Leading Our Way - by Gaia Van Der Esch (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The world as we know it is changing. Solving climate change, war, poverty, pandemics, migration, addressing threats to freedom, human rights and democracy requires a new type of leadership. One focused on protecting and promoting the common good, on sustainability, fairness, equity. A leadership capable of long-term thinking and immediate and effective action, to catalyze short- and long-term change. Of holding together and managing complexity -- using both rationality and empathy. Of leading in a bold yet kind way, showing the example and bringing people together around common values, visions and actions - halting the increasing polarization we are witnessing in our communities and countries. We have indeed reached a stage where we can no longer avoid questioning the "old way" of doing things and defining a new and better way is more urgent than ever. And this starts with leadership, which in turn defines our societies and companies, our purpose and direction. Are women leaders the answer to this? Starting from this question, the book delves into the personal and professional stories of 10 inspiring women, leading the way in our contemporary world across countries and sectors. It brings the reader on a reflection journey on what leadership is, how it is developed, how it needs to change to face todays and tomorrow's global challenges, and what the role of women is in this fundamental cultural shift. All while inspiring women and men, girls and boys to become themselves catalysts for change, defining a new path to leadership and to fixing our broken world -- men and women together. Throughout the various chapters, key trends and traits of women leadership, experience and vision for the future will emerge, creating a fil-rouge across the personal stories of featured leaders and shaping the vision and actions needed to define a new model of and vision for leadership."--

Book Synopsis

The world is changing, and so must our understanding of leadership. Through the stories of trailblazing female leaders, discover what leadership can look like and how you can become a catalyst for change.

In Leading Our Way, renowned executive and author Gaia van der Esch shares an inspiring collection of leadership stories from seven iconic women around the world. Stories that explore new leadership models, concepts and tools, to inspire action and solve global challenges.

Featuring exclusive interviews with Christiana Figueres, Gitanjali Rao, Becky Sauerbrunn, Diane von Furstenberg, Tawakkol Karman, Comfort Ero and Gloria Steinem, this book examines key trends in leadership, and in how female leaders from across the globe are redefining its meaning, surfacing essential patterns and ideas to re-imagine our present and future. You'll find:

• In-depth discussions of how women - still heavily under-represented in leadership positions and debates - are contributing to changing our cultural, economic and political scene
• Strategies for overcoming the mounting polarization in our communities, companies, and countries, by re-focusing on the common ground and the common good - for humanity and for our planet
• Tools and inspiration to become an effective leader and act as a catalyst for change in your organisation, your community, your country, as we collectively strive to overcome today's global challenges and build a fair and sustainable world

An inspiring and essential new exploration of leadership, Leading Our Way is a must read for both men and women in leadership positions and those who aspire to them. A stepping-stone to build your purpose, find inspiration, and lead in your own way.

From the Back Cover

Praise for LEADING OUR WAY

"Simply put: empowering. A steppingstone for women and men, to find purpose and lead change towards truly inclusive companies and countries"
--Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, former Executive Director of UN Women, former Deputy President of South Africa

"A manifesto to re-think our understanding of leadership, transforming each and one of us into a catalyst for change"
--Iris Bohnet, Author of What Works: Gender Equality by Design; Professor and Co-director, Women and Public Policy Program, Harvard Kennedy School

"Discover, through this passionating book, how to be or become a visionary leader. Thank you, Gaia, for taking us on this inspiring journey, towards re-defining what true leadership looks and acts like!"
--Chiara Corazza, G20 Empower Private Sector Representative for France; G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council; ESCP Affiliate Professor - Institute for Leadership

About the Author

GAIA VAN DER ESCH is an Italian-Dutch executive in the non-profit and public sectors, a policy expert and author. She is currently leading a large international foundation working across the world to end poverty and exclusion and halt climate change. Gaia previously led the work of G20 EMPOWER, defining and advancing the gender equality agenda across G20 countries. She is a speaker at international level on topics related to politics and international relations, equity, sustainability, and leadership. Gaia holds master's degrees from Sciences Po Paris and the Harvard Kennedy School. Among others, she was nominated by Forbes in its Europe 30under30 list.