Career Guide: 5 Women To Learn From

Define Yourself

BK CHRISTOPHER, 39

THEN: Associate at a major Midwestern law firm

THE MOMENT: When I was pregnant, I didn't get a bonus for the first time. The message was: "We aren't going to punish you for having a child, but we're not going to reward you, either." I thought about chucking it all. But then I realized that the bonus was a distraction, and it was in my best interest to just get over it and not let an executive committee of men define me and my success. I made partner the next year, at age 30 - one of the youngest women to do so.

NOW: Partner at Horn Aylward & Bandy in Kansas City, MO.

THE RULES: I never shied away from an opportunity, even when I knew I might be getting it because I was the token woman. I took the opportunity and then kicked the door down.
I also decided that if I was going to make it in a male-dominated profession, I'd need others to help me do traditionally female things - I can't clean toilets and try a big case the same week.