The Courage To Advance: Real Life Resilience from the World's Most Successful Women in Business

by Bonnie Hagemann, Lisa Pent, The WomenExecs on Boards

A powerful collection of 36 stories about how the world's most successful women have overcome some of life's biggest challenges to reach the top of their professions. This is a book written for every current and aspiring leader, revealing the things that leaders rarely talk about; the behind the scenes struggles.

The women in these stories are powerful, internationally diverse and have impressive leadership accomplishments. They were brought together through one unifying experience: they have all completed the Harvard Business School Women on Boardsprogram, a course that has turned into a movement. Today there are over 190 members of the WomenExecs on Boards network, from 23 countries. This is the network where organizations go to find educated, prepared, qualified and diverse women for corporate board seats.

After reading this book you will be inspired to lead and make a difference for others whether it's running a company or leading a division, team, project, community event or your family and home. You will discover that you already have all you need to succeed when it gets hard, to never give up, and how to keep going through life's difficult and sometimes terrible challenges. These women want you to know that you are not alone, and that you can lean on the strength of those who have gone before you, keep leading and keep getting back up again and again.

Genres: Business

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2021

Reviews

[Denise Griffitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Courage to Advance: Real Life Resilience from the World's Most Successful Women in Business is an empowering collection of stories that celebrates the strength, determination, and ingenuity of women in leadership. Authored by some of the most accomplished women across industries, this book offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for those navigating the challenges of modern business.

The personal stories shared are at the heart of this book’s power. Each chapter showcases a unique journey, filled with obstacles, setbacks, and eventual triumphs. Readers are invited to explore the resilience and strategies that propelled these women forward, often in the face of overwhelming odds. The diverse perspectives ensure there’s something relatable and inspiring for every reader.

What makes this book stand out is its blend of motivation and actionable advice. Beyond sharing their struggles, these leaders provide tangible insights into how they made difficult decisions, built strong teams, and embraced innovation. Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, start your own business, or simply cultivate greater resilience in your personal life, the lessons here are invaluable.

The tone is authentic and uplifting, making it an easy yet deeply impactful read. It’s a book that encourages reflection, inspires action, and reminds readers that resilience and courage are the foundations of success.

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book can be read in one go just because it gives you the source of inspiration, shares the stories of couragu, vulnerability, resilience and gives you some advice. Flying through the stories of women in this book, you feel like a learning curve is there and you follow it, recognizing yourself from time to time in similar situations.

[Ann Perreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compilation of stories was inspiring to read, how women have climbed the corporate ladder and excelled. I enjoyed the resilient theme throughout the book, although all women in the business world was sometimes hard to connect with as I am in academia. One of my favorite quotes was at the end of the book: People need leadership and you can be the leader they need.

[Michael Tiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and inspiring stories! very well-written with relatable stories and actionable guidance from some extraordinary women.