From Publishers Weekly
Each of the 40 essays in this collection offers a unique take on the challenges women face as they emerge into positions of power. Created to disseminate the type of knowledge shared annually at the Women in Leadership Summit, the collection presents sophisticated advice on how to make such transitions work, not just for individuals, but for society. Though a bit overwhelming in number, the essays are not repetitious; in fact, they rarely overlap in their points. Most provide insight into specific work-related goals and behaviors, such as "influencing for impact," conducting difficult conversations, finding mentors and bragging constructively about accomplishments. Male-bashing is conspicuously absent. The editors' intent is more constructive than that, with nearly every chapter delivering take-away applications to one's current position and a better understanding of the errors one may have made in the past. There are, however, several touchy-feely chapters, and the foreword by David Gergen irritates with its pro-women pandering. And while the stylistic switches from chapter to chapter are mostly welcome-first person and personal from Barbara Corcoran to business-school academic from Karen Stephenson-the writing skill varies immensely across authors and some of the essays are very poorly constructed. Patient readers will be rewarded, however, with honest insight into how to make the most of their hard-fought rise through the corporate ranks and how to enjoy that success in both their professional and personal lives.
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From the Inside Flap
How are women transforming the practice of leadership in the 21st century? Enlightened Power is a first-of-a-kind book that answers this question—and forever changes the traditional notions involving women in leadership.
The book features the accumulated wisdom of 40 influential men and women who represent the most compelling voices in the field, including:
- Dynamic business leaders such as Eileen Fisher (founder, Eileen Fisher, Inc.), Barbara Corcoran (founder and chairman, The Corcoran Group), and Pat Mitchell (president and CEO, PBS)
- Trailblazing women from other arenas such as politics (Ambassador Swanee Hunt), the military (Rear Admiral Deborah A. Loewer, USN), and sports (U.S. Olympian Marilyn King)
- Renowned thought leaders such as Riane Eisler, Rayona Sharpnack, Sally Helgesen, Peggy Klaus, Bruce Patton, Nancy J. Adler, and Gail Evans
- Leading-edge academics, activists, executives, entrepreneurs, and practitioners
Each provides a unique perspective on how women are transforming leadership in business, the media, education, politics, and culture across the nation—and around the world.
Tapping into the richness of the annual Women in Leadership Summit presented by Linkage, Inc., Enlightened Power contains stories of vulnerability and strength, authenticity and compassion, courage and conviction, and integrity and impact. Through these stories, the authors reveal their "enlightened power"—and provide both inspiration and practical wisdom for women leaders who want or need to bring their own enlightened power forward.
Women today—occupants of the corner office, emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and leaders in nonprofit and noncorporate disciplines—are all seeking ways to redefine and leverage power so they can achieve personal fulfillment, extraordinary business results, and positive social change. Enlightened Power is the groundbreaking book that shows them the way.
