Genius Career Advice from the Most Powerful Women in the World

The most powerful women in the world know success — and how to get there. They’re heading up companies, carving out names for themselves in their respective industries — and some are doing so well that they only need to go by their first name. These are just a few of the women who should be running the world. But, please. They’re too busy for that. That being said, they do have time to dole out some brilliant career advice. Take it, won’t you?

Mary Barra, Chairwoman and CEO of General Motors Company (GMC)

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Mary Barra, Chairwoman and CEO of General Motors Company (GMC)

"Wherever you are in your career — your first position, or a manager, or even an executive — you have to be ready to stand up for yourself. But, it should be done in a firm but respectful way. Always remember, respect is earned. Learning to read the situation is also important. Most of all, never waver on integrity. If someone calls you bossy because you didn't let them push you around, so be it."

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Indra Nooyi, Director at Amazon

"Whether you're an entry-level employee fresh out of college or a CEO, you don't know it all. Admitting this is not a sign of weakness. The strongest leaders are those who are lifelong students."

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Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook

"We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."

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Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications

"Women who are in business should stop trying to butt up against and compete with men. I think we now recognize that women make decisions differently — and that it's okay to be emotional in business. Business is highly emotional and energizing — people will follow you anywhere if they are emotionally engaged with you. We need to celebrate our differences with men."

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Beyoncé, Singer, Producer and Queen

"It's easy to hear the voices of others and often very difficult to hear your own. Every person you meet is going to want something different from you. The question is: what do you want for yourself?"

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Hillary Clinton, former Presidential candidate, Secretary of State, Senator and First Lady of the United States

"I will say, keeping your head down and doing the best job you can in the beginning gives you the opportunity to be evaluated on the basis of the contributions you are making. I often would listen more than talk in my early meetings with people ... [Then], when you feel strongly about your work or about a position, you'll be given more attention [than] if you hadn't done that constantly."

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Irene Rosenfeld, retired Chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International

"'Make a difference' and 'take risks' are the two best pieces of advice that I provide to anyone who aspires to leadership. But I'll add another piece of advice that's particularly important for women: 'Ask for what you want.' Girls are not socialized to toot their own horns. But bosses aren't mind readers. Speak up and let people know what you've done and what you want."

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Safra Catz, Co-CEO of Oracle

"Don't just go through the motions in meeting after meeting. Your colleagues and employees have spent time and effort making a case and advocating for a position, so let them finish. And don't just listen to them, but hear their arguments and really think through their explanations."

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Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President and CEO of Lockheed Martin

"It may seem daunting to take on a stretch assignment and growth opportunity, but it is the absolute best way to learn, expand and advance your career. No matter what you want to achieve, the most important thing is to never set limits on yourself. Taking on new challenges is an important way to develop to your fullest potential — and have a more interesting career along the way."

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Oprah Winfrey, Chairman and CEO of OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network

"Your job is not always going to fulfill you. There will be some days that you just might be bored. Other days, you may not feel like going to work at all — go anyway... The number one lesson I can offer you is to become so skilled, so vigilant, so flat-out fantastic at what you do that your talent cannot be dismissed."