How Women Can Close the Pay Gap

“Throughout my career, I believe I have always been compensated fairly. There were times I had to go to bat and negotiate, and any smart businesswoman should do that. Be prepared to demonstrate what you think you should earn—and why. I teach a lot about this. As my mother always said, ‘You have to toot your own horn.’ A lot of people don’t like to do that, but you can do it in a straightforward way. Set measurable goals each year and keep records of your achievements. Keep in mind that the person making decisions about your compensation may not know what you’re doing on a day-to-day basis.  … I help women get to the next level in their careers. [As the former DFW chief for Cushman & Wakefied], I know what happens in the C-suite and how hard it is to get there. But it is possible. A lot of it is believing in yourself and knowing you can do it. It’s also important to ask for help. Hire a nanny, hire a housekeeper—you don’t have to do it alone. Some women think asking for help is a sign of weakness, but that’s B.S. I work with women at the very top level. Trust me, everyone has issues. Even those who appear to be the most put-together need help.”