Enlightened power

Each of the 40 essays in this collection offers a unique take on the challenges women face as they emerge into positions of power. Created to disseminate the type of knowledge shared annually at the Women in Leadership Summit, the collection presents sophisticated advice on how to make such transitions work, not just for individuals, but for society. Though a bit overwhelming in number, the essays are not repetitious; in fact, they rarely overlap in their points. Most provide insight into specific work-related goals and behaviors, such as "influencing for impact," conducting difficult conversations, finding mentors and bragging constructively about accomplishments. Male-bashing is conspicuously absent. The editors' intent is more constructive than that, with nearly every chapter delivering take-away applications to one's current position and a better understanding of the errors one may have made in the past. There are, however, several touchy-feely chapters, and the foreword by David Gergen irritates with its pro-women pandering. And while the stylistic switches from chapter to chapter are mostly welcome-first person and personal from Barbara Corcoran to business-school academic from Karen Stephenson-the writing skill varies immensely across authors and some of the essays are very poorly constructed. Patient readers will be rewarded, however, with honest insight into how to make the most of their hard-fought rise through the corporate ranks and how to enjoy that success in both their professional and personal lives.