Customer Reviews

The Next Generation of Women Leaders: What You Need to Lead but Won't Learn in Business School

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Has the glass ceiling been shattered? There is a widely accepted perception that it has. However, as author Selena Rezvani points out in chapter one of The Next Generation of Women Leaders, although women make up 46.5 percent of the U.S. workforce, they constitute only 15.7 percent of corporate officers. What you won't learn in business school, which Rezvani discovered from interviewing top women executives, is that social, economic, psychological, and even generational barriers still prevent women from reaching the top. But don't despair. This book is chock full of highly useful tips and information to help women of all ages creatively circumnavigate these roadblocks and negotiate their way to the top.

A John Hopkins University MBA graduate and successful consultant, Rezvani conducted thirty interviews with top women executives in the corporate, non-profit and government sectors. She then analyzed her data for trends. The overarching themes of her analysis are covered in chapters two through nine, and address everything from career orientation to maneuvering office politics, networking and negotiating. Although this may sound like any other book on how to succeed in business, it contains plenty of information that might otherwise take you your entire career to learn. In fact, The Next Generation of Women Leaders reads more like a handbook that you will go back to at different stages in your career.

There is an emphasis in this book on networking, which many of us are tired of hearing about. However, Rezvani's presentation is empowering. She describes networking as a lifetime activity that helps women forge lasting relationships, learn more about their areas of business, discover other career paths and develop outside interests and skills. She also emphasizes the importance of women's networks and having women as role models. The author includes some helpful tips on networking etiquette and where to focus your energy.

Given my own particular situation as a mother and professional, I was interested in the chapter on work-life integration. The author tackles the "You can have it all" message that women have bought into and addresses the underlying societal pressures on women to be the successful executive, the cookie-baking mother, the physically fit and attractive partner, the friend, the crafter, the daughter, etc. Rather than attempting to balance, or juggle work-life demands, we are instead to integrate a select few work-life priorities that give us the most satisfaction. In a nutshell, the "you can have it all" message does little more than hold us back.

The author originally wrote this book because of the dearth of business books targeting Gen X and Y women, but there's something in this book for women of all ages, especially those trying to rejoin the labor force or attract talent to their companies. I usually give away the books I review, but this one is now on my bookshelf.

Review by Heather Leighton

Originally published at [...]

There are so many articles being written on the problems women face in the workplace but few give the in-depth and realistic advice as Selena Rezvani does in The Next Generation of Women Leaders. She bluntly reveals the current reality, which business schools fail to share. In my own research for my book Wander Woman[...], I discovered that most women lack the teachers and mentors that will tell them what to expect and how to deal with the ongoing discrimination in the workplace. I would have loved to recommend this book to the women in my study.

Once she paints a vivid picture of the workplace, Rezvani provides clear guidance on what it will take to be a leader in this environment. I have been working inside as a leader and from the outside as an executive coach for over thirty years. I found many ideas I can share with my female clients of all ages. I even quoted Rezvani in a Huffington Post article on the problems with women's programs at [...]. She is a woman wise beyond her years. Her book is a gift to all working women. You won't regret reading it and keeping in close by as a vital resource for your career development.

Rezvani's book is a timely, thought-provoking and comprehensive guide for ambitious young women. All of the topics are relevant and the insights new. It felt like I was having a personal discussion with the author as I read, as opposed to reading a list of tips on 'how to maximize your inherent power as a woman and as a leader'.

Rezvani collects the wisdom and advice from a number of powerful, successful, and candid women to illustrate her main themes and points. What I found most interesting were Rezvani's own gems of summary and/or analysis in-between these quotes and stories that continue to impact my everyday thoughts and actions.

For example, I still often find the majority of "networking" events to be superficial or lacking in depth--but with Rezvani's discussion of the authenticity of networking, it opened my eyes to the possibilities of renewing my own priorities and creating a level of comfort--by just getting to know new people, rather than determining how to use people and how they will use me.

Additionally, I found the discussion of how important people are in an organization to be incredibly helpful. I feel that one of the greatest struggles as an ambitious young woman is reigning in the tendency to "leave everyone in the dust in order to get to the top." Understanding the complexities involved and the importance of "people first" has been instrumental in my development personally, and especially as a manger and as a leader.

Beyond these two examples, the book is filled with a plethora of sound and tempered advice for each arena a woman might find herself in throughout her career path and development as a leader.

I really have no criticism for the book--only that I would have been interested in some discussion of generational issues (between women) and sexism being addressed.

If you are looking for a graduation gift for your daughter, niece, or sister, this is a great gift. I wish I had a copy of this book when I graduated! It has so much insight for women who are eager for career success. Selena Rezvani truly has captured a lot of important information that women "need to know" that is not learned in school, but is necessary for career success. I especially liked the chapter on "Succeeding Off the Job" too as there are many things women can do outside of work that will help them be more effective leaders and raise their visibility. Chapter 6 on negotiating is so important too! How many women who graduate from college and are offered "the job" just say yes, without negotiating for a larger salary? Lots! Selena discusses how to negotiate for what you want, the art of asking and forms of negotiation, regardless if you are negotiating for a raise, professional development, or a new job title. I can't say enough good things about this book. This is a "must-have" book for the younger woman's book shelf if she is interested in climbing the career ladder or taking a leadership journey.

I love this book! If you're a woman and you're looking to get ahead and navigate those murky waters of corporate America, this book is for you. Rezvani has done an amazing job of weaving powerful narratives along with thorough research and witty insight to give us practical and actionable tips to move our careers ahead. Through interviews with hundreds of trailblazing women in dozens of industries, Rezvani makes it real and achievable for all of us to attain our goals. You wish you could just sit down with her and grab a cup of coffee and keep picking her brain once you're done....

Amidst no shortage of business resources, Rezvani's work provides definitively valuable (and actionable) guidance to her readers.. While I am not her primary intended audience (a male) I find myself regularly referring back to her advice and stories--ultimately a playbook for success. Rezvani's direct line access to these remarkable women affords a powerful (and credible) advice resource pool of tangible guidance to help shape one's approach. I have shared this book with colleagues and friends alike--each has told me that the work has changed their perspective and frame of reference.

Part of my thesis research on Leadership. I met Selena Rezvani (the author) at a Future Women Leaders (professional networking group in the Bay Area) event in San Francisco. I've been generally interested in business, leadership, and how the two specifically relate to women, for the last 5 years. This interest has caused me to search out and read a wide variety of the books on the market regarding these subjects (all told about 20 books#. I am comfortable saying that of this exposure, Rezvani's book brings novel and worthwhile advice to the scene. I've watched the literature shift throughout the last 20 years from starting off recommending that women behave like men, to warning against this faux paux, to finally Rezvani's book that encourages women to utilize their innate skills and develop any that aren't, to get to where they need to be. She encourages authenticity and integrity which she couples with pragmatic advice that women #and men) can use to be more effective in the work place.

Beyond that, after attending the event, Selena and I have begun a personal correspondence. I am encouraging her to come to speak at my Alma mater, Mills College. I have found Selena to be a savvy businesswoman, genuinely nice, and helpful and am happy to recommend her book.

Other books I have read and recommend:

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This book is a great source for young women who have the drive and the talent -- but not necessarily the requisite resources -- to pursue success in the business world. Although it's been a while since I could be considered a member of the "next" generation, I found Rezvani's text to be an insightful guide for thoughtful reflection and decision-making at any stage, in practically any field. As an added bonus, I recently had the opportunity to meet Selena at a book talk in New York City, and she is as grounded, knowledgeable and accessible as the book she has written. I recommend that you read the book ... and try to meet this accomplished and generous young author if you get the chance!

What a fabulous book! I was inspired by the discussion of the strengths of female leaders and appreciated the unique insights Rezvani uncovered in the interviews. Any woman who wants a leadership position should read this immediately!!

Getting ahead in today's competitive, cutthroat business world is tough, particularly for women, who account for only 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs, even though females comprise nearly half the US workforce. What are the reasons for the "thinning effect," in which fewer women advance up the professional ladder? Selena Rezvani, a consultant on women and leadership, has the answer to that question and many more, based on her studies and interviews with 30 female executives from a variety of fields. Rezvani targets her advice to Generations X and Y women, who are now entering the marketplace and can most benefit from the experiences of those who have gone before them. She explores networking, negotiating, managing office politics and "integrating" (rather than balancing) your work and your life. getAbstract considers this thoroughly researched text a must read, not only for women launching their careers, but also for anyone, male or female, with leadership aspirations.