Description
Leading Ladies is an inspirational book that follows the journeys of
some of India’s most-admired women achievers who have made a difference
to society with their stellar work and other pursuits that touch our
lives, in more Ways than one. This volume brings alive their unique
stories with personal anecdotes that will serve as a beacon for many of
us.
While a lot has been written about how these women have
achieved success, the book aims to highlight the guiding principles of
their lives, the personal and professional beliefs that drive them, the
life and management practices that have always stood them in good
stead, and the nonnegotiab1es that have guided them on their path to
success.
What makes the woman professional/
entrepreneur/achiever/leader tick? What is it that drives them? What
are the rules by which they play the game? Is there a level playing
field for women? Do women need a level playing field? Is there
something males can learn from their female colleagues? Are women
leaders also from Venus along with the rest of their clan or do they
belong to Mars too? These influencers are well-equipped to provide the
right insights.
The author borrows from her journalistic
experience to elicit a fresh View from some of India's brightest minds;
trendsetters who have not just carved a name for themselves in their
chosen path, but have become the torch bearers for countless others in
urban and rural India who want to follow their dreams, reach their
goals, and give back to society.
The Story Behind This Book
SUDHA MENON, borrows from her journalistic experience to elicit a fresh view from some of India's brightest minds; trendsetters who have not just carved a name for themselves in their chosen path, but have become the torch-bearers for countless others in urban and rural India who want to follow their dreams, reach their goals, and give back to society.
While a lot has been written about how these women have achieved success, the book aims to highlight the guiding principles of their lives, the personal and professional beliefs that drive them, the life and management practices that have always stood them in good stead, and the non-negotiables that have guided them on their path to success.
Praise and Reviews
“Grit, guts and gumption are some of the fascinating insights from the
mind and soul of women who have changed the face of India’s workforce.
Each story tells of meritocracy; not triumph over gender bias. The book
is an inspiration for a generation and more.”
DEEPAK PAREKH, Chairman, HDFC Ltd
"I
am sure Sudha's book on the inspiring lives of India's leading ladies
will appeal to a varied audience, including young women professionals.
The life journey of successful people, the joys and challenges they
face and the manner in which they overcome the difficulties help
individuals find solutions to their own problems. The simple and
appealing style of the book makes it for very easy reading."
S RAMADORAI, Vice Chairman, Tata Consultancy Services
"A
truly inspirational book bringing to life the strong sense of purpose
that has driven the achievements of several outstanding women leaders
in India. This is a book that should be read by both men and women.
Women will surely feel energized at what is possible for them. For us
men, it is another reminder of the enormous potential of women in
business and all walks of life. This book will help the world realize
the full potential that women have to offer."
VINDI BANGA, Partner CD&R; former Global President, Unilever PLC
“This
book brings out in vivid detail stories of women who refused to be
cowed down by circumstances and stood their own with dignity, rising
above the ashes, not with arrogance, but with humility. It beautifully
brings to light the human side of India’s women achievers and reminds
us that every achievement comes after much sweat and heartbreaks. What
is remarkable of these women is not only their indomitable spirit to
rise against all odds, but also their urge to do something for others,
especially so that others do not have to go through the trials and
tribulations that they themselves had to undergo. Although their path
to success was lined with difficulties, they felt the need to give
something in return to the society in which they eventually succeeded.
All these only drives home one thing I always believed: woman is not
equal to man – and before any eyebrows are raised, let me rephrase it –
woman is unique and she can, and will, make her own place.”
USHA THORAT, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India
The
book is very compelling and makes a lively read. I really enjoyed
reading the interesting interplay between the personal and the
professional dimensions of the people Sudha has profiled. It’s a must
read. Very inspirational!
CYRIL SHROFF, Managing Partner, Amarchand & Mangaldas and Suresh A. Shroff & Co
“The
book is a collection of the personal journeys of some remarkable and
very eminent Indian women. These are women that we have read about and
perhaps even seen some of them on stage somewhere, but the author has
been able to persuade them to share with her some of their most private
thoughts and reflections so we as readers can be an intimate part of
these journeys and not merely distant observers. The women that the
author has chosen to document, like most of us, have had to face their
own fears and insecurities as well as confront some very real
challenges. The stories that the author has been able to capture talk
to us about the very personal pathways that each of these women took to
get to their individual destinations and in so doing teach us and
inspire us to live our lives with similar courage and determination.”
NACHIKET MOR, Co-President, ICICI Foundation;
Chairman, Sughavazhvu Healthcare
I
have had the pleasure of reading portions of the book Sudha Menon has
written on select women leaders in different professions. This is a
well-researched effort to evaluate their achievements and the hard
challenges they faced in their personal as well as professional life.
The author needs to be commended for eliciting important details from
the subjects she has chosen, bringing out their values and the factors
which enabled them to successfully compete with their male colleagues
in a not-so-friendly environment. I recall a classic answer given by a
leading professional to the question whether selections at top level
were fair to the women candidates in consideration. She had replied:
‘To excel among the peer group, a woman has usually to perform twice as
well as a man; but then it is not that difficult.’ Ms Sudha Menon has
strewn together a gripping account of interesting careers with
remarkable skill and in very readable prose. I had the privilege of
working with some of the people covered in this book in committees and
conferences. My impressions about their calibre and quality are well
reflected in this book.
NARESH CHANDRA, former Cabinet Secretary and Indian Ambassador to the USA