The Lost Leaders How Corporate America Loses Women Leaders

Business leaders are being lost - in a business world that so desperately needs leadership today. Although women now represent half of all managers, they hold less than 10 percent of the top positions in U.S. corporations. Somehow, women are being lost on their way up. Much has been written about women leaders; rarely do we hear them speak. The Lost Leaders presents, in their own voices, the personal stories of women who achieved success in corporate leadership but have chosen to abandon their corporate careers. Readers will hear their own triumphs and struggles in the stories these women tell. When taken together, these stories provide a fascinating glimpse of the culture that exists in the contemporary corporation.

The Lost Leaders examines what happened - and what is still happening - to women who could be leaders but have chosen instead to leave corporate environments. Heppner shows us that, though there have been tremendous changes since the careers depicted here began, the environment that led these women to leave is still prevalent. Grounded firmly in academic research, Heppner writes in an accessible style that is of interest to business professionals, students, and researchers alike, capturing a unique time in our cultural history and illuminating today's workplace.

Rebekah Heppner is one of the lost leaders. Following a successful career in business, she earned a PhD in cultural anthropology, making her uniquely qualified to contextualize the women's stories with thoughtful, informed commentary.

PART I: ACCIDENTAL CAREERS
Introduction to Part One
1. Colleen Roberts 
2. Judy Samuels
3. Joyce Williams
4. Nancy Michaels 
5. Other 'Lost Leaders'
PART II: CORPORATE AMERICA
Introduction to Part Two 
6. The Old Boys' Network 
7. The Acceptable Band
8. The Ideal Worker
9. Against The Law
10. The Toxic Workplace
PART III: HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
Introduction to Part Three 
11. Still Working
12. Self Employment
13. Workplace Flexibility
14. Diversity Initiatives
15. A Woman President of the United States
Conclusion