Teresa Porter

President and chief executive officer, ISYS Technologies

• "Always have a plan B and C for every action, and be prepared to implement if plan A fails."

While in her first management position 20 years ago, Porter received valuable advice from her manager and mentor, who taught her to think like an entrepreneur.

"I've applied his advice, and the entrepreneurial skills I learned, throughout my career working in multiple small businesses that were growth oriented," she said. "I live by his words."

Porter added the advice keeps her thinking, prepared and ready to respond when unforeseen circumstances occur.

"It gives me the ability to 'what if' my decisions. I apply the words to every aspect of my life."