Earn Like a CEO

With only a handful of women in top corporate jobs, and even fewer among the highest earners, what is it that these women leaders are doing that the rest of us can do, too? The road to the top is never simple, but all the women who have made it share one common characteristic: drive. So, what’s the leadership style that got them there?

Sixteen women CEOs earned $14.2 million – 43 percent more than their male counterparts’ average in 2009.

“You just have to keep asking questions,” said Carol Bartz, chief executive of Yahoo! in a recent interview. “Why do I have to be the know-it-all? I’m not that smart. But I’m smart enough to just keep asking questions and say, Is that the best you can do? Does that excite you? Will that excite the customer? Does this really have to work this way?”

Here, other female directors share their success secrets:

Know your product, but, more importantly, know your market. Kraft CEO Irene Rosenfeld restructured the iconic Oreo cookie into a wafer that Chinese consumers love.

Build a strong support base of employees who keep you motivated, advises Indra Nooyi, president of Pepsi Co. Nooyi says she considers those at work members of her extended family.

Finally, to reach your highest earning potential, communicate with those at all levels of the company. Establishing relationships is crucial to mobility, notes Patricia Woertz, head of Archer Daniels Midland Company.

Bonus PINK Link: When planning your financial future, experts say you should expect the unexpected.

By Jennifer Gambrell

“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity.”