Women have a tough time becoming entrepreneurs. Not many people I know would be willing to argue against this statement. Whether it be familial responsibilities, lack of confidence, stereotypes, or discrimination, there are many forces pushing against us when it comes to starting a business.

Since a young age, I’ve dreamed of starting a company. I began an ice cream shop out of my home in elementary school, ran a summer dance camp in 7th and 8th grade, and established a non-profit organization as a high school sophomore. The idea of creating something that is an extension of yourself and your passions has always excited me. But recently, I’ve been coming across unsettling market truths, like the fact that only 5% of investment funding is given to female startup leaders. In a world like this, I start to question just how difficult will a career in entrepreneurship be? Is it possible? How do I, and other women, navigate prejudice?

To answer some of these questions, Duke invited a panel of successful women leaders to share their experiences and give advice during the university’s Entrepreneurship Week. Panelists included Kimberly Jenkins, Duke in Silicon Valley program director; Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of Melissa and Doug LLC and the Melissa and Doug Entrepreneurs Program at Duke; Tatiana Birgisson, CEO of Mati Energy; Kathie Amato, senior strategist for Duke’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative; Christy Shaffer, former president of Inspire Pharmaceuticals; and Rachel Braun Scherl, co-founder of SPARK Solutions for Growth. The women shared inspirational stories of success, defeat, strength and weakness.

Here are the top five things all women aspiring to become leaders can learn from them:

  • Listen.
  • StandTall
  • Have an authentic idea.
  • Seek support.
  • Just start.

For more about each point, read the full story at ExitEvent.

ExitEvent is a news partner of WRAL TechWire.