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How to Be Like Women of Influence: Life Lessons from 20 of the Greatest
What do Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Day O'Connor, Margaret Thatcher, Marie Curie and Sojourner Truth have in common? Not only are they some of the world's most influential women, their life lessons are now revealed in the latest book by Pat Williams.
Williams blends the personal accounts of each influential woman with the contemporary and historical insights of others, what emerges is an intimate portrait of each great person—her motivations, her aspirations, her personal challenges and the qualities that made her so successful at her calling. An added bonus is life lessons at the end of each chapter, which provide remarkable motivation for women who are blazing a new career trail, building a strong family or struggling to "have it all".
This exceptional book highlights a diverse group of women, from activists, businesswomen and humanitarians to athletes, explorers and scientists—it will appeal to any reader regardless of age, occupation or creative pursuits.
Profiles of women of influence Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Mary Kay Ash, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Amelia Earhart and others. This is not a history book—it is a perfect blueprint for creating a successful life.
Williams blends the personal accounts of each influential woman with the contemporary and historical insights of others, what emerges is an intimate portrait of each great person—her motivations, her aspirations, her personal challenges and the qualities that made her so successful at her calling. An added bonus is life lessons at the end of each chapter, which provide remarkable motivation for women who are blazing a new career trail, building a strong family or struggling to "have it all".
This exceptional book highlights a diverse group of women, from activists, businesswomen and humanitarians to athletes, explorers and scientists—it will appeal to any reader regardless of age, occupation or creative pursuits.
Profiles of women of influence Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Mary Kay Ash, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Amelia Earhart and others. This is not a history book—it is a perfect blueprint for creating a successful life.
- GenresNonfiction
350 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
10 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Pat Williams
200 books48 followersPatrick Livingston Murphy Williams was an American sports executive, who served as senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. Williams began his career as a minor league baseball player, and later joined the front office of his team. In the late 1960s he moved into basketball, with his biggest achievements being the 1983 title of the Philadelphia 76'ers and being a partner in the creation of the Orlando Magic.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 3, 2012
I loved this book!
The book is about how these extraordinaire women and how influenced the world and made great contributions to humanity. The authors had chosen 20 of the greatest women that lived on the 19th and 20th century. It was a great read, it’s not a biography, but you get to know a little about the life of these great women’s and how they succeed in their respective fields, how they stayed strong in face of adversity, overcame prejudices and pressed forward the boundaries of race, religion, politics, disability, culture and business to make their own contributions to the world.
Each chapter is dedicated to a woman such as: Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, Anne Frank, Margaret Thatcher, Sandra Day O’Connor, Oprah Winfrey, Golda Meir, Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, Marie Curie, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Amelia Earhart, Florence Nightingale, Harriet Beecher, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Clara Barton, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Mary Kay Ash.
What I liked the most about the book (besides the content),is the way it was written. Each chapter is full of stories, anecdotes, historical facts and curiosities with well chosen quotes.
On the end of each chapter there is a section How to be Like Oprah Winfrey (for example) and it comes with 7 to 16 bullet points of the characteristics and actions that these women’s had that made it possible for them to achieve their goals, with an additional text in each one of them. On top of that on the end of the book there is a section called Book Club Questions for Discussion, which I thought it was really good.
The great lesson is how can we become a person of influence? What the 20 women in this book had in common was:
Each one figured out what the prime motivation in their life would be and pursued it with passion.
“Before I was even into my teens…My goal was to be the greatest athlete that ever lived.” Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Each one set specific goals related to their passion and worked toward these goals.
“Nothing in life happens. It isn’t enough to believe in something; you have to have stamina to meet obstacles and overcome them,to struggle.” Golda Meir
They didn’t just dream; they made things happen.
“It is the individual who can and does make a difference even in this increasingly populous, complex world of ours. The individual can make things happen.” Sandra Day O’Connor
They made things happen because they were willing to work hard.
“Happiness…that’s something you can’t achieve by taking the easy way out. Earning happiness means doing good and working, not speculating and being lazy.Laziness may look inviting, but only work gives you true satisfaction.” Anne Frank
Each woman had a strong core belief in what she was doing and never gave up on their dreams. They persevered in good and bad times with their focus on their mission.
“If you have a sense of purpose and a sense of direction, I believe people will follow you.” Margaret Thatcher
They all had an “I can do” attitude. In their minds there were no limits to what they could achieve.
“Don’t depend on forces outside yourself to get ahead.” Oprah Winfrey
These women of influence simply kept focused on their passion, never letting “that’s impossible” become part of their vocabulary.
“The first principle: never to let one’s self be beaten down by persons or by events.” Marie Curie
In every single case these women were individuals. They defined who they were and refused to let anyone change that. They were true to themselves.
They all realized there was someone or something greater than themselves and they practiced their faith and also felt the need to give back to the world.
“Be a living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” Mother Teresa
They were courageous women, and each one ventured into unknown fields and were willing to take the risks necessary to achieve their dreams.
“Decide then whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is stop worrying. To worry is to add another hazard. It retards reactions, makes one unfit.” Amelia Earhart
These influential women took responsibility for their own lives. They didn’t blame others or circumstances. They took what life gave them and made the best of it.
“What basic objective I had, for many years, was to grasp every opportunity to live and experience life as deeply, as fully, and as widely as I possibly could. It seemed to me stupid to have a gift of life and not use it to the utmost of one’s ability.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Education was very important to all of them. They were all lifelong learners, contributors to society and understood the value of education.
“Books showed me there was possibilities in life, that there were actually people like me living in a world I could not only aspire to but attain. Reading gave me hope. For me it was the open door.” Oprah Winfrey
I highly recommend this book it’s a great read and very inspiring. It make you think and give more value for thing we take for granted in life. It motivates you to aim for big goals and work hard to achieve them.
The book is about how these extraordinaire women and how influenced the world and made great contributions to humanity. The authors had chosen 20 of the greatest women that lived on the 19th and 20th century. It was a great read, it’s not a biography, but you get to know a little about the life of these great women’s and how they succeed in their respective fields, how they stayed strong in face of adversity, overcame prejudices and pressed forward the boundaries of race, religion, politics, disability, culture and business to make their own contributions to the world.
Each chapter is dedicated to a woman such as: Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, Anne Frank, Margaret Thatcher, Sandra Day O’Connor, Oprah Winfrey, Golda Meir, Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, Marie Curie, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Amelia Earhart, Florence Nightingale, Harriet Beecher, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Clara Barton, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Mary Kay Ash.
What I liked the most about the book (besides the content),is the way it was written. Each chapter is full of stories, anecdotes, historical facts and curiosities with well chosen quotes.
On the end of each chapter there is a section How to be Like Oprah Winfrey (for example) and it comes with 7 to 16 bullet points of the characteristics and actions that these women’s had that made it possible for them to achieve their goals, with an additional text in each one of them. On top of that on the end of the book there is a section called Book Club Questions for Discussion, which I thought it was really good.
The great lesson is how can we become a person of influence? What the 20 women in this book had in common was:
Each one figured out what the prime motivation in their life would be and pursued it with passion.
“Before I was even into my teens…My goal was to be the greatest athlete that ever lived.” Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Each one set specific goals related to their passion and worked toward these goals.
“Nothing in life happens. It isn’t enough to believe in something; you have to have stamina to meet obstacles and overcome them,to struggle.” Golda Meir
They didn’t just dream; they made things happen.
“It is the individual who can and does make a difference even in this increasingly populous, complex world of ours. The individual can make things happen.” Sandra Day O’Connor
They made things happen because they were willing to work hard.
“Happiness…that’s something you can’t achieve by taking the easy way out. Earning happiness means doing good and working, not speculating and being lazy.Laziness may look inviting, but only work gives you true satisfaction.” Anne Frank
Each woman had a strong core belief in what she was doing and never gave up on their dreams. They persevered in good and bad times with their focus on their mission.
“If you have a sense of purpose and a sense of direction, I believe people will follow you.” Margaret Thatcher
They all had an “I can do” attitude. In their minds there were no limits to what they could achieve.
“Don’t depend on forces outside yourself to get ahead.” Oprah Winfrey
These women of influence simply kept focused on their passion, never letting “that’s impossible” become part of their vocabulary.
“The first principle: never to let one’s self be beaten down by persons or by events.” Marie Curie
In every single case these women were individuals. They defined who they were and refused to let anyone change that. They were true to themselves.
They all realized there was someone or something greater than themselves and they practiced their faith and also felt the need to give back to the world.
“Be a living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” Mother Teresa
They were courageous women, and each one ventured into unknown fields and were willing to take the risks necessary to achieve their dreams.
“Decide then whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is stop worrying. To worry is to add another hazard. It retards reactions, makes one unfit.” Amelia Earhart
These influential women took responsibility for their own lives. They didn’t blame others or circumstances. They took what life gave them and made the best of it.
“What basic objective I had, for many years, was to grasp every opportunity to live and experience life as deeply, as fully, and as widely as I possibly could. It seemed to me stupid to have a gift of life and not use it to the utmost of one’s ability.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Education was very important to all of them. They were all lifelong learners, contributors to society and understood the value of education.
“Books showed me there was possibilities in life, that there were actually people like me living in a world I could not only aspire to but attain. Reading gave me hope. For me it was the open door.” Oprah Winfrey
I highly recommend this book it’s a great read and very inspiring. It make you think and give more value for thing we take for granted in life. It motivates you to aim for big goals and work hard to achieve them.
February 12, 2018
The book is awesome!
Reread it like 5 times...
Very inspirational and not "boring"
Reread it like 5 times...
Very inspirational and not "boring"
October 11, 2019
Awesome, there deeds cannot be overemphasized, the books itself is a destiny changer, you can't read it and remain the same.
March 24, 2020
EXCELLENT! So many strong women and how they overcame many obstacles. Inspiring!
September 4, 2024
Loved it! I was glad to fill in a lot of gaps in my knowledge about a lot of these women. I also was introduced to some new amazing women.
April 7, 2011
Okay, I LOVED this book!! As a disclaimer, I am a total nerd, and also really enjoy history... but even being a non fiction book I was so excited when I got a few minutes and was able to sit down with this book! 20 chapters, each an easy to read biography of an influencial woman in history. All written through the lense of what it was about that person (qualities, habits, etc) that made them sucessful and influencial. I really enjoy biographies- learning about a person, what makes them tick, what makes them who they are, how did they got to where they're at; but at times biographies can just drag on a little too much. I want to learn about a person, but I don't need to know what how they tied their shoes! This was just a fun, quick overview of each person.
June 22, 2011
This was an inspiring, empowering, motivating book. I loved the format of short, insightful biographies. I soaked up all the information about these incredible women with a thirst to be like each of them in some small way. It was interesting to see many of the same qualities in all of these women that led them to make a difference in their lives and in the world. This book did exactly what it was designed to do. It educated me about history, the roles women have taken, the changes they have made, the sacrifices they have endured and it made me feel like I could better myself and my life and my world because of them. I am uplifted!
January 21, 2011
I started reading this book in 2003 while a college senior, then put it down and finally finished it! I think it's a good book for college aged women as the stories of the women teaches them important parts of history they may have missed and also gives practical ways they can become more influential. Some of my favorites: wake up early, never stop working, follow God. I am glad to have finally finished this book and excited to pass it along to a friend I promised could read it next...I am sure she'll be surprised to receive it in the mail seven years later!
June 29, 2016
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who's on the path to achieving her dreams. It was inspiring and eye opening to read about women like Mother Teresa and Madame Curie who I learned were superb fundraisers. I never thought of them in that light. There's just so much to take away from the stories of these women that can help set your attitude and give you an optimistic outlook. If you need to recharge I highly recommend reading this book. Another good thing about the book is its structure. At the end of each profile there's a recap of how to be like each woman.
January 7, 2009
This is a remarkable book. I can't tell you how this book changed my life. The stories about the women involved are not only inspiring, but engaging and educational.
I learned things about women of strength and courage and intelligence.
I particularly liked how the book was written in sections. Each woman had a section of her own and it made for pleasant and easy reading.
This should be required reading for every young girl, every woman.
I learned things about women of strength and courage and intelligence.
I particularly liked how the book was written in sections. Each woman had a section of her own and it made for pleasant and easy reading.
This should be required reading for every young girl, every woman.
May 29, 2012
This is a collection of short biographies about 20 famous women. The one I remember most was Sojourner Truth, as I didn't know anything about her. This is a book which should be read at least twice, and notes should be taken. I need to go back to it!
February 5, 2008
I actually got to meet Pat Williams in Tampa and she really inspired to take charge of my life. This book is also great.
February 18, 2008
A must read for women. Clearly a great influence and a greater understanding of the heart and determination
of women to succeed with passion.
of women to succeed with passion.
April 3, 2008
Every woman, & young woman should read this book. Very interesting and inspiring. Not that I want a women for president in 08.
June 12, 2008
Very Inspiring...
October 19, 2008
This was a very good book about we can learn from other womens lives. My boyfriend gave this book to me-scored him big points for knowing what I like to read!
March 17, 2009
I liked the story of Helen Keller the most because it included Anne Sullivan's childhood and how she came to teach Helen. I also liked the story of Marie Curie.
July 13, 2011
I liked the book. I especially loved it when I was a Mary Kay Consultant.
August 30, 2012
This book holds priceless lessons from 20 amazing women. Each lived according to her strong felt beliefs and, in turn, affected positive changes that will last throughout time.
April 14, 2013
Loved this book but I love history books. A great selection of inspiring women. Some wonderful lessons to take away from them.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews