‘The one thing I wish I knew at 17’

Ahead of Wednesday’s conference on women in leadership, we asked for advice from an Olympics legend as well as exceptional women at Facebook, in Congress, soloing at the opera or running D.C.’s police department. Here’s what they told us:

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Michelle Kwan, Olympic skating legend

What advice does Kwan, now a State Department senior adviser/public diplomacy envoy, offer? "I’d tell my 17-year-old self not to be afraid of having more than one dream. What you learn in sports — hard work, focus, dedication, falling and getting back up — you can apply to all of your dreams. The important thing is not to be afraid; give something new a try, and sometimes you’ll surprise yourself and land on your feet.''

Matthew Stockman / GETTY IMAGES

Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis

"Keep striving. Never lose heart. It’s not about how many times you get knocked down. It’s about how many times you get back up. And it’s what do after you get back up and brush yourself off that will really matter."

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Andrea Mitchell, NBC News correspondent

"Don't let anyone tell you that you ‘can't succeed’ or overcome a challenge because it hasn’t been done before. And never permit others to define your goals — decide what you want and go for it!''

Alex Wong / GETTY IMAGES

D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier

"You are NOT smarter than your parents, and you DO NOT know everything! The fact is, at 17 years old, you do not have enough experience in life to make the really complicated decisions without taking advice from someone who cares about you and DOES have experience in life.''

Mark Gail / The Washington Post

Nancy Ann DeParle, White House deputy chief of staff

From the presidential adviser on policy: "Take time to smell the roses. When I was 17, my mom was very ill with lung cancer; she died not long after I graduated from high school. That left me with a sense that ‘life’s too short,’ and a drive to succeed. . . . But it’s also important to take the time to relax and enjoy friends, family and fun.’’

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Marne Levine, vice president at Facebook

" ‘What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?’ — Using this [popular Facebook mantra] as a guide for everyday life is a total game-changer — when you put fear aside and follow your convictions, you get to try and achieve so many more things.''

Chip Somodevilla / GETTY IMAGES

Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano

“Hmm, many things I think, but mostly to trust. Trust that all is in order and that things will work out without pushing.”

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.)

"First, find a hero. Take courage and inspiration from someone else's example. Then, figure out your vision. Write it down, post it on your wall and don't be afraid to tell it to folks. Because without vision, you’ll go nowhere.''

Alex Wong / GETTY IMAGES

Susan Lyne, chief executive and chairman, Gilt Groupe

"Your working life will likely span half a century, roughly three times as long as you've been on the planet. You have time — time to take some risks, make mistakes, pick yourself up, start over or start something new. Don't obsess about making the 'right' career decision, as if there is only one. Take a leap, learn and stay nimble enough to recognize opportunities as they arise.''

/ Gilt Groupe

'As my father always said to me ‘aim for the stars so that you can reach the treetops, and at least you will get off the ground.'' <span>. . .</span> Readers, let us know what advice you would give in our comments section below.

Shirley Ann Jackson, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

"As my father always said to me ‘aim for the stars so that you can reach the treetops, and at least you will get off the ground.'' . . . Readers, let us know what advice you would give in our comments section below.

/ Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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