I had an uncle that used to say, "Take what you can use, and throw out the rest." So that's what I'm offering up to you in terms of some business advice.

I'm from a micro-town of 986 people called King City, Missouri, where I graduated in a class of 15 people – and ended up landing in New York City and started a brokerage firm at the age of 26. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I knew how to treat people, and people always liked me. Since my background is hospitality, and that's what I studied – then practiced – at the University of Missouri, I knew I wanted my brokerage firm to be highly service-oriented. 

Growing up, I learned people are people. My father was a two-star general, but my parents forced us to interact with people from all walks of life, from senators and generals to dairy farmers and preachers. Having a diverse background has helped shape how I lead today, whether it's when I'm leading the National Association of Women in Insurance & Financial Services, captain of an Alumni Football team or in my office.