50 Most Powerful Women in Business

Fortune released its annual list of the 50 most powerful women in business this week. Oprah Winfrey is number eight on the list, behind seven powerful women CEOs at top companies including PepsiCo, Xerox, eBay, and Kraft Foods.

The most highly paid woman on the list is Safra Katz from Oracle, who raked in $26.1 million in total compensation in 2005. eBay CEO Meg Whitman, who has claimed she still works out of a cubicle, earned 16.2 million in 2005. That's hardly chump change, but still a far cry from the most highly paid male CEO. Barry Diller, CEO of IAC/Interactive, earned $295 million in 2005.

But money isn't everything. I dare any of you Ladies Who Launch to read about the accomplishments of these 50 women and not be inspired.  They are tough, smart, and innovative. Oprah (#8) and Martha Stewart (#28) were once ladies who launched and are now among the most powerful women in business. Will you be joining them?

--- By Pamela Skillings