a lot of internships, get a lot of experience under your belt, because that's what's going to set you apart from most people. And try your best at everything you do. That hands-on experience and building up your portfolio of real-world work is what will really make the difference when you're starting out.

I think the challenges would be promoting so much to where you meet your maximum amount of growth within a company. When you promote so fast, it's hard to have the next opportunity for growth, because sometimes you reach that climate, that limit so fast. As for opportunities, I think they would be being able to network and put yourself out there, and being able to look at other companies and just look at yourself within the career and see what you can grow on and work on those things.

Being authentic to myself is really important to me, as well as being a kind person and being honest. I value being trustworthy and keeping my word, making sure what I say is what I do. And working hard is fundamental to everything I do, both personally and professionally.