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A Woman's Place
The inspiring story of one of New Zealand's most respected business leaders.
‘Successful women rarely set out to become role models. They just do the best they can, and hopefully that becomes inspirational for other women.’
Joan Withers left high school with School Certificate at the age of 16 and from those unassuming beginnings has gone on to manage one of New Zealand's leading media organisations and to chair the boards of several of the country's largest companies. An outspoken advocate for diversity in the boardroom and for equal pay for women, Joan argues that gender inequality holds back not only women but economic growth globally.
In this candid account of her life and career, she shares her journey from stay-at-home mum to CEO of Fairfax New Zealand, and in-demand company director and board Chair. A highly readable insight into business leadership and what it takes to succeed, A Woman's Place is also a call to action for women to set their sights on the top of the corporate ladder.
‘Successful women rarely set out to become role models. They just do the best they can, and hopefully that becomes inspirational for other women.’
Joan Withers left high school with School Certificate at the age of 16 and from those unassuming beginnings has gone on to manage one of New Zealand's leading media organisations and to chair the boards of several of the country's largest companies. An outspoken advocate for diversity in the boardroom and for equal pay for women, Joan argues that gender inequality holds back not only women but economic growth globally.
In this candid account of her life and career, she shares her journey from stay-at-home mum to CEO of Fairfax New Zealand, and in-demand company director and board Chair. A highly readable insight into business leadership and what it takes to succeed, A Woman's Place is also a call to action for women to set their sights on the top of the corporate ladder.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 1, 2025
Very good read
November 3, 2017
I heard Joan speak at a forum at the NZ Australian High Commission, so decided to read her book. Really worth the read. I'm on the future directors programme for a Board this year, so found her insights into governance invaluable. Found it hard to relate to section on director/vs CEO/vs public pay, and also her life style (because of course she is very wealthy), but then again, fascinating to see how someone else lives, and her take on work/life balance.
May 29, 2019
Started off relatively engaging (great to hear from a woman who originated from a relatable background, and there was a lot going on in the shake-up of the broadcasting industry), then just became - I did this, then I did this, then I was on this board... I ended up skipping pages towards the end and have donated the copy I purchased.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews