for Women Lead the Way
“If you, like me, have ever felt a door closing—in your family, at work, or in your community—just because you are female, then you know intuitively the depth of power that Linda Tarr-Whelan is intent on unleashing to change the world. This mission is urgent—our nation and the world require diverse and collaborative leadership now—and we'll get there only if you step up. Read this book!”
—Sara K. Gould, President and CEO, Ms. Foundation for Women
“Linda's focus on looking at what unites women is both refreshing and a hallmark of her own leadership. You will learn how the agenda that comes forward—more attention to children, education, entrepreneurship, health care, and balancing work and family—is the hidden story of new directions for the country. This book will give you the facts and the tips we all need to have more women lead the way.”
—Celinda Lake, President, Lake Research Partners
“A compelling examination of what it takes to be a leader—from style to skill. Linda Tarr-Whelan offers an urgent call to action for women in this country, both intimate and tough in its historical assessment, sometimes didactic, often inspiring, and always important. By drawing on her rich and diverse journey in politics and policy, she makes a powerful case that women must become ‘change agents’ and join the ranks of leadership in every part of our society.”
—U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro
“This book's central idea is as simple as it is profound: when women are better represented in decision-making bodies, organizations and institutions produce better results—both for their constituents and for society as a whole. It isn't about what's wrong with the world or what's holding women back. Instead, Tarr-Whelan has written a ‘how-to’ manual, offering practical ideas for how women leaders can transform institutions and change the world.”
—Joe Keefe, President and CEO, Pax World Management Corporation
“The super-savvy Linda Tarr-Whelan draws on her many impressive achievements to show us how more women can make it to the top in government and in the private sector. We ignore her at our peril. Only when women become truly equal partners in this country's decision making will we realize our full promise as a beacon to all the world.”
—Ellen Chesler, PhD, Director, Eleanor Roosevelt Initiative at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College, the City University of New York and author of Woman of Valor: Margaret Sanger and the Birth Control Movement
“Linda Tarr-Whelan uses her lifetime of rich and varied experiences to lay out a plan for empowering women in both the public and private sectors. She offers women an important road map to leadership in government and business. This timely book takes up the critical issue of the difference women in leadership make and how to maximize that difference.”
—Debbie Walsh, Director, Center for American Women and Politics,
Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University
“A must-read for this particular time in the history of women's leadership. There is a window of opportunity open for women's leadership here and now that compels all of us, women and men, to throw the window open wide and create the social change needed to rebalance the globe. Here is the guidebook for that work. Read, share, and act; it will make a world of difference.”
—Chris Grumm, President and CEO, Women's Funding Network
“Linda's ability to translate macro issues into concrete action for executives, mothers, or some of us in need of informed inspiration is extraordinary. Whatever your passion or purpose is, she offers a road map that taps the wisdom of generations before us, as well as the hopes and potential of our daughters and sons. As you read, dream big and take your next step. Others will follow.”
—Anne B. Mosle, Vice President for Programs, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
“Like Girl Scouting, which inspires girls of courage, confidence, and character, Tarr-Whelan's book builds on the idea of a sisterhood of female leaders, lifting and inspiring each other to do good works. Women Lead the Way calls on women to interact with purpose, to build a network of dynamic leaders who initiate progress.”
—Lidia Soto-Harmon, Deputy Executive Director,
Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital
“Linda Tarr-Whelan brings an extraordinary depth and breadth of personal experience—ranging from the nursing profession to a U.S. ambassadorship—to the issue of transformational leadership. Her wise counsel to women of all ages rings true, for those beginning to tackle the leadership challenge to those already making their mark. Read this to begin pursuing your passion.”
—Gail A. Raiman, Vice President, Public Affairs,
Associated Builders and Contractors
“Women Lead the Way is a powerful reminder for those of us who have broken through and serve in leadership positions of the value that results from balanced decision making and the responsibilities we as individuals have in ensuring such balance occurs. Armed with data, a convincing case statement, knowledge of the obstacles still to be faced, and specific steps to overcome them, Ms. Tarr-Whelan has provided women a clear path forward.”
—Myrl Weinberg, President, National Health Council
“Linda Tarr-Whelan brilliantly depicts the passion of women's leadership with the power that fuels it. Her words inspire, motivate, and challenge us to embrace our unique woman-perspective in the corporate, civic, and political arenas so that we collectively bring about the global transformation that is only possible when we do so.”
—Molly Barker, Founder and Vision Keeper, Girls on the Run
“A game-changing book from one of the most fascinating and articulate spokeswomen of our time. Linda Tarr-Whelan has been our North Star, constantly challenging us to think beyond convention so we may find a better way to lead down a path less traveled. She not only inspires us to think entrepreneurially about the possibilities but, like the great leader she is, she provides us the tools to do our work.”
—Amy Millman, President, Springboard Enterprises
“Through thought-provoking statistics and stories, Women Lead the Way candidly holds a mirror to our costly gender and power reality. Linda acts as a personal mentor to help women in all walks of life take practical steps to gain expertise, exposure, and experience and find their place as leaders. Every man should read this book to learn about the profit from ‘womenomics’ and the too-often-hidden value in women's thoughts, hearts, and ways of seeing the world.”
—Megan White, Founder and President, ZanaAfrica, Kenya
“A breakthrough book that for the first time brings together the lessons of personal, community, national, and international experience in leading programs for women's equity. It is inspirational, rich in ideas and examples, and a practical road map for men and women wanting to step forward to lead deep change for stronger societies.”
—Elizabeth McAllister, strategic management consultant, former Canadian government official specializing in women's development, and World Bank senior executive
“Tarr-Whelan makes a compelling case for gender balance in the boardroom and under the Capitol dome as the gateway to a better future for our society. Her step-by-step guidance on the pathway to transformational leadership instructs and inspires readers on ‘being the change we seek to make.’ Reading this book should be a priority for women change-makers!
—Georgia State Senator Nan Grogan Orrock,
President, Women Legislators' Lobby of WAND
“Linda Tarr-Whelan is not only a change agent; she is a true force of nature. What is powerful and awe inspiring about Linda's book is that it is a highly achievable call to action! Women Lead the Way is a brilliant achievement! If you want a better world, her voice on the issue of empowering women is nothing short of amazing and will send you on your way.”
—Janet Hanson, Founder and CEO, 85 Broads
“As the president of a women's college that puts a priority on the development of leadership skills, I found Women Lead the Way to be an impressive collection of strategies and tools for women who want to make a difference in the communities in which they live. Linda Tarr-Whelan's combination of personal stories and hard research makes for a persuasive guide to the creation of the kind of balanced leadership that we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
—Janet L. Holmgren, President, Mills College
