United CEO Scott Kirby keeps his calendar lean, giving himself more time to think—he spends 3 hours daily reading newspapers, magazines, and sci-fi novels.

Mike Bloomberg started at Salomon Brothers as a clerk making $9,000 a year, making his way up to partner, before getting the boot. He has no hard feelings, and learned critical lessons from the rejection.

Half of the workforce says anxiety about the state of the world is hurting their focus, according to a recent Burson study. But it’s more complicated. 

Women have gained ground in education and the workforce, but persistent gaps in leadership and funding show why building’ confidence and skills matters.