When Dallas-based Transwestern EVP Nora Hogan first broached the subject of joining the industry with her guy broker buddies in the early '80s, she was told in no uncertain terms it probably wasn't gonna happen. But it did, and Coldwell Banker was the first to give the 2013 Stemmons Award nominee a shot. For Nora's first deal, she partnered to list a desolate intersection; it's now Preston Park Financial Center. The guys in the office encouraged her to drive out and see what she was selling. "I drove about five miles out to the project; then I drove back mad as heck and said, 'There's nothing there!' Today the corners are like Main and Main." (So be nice to intersections everywhere; you never know when they'll become beautiful swans.)

Here, Nora lived her dream of flying after snapping on a jet pack in San Diego. (She admits to being dunked a few times, but flew about 10 feet up.) What frustrates Nora most: When talking with young women breaking into the biz, they don't know their skills or where they belong. Nora believes there are different personality types for the various areas: Leasing agents play catch and are the caretaker types. Tenant reps need more sales experience, willing to unearth the deals. Then there are investment folk, who speak a completely different language. She advises understanding where you belong and then going for that job where your skills will be best used. Read more about Nora in Real Estate Bisnow DFW.