"The first lesson I learned when I was very young: When you fall off the horse, get back on. (It's a matter of when you fall, not if.) Resilience is what you need to tackle the challenges associated with a time of tremendous uncertainty. The second lesson is the importance of running the business like it's in startup mode. Ariat is in its 27th year, and we have 550 employees worldwide, but we emphasize being flexible and agile, and we keep risk and opportunity top of mind. We work together to emerge stronger." — Beth Cross, Cofounder and CEO of Ariat International, an equestrian footwear and apparel company

"Two of the biggest tools and practices I've found to be most helpful in my life and in my business are optimism and patience. Implement them into your everyday routine. Practice what you preach, and set the standard for those around you. This year was filled with more surprises than we anticipated, but it is not something I see as a challenge; it's an opportunity to put optimism and patience to good use, and re-create the standard of what we once considered 'a good year.' " — Paola Fernandez, Founder and CEO of High Hemp, an organic, tobacco-free rolling paper brand