Women are founding companies at a historic rate, with more than 9 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. today, according to an article in Entrepreneur magazine.

We still have a long way to go, though, as female-led businesses only make up 30 percent of companies around the world. Despite a report released by Credit Suisse Research Institute, which found that during the past six years, companies with at least one woman director had better share price performance than those without, female advancement through the corporate structure remains stagnant.

Women currently hold only 4% of Fortune 500 CEO roles. By the end of this year, there will be 23 females serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies — the same number as last year, and one fewer than the year before. Only one woman every two years joins the list of CEOs of S&P 500 companies, according to a recent Fortune magazine article.

Being a woman in business continues to come with challenges. Being a woman who is also a minority, a Mom, and/or 40+ is believed to come with even greater challenges. Motherhood is Not Where Dreams Go To Die ® Get Seen, Get Heard and Get Paid ® The first is my registered trademark, the latter belongs to one of my influential coaches and mentors, Jennifer Kem. Both statements are quite fitting for this topic of discussion.

There are a multitude of steps that must be taken to increase the number of women bosses in the business world, including exposing girls to related careers at an early age, in conjunction with nurturing their self-esteem and confidence. Increasing female enrollment in leading business schools and arming them with strong role models and mentors are two key action items to remain committed to. It’s a win-win for both women and business.

As a former human resources executive, a current award-winning entrepreneur and life strategist, I am passionate about empowering ambitious women to live their fullest lives. To not just aspire to have a seat at the table, but to strive to be in a position of power as well.

Success is the goal, which is largely contingent upon a woman’s ability to find and utilize her voice, become visible and valued in her career, build a resume filled with indisputable accomplishments, which should ultimately lead to her being compensated fairly for her contributions.

It is my hope and expectation that the business community will continue to shift the paradigm in both business education and corporate leadership. Supporting women to excel beyond middle management must become more than just a blurb in a company mission statement.

“Don’t just desire to have a seat at the table. Be in a position to be able to design the menu.” – Jacqueline Miller

What tips do you have for women on a quest to break through the glass ceiling in business and achieve that coveted seat at the table?