Interesting Subject
It helps to define what is meant by "Get a head". This is not the same as being successful and it is more to the problem of the glass ceiling. There is also the competence issue to go along with climbing the corporate ladder, the Peter Principle is that an individual will rise to the level of their incompetence and stay there.
If getting ahead means joining the senior management club then that takes a combination of ability, ambition and aggressiveness. Another factor would be activism, actions that promote the company and gain notice. Most women will fit reasonably well within the combination of ability and ambition but it is the aggressiveness that is difficult for women to give or take. Acting aggressive is seen as a good quality for men but not so much for women.
Some women curse and swear to overcome the gender gap, this works for some but not for others. The best thing to do is to develop a thick hide and ignore the stings and perceived affronts; this goes for anybody. Keep emotions under control but don't repress them; emotionally charged communication tends to undermine your position but a heart felt positive feeling can motivate others.
The strangest interview question I ever got was "Are you comfortable with having a woman as a boss?" I do not really care who is in charge as long as policies and communication is clear.
