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Lead Like a Woman: Gain Confidence, Navigate Obstacles, Empower Others
Hardcover and dust jacket, as pictured (bus)
224 pages, Hardcover
Published August 11, 2020
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271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 5, 2021
I have received a digital copy of this book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I thank the authors and those who facilitated this exchange.
Deborah Smith Pegues is a CPA/MBA, certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and Speaker, Bible teacher, and international speaker. She has written 18 transformational books, including the bestselling 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue (over one million sold worldwide) and The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women. Honestly this all to me is a bad sign, the perfect recipe for the type of person out to get your cash for little to no return at all. Surprised at the size of her audience.
Lead Like a Woman to me seems like a more or less typical leadership book aimed at Christian female entrepreneurs, piggy-backing on the modern trend surrounding the feminist movement. It mostly discusses strategies to motivate your employees, from the classic "make sure to buff their paycheck in accordance" to "give them more freedom" tactics.
This is not a book aimed at professionals (who would not have become professionals without having mastered the super basic notions found in this book), but instead more at female aspirants aiming to revamp their career and climb up come social ladder. As such the vocabulary used is very colloquial and the examples given designed to hit close to home, often putting the reader in a position where they have to trust the author for her word and very rarely is redirected to evidence.
Expect the usual compassion talk typical to Christians, mixed with more generic advice as "the key is communication".
I didn't consider her accounts of her doing her work and anticipating what her position would require as "intuition" but rather her experience and capacity to stay ahead. Intuition sounds in turn much more mystical. I did, however, enjoy the discussion about "motivation being multidimensional". I did not agree with her statement that "resilience is in women's DNA" as this is a very dubious and unfounded statement (as there are many others in the book).
Working with people is complicated and challenging. You have to adapt yourself to the size and configuration of your work environment, while remaining as objective and professional as possible. The nature of your work and your position also determines the degree to which you ought to allow anything personal sip into the workplace. As a professional in the hospitality department myself, as an atheist too, I don't really feel like this book offered me anything of value.
Deborah Smith Pegues is a CPA/MBA, certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and Speaker, Bible teacher, and international speaker. She has written 18 transformational books, including the bestselling 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue (over one million sold worldwide) and The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women. Honestly this all to me is a bad sign, the perfect recipe for the type of person out to get your cash for little to no return at all. Surprised at the size of her audience.
Lead Like a Woman to me seems like a more or less typical leadership book aimed at Christian female entrepreneurs, piggy-backing on the modern trend surrounding the feminist movement. It mostly discusses strategies to motivate your employees, from the classic "make sure to buff their paycheck in accordance" to "give them more freedom" tactics.
This is not a book aimed at professionals (who would not have become professionals without having mastered the super basic notions found in this book), but instead more at female aspirants aiming to revamp their career and climb up come social ladder. As such the vocabulary used is very colloquial and the examples given designed to hit close to home, often putting the reader in a position where they have to trust the author for her word and very rarely is redirected to evidence.
Expect the usual compassion talk typical to Christians, mixed with more generic advice as "the key is communication".
I didn't consider her accounts of her doing her work and anticipating what her position would require as "intuition" but rather her experience and capacity to stay ahead. Intuition sounds in turn much more mystical. I did, however, enjoy the discussion about "motivation being multidimensional". I did not agree with her statement that "resilience is in women's DNA" as this is a very dubious and unfounded statement (as there are many others in the book).
Working with people is complicated and challenging. You have to adapt yourself to the size and configuration of your work environment, while remaining as objective and professional as possible. The nature of your work and your position also determines the degree to which you ought to allow anything personal sip into the workplace. As a professional in the hospitality department myself, as an atheist too, I don't really feel like this book offered me anything of value.
July 21, 2021
No. Just no.
For a book that presents itself to empower women leaders, it is very demeaning to women.
Bible quotes, God being the true leader, the need for managers to trust in God... *vomit*
I just can't with this book.
For a book that presents itself to empower women leaders, it is very demeaning to women.
Bible quotes, God being the true leader, the need for managers to trust in God... *vomit*
I just can't with this book.
April 12, 2022
I love love LOVED this book! I will share this with anyone I know looking to learn more about pursuing professional growth! I will read this one over and over!
August 2, 2025
When I think of a leader, there is a very specific type of person that comes to mind. This book helped me to reframe what I think of when I think of a leader, and realize that the way the Lord has naturally wired me as a woman isn’t harmful to my leadership, but enhances it. There were a few parts where I felt the author contradicted herself, and some parts that I didn’t totally agree with, but overall this was a great read!
September 6, 2020
Great information for women leaders
My rating is 4.5 stars
Over the past year, leaders at my office began to examine the women are treated differently than the men to make sure we are all treated fairly. Having come across Lead Like a Woman, I was curious to see if any of the issues we've discussed are mentioned here. And as a (new) leader at my office, I was very much looking forward to learning how to improve in my position, and especially to do this without having to become someone or something I'm not. So I gladly grabbed a copy.
Now, keep in mind that I am not a fan of the "up with women - down with men" mentality, so I was a little cautious as I began reading. I really didn't want to read about that! And I was quite pleased to find early on that the author made it very clear this would not be the case. Yay! Score one point already.
I do tend to read non-fiction more slowly than fiction, so it took several sittings and several weeks for me to finish. It was well written and informative and I found myself resonating with the things that were said. As I read through the chapters on the strengths, complete with examples and quotes from other women in leadership, I found myself nodding my head in agreement and being pleased that I can continue to use my unique giftings but didn't feel like I was encountering anything new earth-shattering.
This changed, however, in the section about potential pitfalls. Several of the examples of traps women leaders (and I would say women in general) fall into and ways they can change the thinking that keeps them caught in patterns that are not healthy or good for their career resonated with me. I was glad for the examples and the coaching of what to do in these situations.
I also appreciated the insight that while some of the wrong attitudes of men toward women in the office are not likely to change anytime soon, there are appropriate ways to handle them that allow women to be assertive without being perceived as aggressive.
Written from a Christian minority woman's perspective, the book is well balanced, interesting, and relevant with advice that falls in line with conservative Christian doctrine, and common sense.
Whether you are a woman in a position of leadership, or even a non-leader in the workplace, I recommend Lead Like a Woman. Men would probably also benefit from reading it to get more of a perspective of what it is like for women and to increase their awareness and understanding. Personally, I recommend a physical copy instead of an ebook for this. My Kindle copy was just not as easy to use as a reference...
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
My rating is 4.5 stars
Over the past year, leaders at my office began to examine the women are treated differently than the men to make sure we are all treated fairly. Having come across Lead Like a Woman, I was curious to see if any of the issues we've discussed are mentioned here. And as a (new) leader at my office, I was very much looking forward to learning how to improve in my position, and especially to do this without having to become someone or something I'm not. So I gladly grabbed a copy.
Now, keep in mind that I am not a fan of the "up with women - down with men" mentality, so I was a little cautious as I began reading. I really didn't want to read about that! And I was quite pleased to find early on that the author made it very clear this would not be the case. Yay! Score one point already.
I do tend to read non-fiction more slowly than fiction, so it took several sittings and several weeks for me to finish. It was well written and informative and I found myself resonating with the things that were said. As I read through the chapters on the strengths, complete with examples and quotes from other women in leadership, I found myself nodding my head in agreement and being pleased that I can continue to use my unique giftings but didn't feel like I was encountering anything new earth-shattering.
This changed, however, in the section about potential pitfalls. Several of the examples of traps women leaders (and I would say women in general) fall into and ways they can change the thinking that keeps them caught in patterns that are not healthy or good for their career resonated with me. I was glad for the examples and the coaching of what to do in these situations.
I also appreciated the insight that while some of the wrong attitudes of men toward women in the office are not likely to change anytime soon, there are appropriate ways to handle them that allow women to be assertive without being perceived as aggressive.
Written from a Christian minority woman's perspective, the book is well balanced, interesting, and relevant with advice that falls in line with conservative Christian doctrine, and common sense.
Whether you are a woman in a position of leadership, or even a non-leader in the workplace, I recommend Lead Like a Woman. Men would probably also benefit from reading it to get more of a perspective of what it is like for women and to increase their awareness and understanding. Personally, I recommend a physical copy instead of an ebook for this. My Kindle copy was just not as easy to use as a reference...
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
August 20, 2020
Be unique as a woman in leadership
Former Fortune 500 executive, leadership coach, speaker, and author of multiple books, Deborah Smith Pegues dedicates her book "Lead Like a Woman. Gain Confidence, Navigate Obstacles, Empower Others", published by Harvest House Publishers, to all women who lead or influence others. The book is divided into two parts: 1) "Inherent Traits to Embrace and Manage" with chapters entitled such as "Nurturing: Finding and Mining the Gold in Others", "Motivational: Inspiring Results", or "Principled: Being a Values-Driven Leader", and 2) "Counterproductive Tendencies to Let Go" with chapters such as "Lacking Confidence", "Forsaking Work-Life Balance", or "Expecting Instead of Asking". The appendix contains "Words of Wisdom from Winning Women" and the notes are a great help for reference and further study. Pegues start every chapter with quotes from leaders or from the Bible. She makes it clear that woman in leadership do not have to act like men and copy their approaches. In the epilogue she states: "Yes, men have had the advantage since the beginning of time, but times are changing. Our goal now is not to gain the upper hand but to learn to walk hand in hand with them. We need each other to be fruitful, to be profitable. It is God’s way" (p. 199). She sets a good example with her leadership and a challenge for other women leaders, stating: "I want to make sure that my motivation for doing anything is God-honoring versus ego-gratifying (p. 200).
I highly recommend this book to all women leaders. It contains a lot of practical tips and it is not a book that needs to be read from the first to the last page. Chapters can be chosen randomly by the readers to satisfy their needs, choosing the topics that interest them most because the chapters are closed in themselves. Pegues lives what she wrote about. She does not presents only personal examples but also examples from well-known leaders and parts of interviews with leaders. It is good to be aware that she also refers to the Bible and gives lots of practical tips.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#LeadLikeAWoman #NetGalley
Former Fortune 500 executive, leadership coach, speaker, and author of multiple books, Deborah Smith Pegues dedicates her book "Lead Like a Woman. Gain Confidence, Navigate Obstacles, Empower Others", published by Harvest House Publishers, to all women who lead or influence others. The book is divided into two parts: 1) "Inherent Traits to Embrace and Manage" with chapters entitled such as "Nurturing: Finding and Mining the Gold in Others", "Motivational: Inspiring Results", or "Principled: Being a Values-Driven Leader", and 2) "Counterproductive Tendencies to Let Go" with chapters such as "Lacking Confidence", "Forsaking Work-Life Balance", or "Expecting Instead of Asking". The appendix contains "Words of Wisdom from Winning Women" and the notes are a great help for reference and further study. Pegues start every chapter with quotes from leaders or from the Bible. She makes it clear that woman in leadership do not have to act like men and copy their approaches. In the epilogue she states: "Yes, men have had the advantage since the beginning of time, but times are changing. Our goal now is not to gain the upper hand but to learn to walk hand in hand with them. We need each other to be fruitful, to be profitable. It is God’s way" (p. 199). She sets a good example with her leadership and a challenge for other women leaders, stating: "I want to make sure that my motivation for doing anything is God-honoring versus ego-gratifying (p. 200).
I highly recommend this book to all women leaders. It contains a lot of practical tips and it is not a book that needs to be read from the first to the last page. Chapters can be chosen randomly by the readers to satisfy their needs, choosing the topics that interest them most because the chapters are closed in themselves. Pegues lives what she wrote about. She does not presents only personal examples but also examples from well-known leaders and parts of interviews with leaders. It is good to be aware that she also refers to the Bible and gives lots of practical tips.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#LeadLikeAWoman #NetGalley
July 21, 2020
Lead Like A Woman
is divided into two parts: 'Inherent Traits to Embrace and Manage' and 'Counterproductive Tendencies to Let Go'.
The entire book works on a generalising of "female traits and tendencies", whether it is a natural or taught one--this is helpful in some areas, not so helpful in others. Still, any book that addresses gender stereotypes will have to make generalisations. It's up to the reader to filter through which ones are applicable to their individual personality/makeup.
Deborah Smith Pegues brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, explaining how to utilise your natural strengths and tendencies in the workplace, whilst being aware of and working around your weaknesses. I especially liked the way she highlighted and challenged the way certain traits (nurturing, intuition, vulnerability) are seen as a liability--and demonstrated with examples how they can be utilised to bring positive impact to the workplace.
As a Christian book, each chapter quotes various scriptures and Pegues is also open about how her faith has impacted the way she does things and how she relies on God in many situations that arise.
The only disgruntlement I have is the fact that in some of the "tendencies to let go" the advice is still working around or catering to men's expectations in the workplace. That said, until the world really changes, it's the best you can do if you want to get ahead.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley. I was given the book with no expectation of a positive review and the review is my own.
The entire book works on a generalising of "female traits and tendencies", whether it is a natural or taught one--this is helpful in some areas, not so helpful in others. Still, any book that addresses gender stereotypes will have to make generalisations. It's up to the reader to filter through which ones are applicable to their individual personality/makeup.
Deborah Smith Pegues brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, explaining how to utilise your natural strengths and tendencies in the workplace, whilst being aware of and working around your weaknesses. I especially liked the way she highlighted and challenged the way certain traits (nurturing, intuition, vulnerability) are seen as a liability--and demonstrated with examples how they can be utilised to bring positive impact to the workplace.
As a Christian book, each chapter quotes various scriptures and Pegues is also open about how her faith has impacted the way she does things and how she relies on God in many situations that arise.
The only disgruntlement I have is the fact that in some of the "tendencies to let go" the advice is still working around or catering to men's expectations in the workplace. That said, until the world really changes, it's the best you can do if you want to get ahead.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley. I was given the book with no expectation of a positive review and the review is my own.
May 17, 2020
In this powerful book, Deborah Smith Pegues takes us by the hand and guides us on a life-changing journey to become a better version of ourselves. It gives us insight into how we can better use our unique qualities and abilities to become a better leader - many books give us the qualities that it takes to lead but this is the first book I have read that focuses on how women can see their unique qualities in a positive way and how they can be used to lead.Yes, this book is written to women in leadership in the workplace, but it also is very relevant to all women in many areas and stages of life. The examples and tips given are practical and thought-provoking and cause for self-reflection. She interweaves scripture throughout each chapter showing us how it applies to various situations and that the Bible is still very relevant to our time. Deborah delivers the truths within this book in a real but not harsh way.
This book is not one to be stored on a shelf but to be used regularly. I would definitely keep this book as a reference and gift it to woman I know.
I received a complimentary copy of the 'Lead Like A Woman' galley from Harvest House for my honest review.
This book is not one to be stored on a shelf but to be used regularly. I would definitely keep this book as a reference and gift it to woman I know.
I received a complimentary copy of the 'Lead Like A Woman' galley from Harvest House for my honest review.
April 12, 2020
Please read full review on my blog: http://thepickybookworm.wordpress.com
It's rare that I give a self-help book 5 stars. Most have some information I want, and other information I could live without. This book, however, was chock-full of really good information! Deborah says what she needs to say, with plenty of examples from her own life to back it up. This approach makes her relatable and doesn't give her the view of "knowing it all" at the same time. She shares learning experiences as well, where she didn't make the right decision, but was able to learn from it, and make a better decision later.
Any woman looking to gain more authority in her life, or job, should read this book. This book teaches how to use our God-given traits as assets, not liabilities. A must-read, as far as I'm concerned!
It's rare that I give a self-help book 5 stars. Most have some information I want, and other information I could live without. This book, however, was chock-full of really good information! Deborah says what she needs to say, with plenty of examples from her own life to back it up. This approach makes her relatable and doesn't give her the view of "knowing it all" at the same time. She shares learning experiences as well, where she didn't make the right decision, but was able to learn from it, and make a better decision later.
Any woman looking to gain more authority in her life, or job, should read this book. This book teaches how to use our God-given traits as assets, not liabilities. A must-read, as far as I'm concerned!
May 1, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a great business development read to encourage women to pursue or enhance their leadership roles. Many of the tips were relatable when she discussed communication and professionalism. The stories were understandable and helped me understand the section that was being described. I really like the Bible verses spread throughout the book, but some readers may not agree with the religious leadership approach in the book.
August 12, 2020
LEAD LIKE A WOMAN IS A SHOT IN THE ARM WITH A HIGH POTENCY "POWER" VITAMIN. I am inspired to follow Deborah's pattern and ask for what I want and recognize that leadership is not a man's domain. Every woman who wants to break through the glass ceiling must read this book. Follow Deborah's steps on how to be "supremely confident" and nothing will hold you back.
September 10, 2020
Excellent Resource!!
Lead Like a Woman is an excellent resource for women. It is jam packed with rich nuggets of wisdom and knowledge. This book points out the strengths women innately possess. She encourages us to cultivate and use these attributes in a positive manner as leaders within our communities, businesses, places of employment, and ministry.
Lead Like a Woman is an excellent resource for women. It is jam packed with rich nuggets of wisdom and knowledge. This book points out the strengths women innately possess. She encourages us to cultivate and use these attributes in a positive manner as leaders within our communities, businesses, places of employment, and ministry.
January 8, 2021
Wise Counsel
It felt like my mum was giving me advice on multiple facets of life. She's brilliant in her execution of this book, tactful in explaining what would be considered a touchy subject. You can tell she cares for her reader and wants to see other women flourish in their God given talents!
It felt like my mum was giving me advice on multiple facets of life. She's brilliant in her execution of this book, tactful in explaining what would be considered a touchy subject. You can tell she cares for her reader and wants to see other women flourish in their God given talents!
August 24, 2020
I would recommend this book to any Christian woman in leadership. Books like this are heard to find and the ones that exist are written by men from a man's perspective. I found most insightful the ways that we (women) unknowingly sabotage our own success in the workplace with our "thinking".
June 26, 2020
I really like the Bible verses spread throughout the book, but some readers may not agree with the religious leadership approach in the book However Deborah does an amazing job writing.
September 3, 2020
This book was amazing! Just what the doctor ordered. It provided so much clarity, well-written answers to your questions, and encourages women in general. I highly recommend it.
December 29, 2025
Absolutely fantastic look at different skills and abilities women generally excel at and how to use them in the workforce in management in particular, but also life in general.
I honestly wish I had a class on this book in college, it would have been much more helpful than my general management class and absolutely would have loved it to be my women's studies class. Also loved her section on networking, because she gives practical advice for introverts and shy people rather than the "get over it" we're usually told.
No content issues; does cover interpersonal relationships, including improper workplace advances, but handled tactfully and gives practical options and advice that goes beyond the "report it or quit" women are usually told. Highly recommend this for anyone going into business or management as men reading it can learn to understand and appreciate the women in their workforce.
October 3, 2020
I have read several books on leadership in my time. And well, this one isn't high on my list of recommendations. The book starts off with so many stereotypes that need to be busted and I'm like, I don't fit it into any of these. Then it goes into how women are unique and then how to use those traits to lead differently then men.
Frankly, it is a no brainer that women and men are different. We all have a place in this world and we all have different ways of doing things. And each leader needs to find their way of leading that is honestly, unique to them. If you've not read many books on leadership, then this may be the book for you. However, if you have, you may want to find another book to read on the subject.
Frankly, it is a no brainer that women and men are different. We all have a place in this world and we all have different ways of doing things. And each leader needs to find their way of leading that is honestly, unique to them. If you've not read many books on leadership, then this may be the book for you. However, if you have, you may want to find another book to read on the subject.
March 24, 2022
As an entrepreneur and an introvert, I am challenged by self-promotion. Although I was raised by a mother who said, "It's a poor dog that won't wag his own tale," I needed this Proverbs 31 reminder to perceive that my merchandise is good and to not be afraid to go beyond my comfort zone to market it. The author does a wonderful job of using biblical principles and examples of walking by faith without being preachy or dogmatic. Even a non-Christian could not find fault with her leadership principles because she is is writing about her experiences as being a CFO in the corporate world. I also enjoy that she is pro-woman without being anti-men. She has effective strategy for getting a seat at the table and not settling for traditional female responsibilities once arriving.
September 17, 2020
Brilliant! Who doesn’t, as a woman, want to read and learn from other strong women? In a world where it is hard to become a woman in a leader position, as we have to work so hard to get there, it is excellent to read about a successful journey and learn better ways to lead and be as strong as possible, as a woman. Even if you don’t intend to be a leader, you can still lead like a strong woman, within your own life.
February 21, 2023
A good reminder of self value and how to come into the table, reminder of what we bring into the situation and how to not downplay our values but being assertive.
June 15, 2023
Incredibly outdated writing, advise, and shouldn’t be what women are taking to heart as we advance in leadership roles in the future.
August 30, 2023
I’m so thankful I came across this author. Mrs. Deborah Smith Pegues gives excellent advice based on the word of God and personal experiences.
March 15, 2024
great read!
April 5, 2024
Not a bad book. I don’t think it presents anything new. It just seems to put a Christian spin on everything. It is not a bad thing, just a bit more than I would like.
October 30, 2024
Easy to read. Things to think about and work on in my "worklife". Highly suggested reading for young women getting started professionally. Many Christian references.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews