"Women's empowerment is the single biggest opportunity of the 21st century." Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever plc

Getting to the top in Business is never straightforward, especially as a woman.

This powerful collection of stories reveals how the world's leading women in business 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 Boards program, a course that has turned into a movement. Today there are over 130 members of the WomenExecs on Boards network, from 17 countries. This is the network where organisations 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.

With a Foreword from Harvard Business School