An article in the June 16-22 Economist (Sex and Money, p. 65) reports that the number of British women on the Sunday Times Rich List has gone from 64 to 92 over the past ten years.  The most interesting part is the explanation given by the Economist Intelligence Unit, that the sources of women's wealth are changing from the historical ones of inheritance, marriage and divorce to those of INDEPENDENT INCOME, BUSINESS OWNERSHIP, AND INVESTMENTS.  While this explanation is questioned by the compiler of the Rich List, it is perhaps a harbinger of good tidings. 

 However, there is also continuing gloom when it comes to the representation of women in the upper levels and on boards of larger companies, as well as continuing gendered salary disparities.  Recently the Equal Opportunities Commission predicted that It will take another 60 years before there is equality between the sexes in British business…  I think we should hold ourselves to beating that projection.  The question is how?

One direct approach is a continued focus on skill building.  Earlier this month Tara Weiss wrote about negotiation, particularly for that entry salary, a critical step since it is the foundation for all future salary increases.  (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18743312/).  Eve Tahmincioglu of CareerDiva (http://www.evetahmincioglu.com/web/blog/) returns to this issue every so often. One of the most practical pieces of advice one of her interviewees (Sallie Krawcheck, the chairman and CEO of Citi Global Wealth Management), gives is that if you are nervous and break out in blotches when you ask for money - wear a turtleneck!  Will wear turtleneck for cash.  I can do that.