Creating Your Support Network

Oprah has Gayle, her best friend and sidekick, whom she knows will always give it to her straight. In addition to shopping, gossiping, and doing other girl stuff, they're also able to love, laugh, and cry together. They know each other's secrets, strengths, and foibles—and they adore each other anyway.

It's rare for any of us to thrive on our own. Not just the need for intimate partners or romance; this is about a solid support system to aid the personal and professional life of a career woman like you. The most successful women have identified and developed such circles to aid their success. Regardless of your income level or field, it's important to have a best friend, mentor, and role model. Sometimes it's one person who fills all three roles; for other women it's many.