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Outstanding in Their Field: How Women Corporate Directors Succeed

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Elizabeth Ghaffari's work with Outstanding in Their Field informs women and men on the perspective required to govern this most enshrined and trusted place in the corporate universe--the board room. Personal investment, initiative and concern are trademarks of the individuals whose unique paths ultimately lead to this level of responsibility. It is no surprise then that the women whose professional background Ms. Ghaffari shares with us convey a "bring it on" attitude--not only in business affairs, but also in what is essential to the health of communities. Consumers and employees--society, for that matter--gain from the balance that has been achieved in the board room with the increased attendance by women.--Kathline King, AICP, LEED-AP, Los Angeles County

"What a ground-breaking, inspirational and important book! Elizabeth Ghaffari has done an extraordinary job researching, interviewing and drawing insights from successful women serving on corporate boards. The many lessons found in "Outstanding in Their Field" apply to both men and women in all fields of work. Readers will find examples for how to build a career path whether in academia, non-profits or corporate institutions. I highly recommend this book."

For young--and not so young--women, Elizabeth Ghaffari's new book, "Outstanding in their Field: How Women Corporate Directors Succeed", is an eye-opening look at women who have gained a seat at the power table as members of corporate boards of directors, and explains what's in it for women who aspire to this leadership position. For men, who still do most of the searches for new board members, it provides a useful guide on where to look for women for boards, how to evaluate their careers, and spells out the strengths that women can bring to the important role of managing a corporation and to the strategic role inside the corporate boardroom.

Ms. Ghaffari sets the foundation with an important discussion on what corporate governance is all about. She follows with a discussion of the six paths to board membership that the women have taken, based on her ground-breaking, extensive research on the boards of California's Fortune 1000 companies. These paths are varied and defy the standard myths of how women achieve and advance. This in itself makes this a valuable book. Since membership on a public board of directors does not come via an application form, but rather with a set of experiences, looking at the careers of others provides valuable insight. The book profiles 15 women in depth, providing a good road map on how to put together a successful career that would attract recruiters. For women in the early stages of their careers, these are strong role models for building a career in management, or any career that can bring the rewards and personal satisfaction of achieving significant accomplishments.
Outstanding in Their Field: How Women Corporate Directors Succeed