Outstanding in Their Field: How Women Corporate Directors Succeed
264
Outstanding in Their Field: How Women Corporate Directors Succeed
264Paperback
-
PICK UP IN STORECheck Availability at Nearby Stores
Available within 2 business hours
Related collections and offers
Overview
This book blazes a trail. Rather than focusing on lack of opportunity or loudly calling for the appointment of more women to boards, it simply shows women what they can do to get on boards. In its pages, businesswomen will gain refreshing insights into the many opportunities that exist for them to rise to leadership.
The result of two years' research and interviews, the book identifies specific steps a woman can take to become qualified and competent to serve at the very top—as a director on a for-profit corporate board. Arguing that women need to "learn from the leaders, " the author lets 15 female directors tell the truth about how to find a seat at the table. Each story is different; no one path or decision worked for every woman. Their advice closes each chapter, providing encouragement and perspective from over three decades of practical experience with public company boards.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781440836305 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Publication date: | 06/08/2009 |
| Pages: | 264 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d) |
About the Author
Table of Contents
ForewordAcknowledgments
Abbreviations
1. Overview: Women and Corporate Boards
2. Mothers Teresa: The Nonprofit Path
Director Profile: Gayle Edlund Wilson
Director Profile: Andrea L. Rich
3. Politicians: The Government Path
Director Profile: Linnet Frazier Deily
Director Profile: Linda Griego
Director Profile: Sally K. Richardson
4. Les Belles Lettres: The Academic Path
Director Profile: Alice Bourke Hayes
Director Profile: Mary S. Metz
5. Angels and Venturers: The Investment Path
Director Profile: Leslie Myers Frécon
Director Profile: Donna Frame Tuttle
Director Profile: Deborah Ann Coleman
6. Han Solos: The Entrepreneurial Path
Director Profile: Judith L. Estrin
Director Profile: Lucille S. Salhany
7. Ladder Climbers: The Corporate Path
Director Profile: Janet Morrison Clarke
Director Profile: Judith M. Runstad
Director Profile: Kathleen A. Cote
8. Conclusion: Quo Vadis?
Appendix 1: Fortune 1000 Companies Based in California with Women Directors, 2007
Appendix 2: Women Directors on Fortune 1000 Companies Based in California, 2007
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
What People are Saying About This
"It is a long-needed and overdue book about the importance to American business to recognize outstanding corporate women directors."
"Different experiences and diverse perspectives matter. In her book, Outstanding in Their Field, Ghaffari shows how women came to be directors in today's tough governance environment, how they are valued, how they regard shareholder interests, and how they assess risks from a personal and professional perspective. The women Ghaffari describes are role models for other women who would lead, and also for corporate boards that want to add talent to their director rosters. Ghaffari suggests that 'learning to play by the rules of the game' is necessary --- but not sufficient. It's also important to change the rules of the game so that the different perspectives women bring are valued.'
"
"Outstanding in their Field provides a refreshing look at the issue of women on corporate boards. The stories of women who have moved into corporate boardrooms and the analysis of lessons learned from a variety of women and a variety of routes taken to the destination make it 'real life' rather than a theoretical exercise. The overriding theme, that the issue of women on boards comes down to a question of whether women are ready and willing to lead and govern in the corporate marketplace gives a tough love flavour to the book."
Lois P. Frankel
"This important work comes at a time in history when the unique leadership gifts women bring to the governance table are more critical than ever before. Well-researched and abundant with thought-provoking information, Outstanding in Their Field is a must-read for women and men charged with ensuring ethical oversight."
—
Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D.
Author, See Jane Lead
Bonnie Hill President
"Like myself, many women who serve on corporate boards are often asked if there is a specific path to board service. My response is generally that 'there is not a single, simple path'. Ghaffari's book demonstrates that accomplished women come from many disciplines and a variety of backgrounds. It is a good read for women considering a future in board service as well as those who gain inspiration from the success of others."
—
Bonnie Hill President, B. Hill Enterprises, LLC
"It is a long-needed and overdue book about the importance to American business to recognize outstanding corporate women directors."
Susan F. Shultz Board Practice Leader
"The role of women on boards has been underrated and a missed opportunity for too long. Congratulations to Elizabeth for so vividly demonstrating the capacity and value women bring to the boardroom. Let's hope this helps to move women into the boardroom more rapidly, so that one woman director is no longer the token norm on a board. Let's hope we can embrace and leverage this powerful resource that is women."
—
Susan F. Shultz Board Practice Leader, Morgan Samuels Executive Search CEO, The Board Institute
"Like myself, many women who serve on corporate boards are often asked if there is a specific path to board service. My response is generally that 'there is not a single, simple path'. Ghaffari’s book demonstrates that accomplished women come from many disciplines and a variety of backgrounds. It is a good read for women considering a future in board service as well as those who gain inspiration from the success of others."
"Like myself, many women who serve on corporate boards are often asked if there is a specific path to board service. My response is generally that 'there is not a single, simple path'. Ghaffari's book demonstrates that accomplished women come from many disciplines and a variety of backgrounds. It is a good read for women considering a future in board service as well as those who gain inspiration from the success of others."
Blythe McGarvie Board member and author of Shaking the Globe
"Women hold up half the sky, according to the Chinese proverb. Read this book to learn how women board members shine the sun on growth opportunities and improve financial results for the best companies.' "
—
Blythe McGarvie Board member and author of Shaking the Globe, Courageous Decision-Making in a Changing World.
Chief Executive Officer - LIF Group
"This important study opens windows wide to the current reality of women's leadership journey to the Corporate Board Room. Ghaffari offers a thorough analysis of the combined successful experiences across broad business and not-for-profit sectors and confirms the value-add that women bring to these Board roles."
Dr. Susan A. Murphy Corporate Consultant
"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 leadership lessons found in Outstanding in their Field apply to both men and women in all fields of work. I highly recommend this book."
—
Dr. Susan A. Murphy Corporate Consultant, Speaker, and Author of Maximizing Performance Management and In the Company of Women (with Dr. Pat Heim)
Business Consultants Group, Inc.
"The role of women on boards has been underrated and a missed opportunity for too long. Congratulations to Elizabeth for so vividly demonstrating the capacity and value women bring to the boardroom. Let's hope this helps to move women into the boardroom more rapidly, so that one woman director is no longer the token norm on a board. Let's hope we can embrace and leverage this powerful resource that is women."
Dr. Judy B. Rosener Professor Emerita
"Different experiences and diverse perspectives matter. In her book, Outstanding in Their Field, Ghaffari shows how women came to be directors in today's tough governance environment, how they are valued, how they regard shareholder interests, and how they assess risks from a personal and professional perspective. The women Ghaffari describes are role models for other women who would lead, and also for corporate boards that want to add talent to their director rosters. Ghaffari suggests that 'learning to play by the rules of the game' is necessary --- but not sufficient. It's also important to change the rules of the game so that the different perspectives women bring are valued."
—
Dr. Judy B. Rosener Professor Emerita, The Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine
Courtney Pratt
"Outstanding in their Field provides a refreshing look at the issue of women on corporate boards. The stories of women who have moved into corporate boardrooms and the analysis of lessons learned from a variety of women and a variety of routes taken to the destination make it 'real life' rather than a theoretical exercise. The overriding theme, that the issue of women on boards comes down to a question of whether women are ready and willing to lead and govern in the corporate marketplace gives a tough love flavour to the book."
—
Courtney Pratt, Chairman, Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions
"Elizabeth Ghaffari brings inspiration to her research and to the lessons learned by outstanding women corporate directors. The women directors whom she interviewed have brought tremendous experience and courage to their roles. Because of their work and prominence, there are and will continue to be more and more women serving on boards. Elizabeth's insightful interview and research style helps us understand the inner workings of a board and why diversity of thought and spirit in the board room are crucial to the performance of the company, and ultimately, driving shareholder value."
"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 leadership lessons found in Outstanding in their Field apply to both men and women in all fields of work. I highly recommend this book."
Donald R. McCrea
"Outstanding in their Field is a very timely and important in-depth look at the paths successful women executives have taken to the boardroom of public companies and the lessons they learned along the way. At a time when public companies are undergoing significant transition in governance as well as in management, Elizabeth Ghaffari's research provides excellent advice for women considering public company directorship positions. I highly recommend the book!' "
—
Donald R. McCrea, Ph.D.
President, Bus-Ed Partners, Inc.
Former Director of Custom Executive Education, UCLA Anderson School of Management Former Director of Executive Education, University of California, Irvine
Jacqueline Orange
"Through her new book, Elizabeth Ghaffari shows us that a C-Suite role is no longer the ultimate corporation dream for women. With early planning and increasing role mentors, women can proactively manage their careers to include the B-Suite. Let the dream continue."
—
Jacqueline Orange, Corporate Director and former CEO of Canada Investment and Savings
"The role of women on boards has been underrated and a missed opportunity for too long. Congratulations to Elizabeth for so vividly demonstrating the capacity and value women bring to the boardroom. Let's hope this helps to move women into the boardroom more rapidly, so that one woman director is no longer the token norm on a board. Let's hope we can embrace and leverage this powerful resource that is women."
Shirley M. Hufstedler
Senior of Counsel
"It is a long-needed and overdue book about the importance to American business to recognize outstanding corporate women directors."
—
Shirley M. Hufstedler
Senior of Counsel, Morrison & Foerster, LLP
"Elizabeth Ghaffari brings inspiration to her research and to the lessons learned by outstanding women corporate directors. The women directors whom she interviewed have brought tremendous experience and courage to their roles. Because of their work and prominence, there are and will continue to be more and more women serving on boards. Elizabeth's insightful interview and research style helps us understand the inner workings of a board and why diversity of thought and spirit in the board room are crucial to the performance of the company, and ultimately, driving shareholder value."
"This important work comes at a time in history when the unique leadership gifts women bring to the governance table are more critical than ever before. Well-researched and abundant with thought-provoking information, Outstanding in Their Field is a must-read for women and men charged with ensuring ethical oversight."
Marina Heidman
"This important study opens windows wide to the current reality of women's leadership journey to the Corporate Board Room. Ghaffari offers a thorough analysis of the combined successful experiences across broad business and not-for-profit sectors and confirms the value-add that women bring to these Board roles."
—
Marina Heidman, PhD Executive Coach, Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions, Toronto, Canada
"Different experiences and diverse perspectives matter. In her book, Outstanding in Their Field, Ghaffari shows how women came to be directors in today’s tough governance environment, how they are valued, how they regard shareholder interests, and how they assess risks from a personal and professional perspective. The women Ghaffari describes are role models for other women who would lead, and also for corporate boards that want to add talent to their director rosters. Ghaffari suggests that 'learning to play by the rules of the game' is necessary —- but not sufficient. It's also important to change the rules of the game so that the different perspectives women bring are valued.' "
"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 leadership lessons found in Outstanding in their Field apply to both men and women in all fields of work. I highly recommend this book."
Marilyn Alexander President
"Elizabeth Ghaffari brings inspiration to her research and to the lessons learned by outstanding women corporate directors. The women directors whom she interviewed have brought tremendous experience and courage to their roles. Because of their work and prominence, there are and will continue to be more and more women serving on boards. Elizabeth's insightful interview and research style helps us understand the inner workings of a board and why diversity of thought and spirit in the board room are crucial to the performance of the company, and ultimately, driving shareholder value."
—
Marilyn Alexander President, Alexander & Friedman, LLC
"Through her new book, Elizabeth Ghaffari shows us that a C-Suite role is no longer the ultimate corporation dream for women. With early planning and increasing role mentors, women can proactively manage their careers to include the B-Suite. Let the dream continue."
"Outstanding in their Field is a very timely and important in-depth look at the paths successful women executives have taken to the boardroom of public companies and the lessons they learned along the way. At a time when public companies are undergoing significant transition in governance as well as in management, Elizabeth Ghaffari’s research provides excellent advice for women considering public company directorship positions. I highly recommend the book!' "