Need conversation fodder for Bisnow’s Power Women event Wednesday? Luckily we’ve compiled the top three trends among the 40 honorees.

Entrepreneurial and scientist parents

Many of our Power Women were inspired to pursue tech careers through their own parents who may have been business owners or worked in STEM fields. Silica Labs co-founder Stephanie Nguyen was inspired to launch a wearable applications company from her Vietnamese refugee parents. The entrepreneurs launched a shop that imported furniture and crafts from South East Asia and Stephanie helped at their flea markets. Optensity co-founder Pamela Arya had parents who were both scientists, so dinner table conversations turned into an early love for computers.

Best advice: Listen to your gut and learn how to code

We asked each honoree to give advice to their younger self and the most common focused on confidence. “Don’t listen to the haters,” “don’t be afraid of failure,” “always take the experience,” and “try new things.” They also stress learning tech skills and finding mentors early in their careers. Mapbox COO Bonnie Bogle said, “Ask more questions. Never pretend to know more than you do.”

A desire for adventure

Power women aren’t daunted by technology, so it’s no surprise that their bucket lists were filled with items like “hike Machu Picchu,” “eat my way around the world like Anthony Bordain,” and “visit Rainbow Mountains of China.” At least two Power Women want to see the Northern Lights – Zoobean co-founder Jordan Lloyd Bookey wants to see them while staying in glass top igloos in Finland. It’s all about finding balance, even if it’s just writing a long bucket list.

Want to learn more about what makes entrepreneurs, namely women in tech, tick? Sign up for our event on Wednesday at 6 PM at Disruption in Crystal City.