Women to Watch: M. Michele Burns

M. Michele Burns

Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

New York

Age: 48

M. Michele Burns began her career as a senior tax partner at Arthur Andersen L.L.P. before joining Delta Air Lines Inc., where she last served as executive vp and chief financial officer. She then joined Mirant Corp., an Atlanta-based power company, and held several executive positions, including executive vp, CFO and chief restructuring officer. She joined Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. as executive vp and CFO earlier this year, and was appointed to her current position at Mercer last month.

Advice to young women: "Listen more than you talk. Work hard. Show up mentally and emotionally. Show up and give all to what you are attempting to do. Stay focused on your goals and don't be deterred."