Structure of the book

This book is based on an assumption that there is real value in tuning into interesting stories from a range of women who are viewed by their colleagues as being successful. Its approach is therefore qualitative and looks to describe the phenomenon that is success.

The content is a blend of two main elements. There are five chapters that draw on the questionnaire submissions of 126 women to explore the themes of achievement, challenge, gender, role models and learning from experience. The remainder of the book comprises first-person narratives and full-page photographic portraits. These are based on interviews with twenty-six of the participants, who represent a diverse range of perspectives, ages, backgrounds, levels of seniority and views on their working lives.