Cathy Engelbert

From my early days of playing 2:2 in basketball against my three older brothers to my years playing Division 1 college basketball and lacrosse, sports have played a big role in my leadership development.

The advice I give, no matter male or female, is not being afraid to step outside your comfort zone and think more long-term about your career than maybe the next year.

We can all think we're discriminated against, and I'm sure many of us are. But I see a ton of optimism in corporate America around the advancement and retention of women.

Mentors and sponsors, particularly in the early stages of my career, were invaluable to me because they encouraged me to raise my hand and take opportunities to build my capabilities.

Sponsorship is sometimes about people behind the scenes who are sitting in rooms determining your assignments and your next career step, and you don't even know who they are.

You never know where your career will take you. A competitor in the market could suddenly become an unlikely partner. Be flexible, keep your slate clean, and stay open to unlikely collaborations.

Our goal is to set the gold standard when it comes to compliance.

As a former NCAA basketball player, many of the skills I now rely on as a leader took root on the basketball court: teamwork, integrity, and resilience are just some of the traits I've carried over into my professional game.

You don't have to be the biggest, the strongest, or the most talented player to be successful, but you do need to be a step ahead of the competition.

Impact Day is just one part of the hundreds of thousands of volunteer, pro bono, and professional training hours Deloitte offers to nonprofit organizations nationwide throughout the year. It's a day to celebrate all we do to make an impact that matters in the communities where we live and work.

Each year on Impact Day, I love seeing our people fill classrooms, parks, and training centers to make a difference in communities across the country.

Young professionals shouldn't have to let a fear of failure hold them back; they should feel emboldened to take on challenges in creative ways.