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Strong Female Lead: Lessons from Women in Power
Women have been taught to "lean in" and act like men to get ahead, but as the financial, environmental, and social systems crumble, isn't it time we had a different plan? The first two decades of the twenty-first century have seen financial collapse, a global pandemic, the devastation of our environment, and the disintegration of democracies. But while some at the top are telling us "it is what is it," there's a new generation of leaders showing the world how to be better. They're building trust, investing wisely, and acting decisively. And they've got one thing in common.
In Strong Female Lead, Arwa Mahdawi investigates the qualities of female leaders who show us how it's done, including original research and interviews with Madeleine Albright, Mary Robinson, Alicia Garza, and many others. Above all, she asks the question: What can women in power teach all of us about leadership?
In Strong Female Lead, Arwa Mahdawi investigates the qualities of female leaders who show us how it's done, including original research and interviews with Madeleine Albright, Mary Robinson, Alicia Garza, and many others. Above all, she asks the question: What can women in power teach all of us about leadership?
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 29, 2022
63 people are currently reading
1160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 22, 2021
When I don't bother to read any other news in the Guardian, I always read Mahdawi who is invariably droll, pithy, and insightful. So a mention of an upcoming book and the value of pre-orders was a click, as soon as the US edition was listed.
What I didn't do was read the blurb, just started straight in when it arrived. My conviction in Mahdawi's sheer readabelness was rewarded. This is a book making clear, explicit points about how to not suck as a leader. An enjoyable, clever, and informed book with useful depth, a rarity in the field, I highly recommend it.
And now I have to go subvert the dominant paradigm.
What I didn't do was read the blurb, just started straight in when it arrived. My conviction in Mahdawi's sheer readabelness was rewarded. This is a book making clear, explicit points about how to not suck as a leader. An enjoyable, clever, and informed book with useful depth, a rarity in the field, I highly recommend it.
And now I have to go subvert the dominant paradigm.
January 12, 2022
I blasted through 'Strong Female Lead' in less than three days so I'd definitely rate it highly for readability! Arwa Mahdawi has an engaging, fun writing style that manages to get across lots of interesting information while being breezy and funny (I especially enjoyed her digs at the likes of Musk and Bezos). I'm in the middle of a degree in gender studies and Mahdawi hits some of the points we've covered in class about algorithmic bias and gendered responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things, so she's definitely on the money on a lot of topics. At times her arguments are a bit simplistic, though, and I would have liked a little more detail (i.e. more studies and papers on the "feminine" qualities she discusses). She also has a tendency to make broad statements along the lines of "A lot of research has proved..." without citing that research, which was a shame, as I would have liked to follow up on it.
Still, I loved her central points about redefining leadership and incorporating "feminine" qualities into models of leadership, since that's something all potential leaders can emulate, regardless of their gender. I loved the points she makes about (perceived) meritocracies and the strength diversity brings to the table. I also really appreciated the examples of female leaders she cited as I hadn't heard of all of them and it was interesting to hear about them, their strategies and their success. If you're new to thinking about leadership and gender issues, 'Strong Female Lead' would be a great jumping-off point.
Unfortunately, 'Strong Female Lead' was let down by terrible editing, so I can't rate it higher than four stars. While I enjoyed Mahdawi's writing, I couldn't help noticing more typos than should be present in a professionally published book. Some of those typos were relatively minor (adjectives that should have been adverbs etc.) but others were more glaring, like repeated phrases, words in the wrong order and random words appearing at the end of sentences, obviously by mistake. More egregiously, there were a couple of serious issues with the notes. What should have been the first note in Chapter 4 was completely missing in the end notes, so every subsequent note was one out of sync. Chapter 9 was either titled "Get Real" or "Create Intimacy", depending on whether you looked at the Contents page and chapter itself or the end notes. And at least one citation read something like "Famous quote on X", like a note-to-self Mahdawi and/or her editor forgot to replace with an actual source. It was sloppy and unprofessional, which is a pity since, as Mahdawi herself points out, women (especially women of colour) speaking out about controversial topics are scrutinized and judged more harshly than white men. I worry that the superficial issues with its editing might detract from its perceived authority and valid points, which, ironically, would kind of prove a fair few of the author's points. I really hope 'Strong Female Lead' gets a thorough re-edit and another print run, as I'd still 100% recommend it as an accessible, entertaining introduction to gender and leadership.
Still, I loved her central points about redefining leadership and incorporating "feminine" qualities into models of leadership, since that's something all potential leaders can emulate, regardless of their gender. I loved the points she makes about (perceived) meritocracies and the strength diversity brings to the table. I also really appreciated the examples of female leaders she cited as I hadn't heard of all of them and it was interesting to hear about them, their strategies and their success. If you're new to thinking about leadership and gender issues, 'Strong Female Lead' would be a great jumping-off point.
Unfortunately, 'Strong Female Lead' was let down by terrible editing, so I can't rate it higher than four stars. While I enjoyed Mahdawi's writing, I couldn't help noticing more typos than should be present in a professionally published book. Some of those typos were relatively minor (adjectives that should have been adverbs etc.) but others were more glaring, like repeated phrases, words in the wrong order and random words appearing at the end of sentences, obviously by mistake. More egregiously, there were a couple of serious issues with the notes. What should have been the first note in Chapter 4 was completely missing in the end notes, so every subsequent note was one out of sync. Chapter 9 was either titled "Get Real" or "Create Intimacy", depending on whether you looked at the Contents page and chapter itself or the end notes. And at least one citation read something like "Famous quote on X", like a note-to-self Mahdawi and/or her editor forgot to replace with an actual source. It was sloppy and unprofessional, which is a pity since, as Mahdawi herself points out, women (especially women of colour) speaking out about controversial topics are scrutinized and judged more harshly than white men. I worry that the superficial issues with its editing might detract from its perceived authority and valid points, which, ironically, would kind of prove a fair few of the author's points. I really hope 'Strong Female Lead' gets a thorough re-edit and another print run, as I'd still 100% recommend it as an accessible, entertaining introduction to gender and leadership.
August 30, 2023
Strong Female Lead reeled me in but didn't quite stick the landing. Arwa Mahdawi’s book argues how traditionally feminine traits, like empathy or consensus building, though seldom prized in business or political leaders, are in fact key qualities that can produce better outcomes in fields as diverse as public health or investment management.
The first half of the book (roughly up to and including the chapter on ‘Rethinking Risk’) nails this brief, providing persuasive illustrations of where such ‘female qualities’ have helped women steer through crises while strongmen-esque leaders (including some women) have failed. A particularly powerful example is that of K. K. Shailaja - a regional health minister in Kerala - whose community-focussed approach to tackling first Nipah then COVID-19 likely saved lives. This is in contrast to the national government led by Narendra Modi, who was packing stadiums at rallies well into February and generally downplaying the virus.
Shailaja’s hands-on, non-patronising approach and willingness to meaningfully engage with locals is widely viewed as contributing to her success. The author uses this and other such examples to tease out how avoiding bullshit (her words), not condescending, not being a hypocrite, not using the language of war when calmer language will do, how these all contribute to Shailaja’s and other examples of successful management of complex systems or crises.
The discussion of the benefits of (often-associated-with-women-but-not-always) impostor syndrome is similarly valuable. Andrew Cuomo, former New York governor, comes in for a particular battering for his swaggering, toxically masculine approach to managing the pandemic, replete with bombastic imagery and braggadocio. This is contrasted with former New Zealand Premier Jacinda Ardern - who utilised self doubt to propel herself to better decision making.
I think the key throughout these chapters is how the qualitative examples illustrate what is too easily lost in an era of fake news and partisan harping: that good faith debate, the role of expertise and being able to acknowledge fallibility are valuable skills in our leaders. Mahdawi’s point is plainly true: we could do with more of these qualities in leaders - male or female - to reduce the amount of bullshit in our politics, media and business. I particularly appreciate the push of these qualities as something all can, and indeed should, aspire to rather than this branch of leadership being solely within the purview of women.
The book falters around the halfway point - particularly the chapter on Thinking Wide and Long - where it pivots to something of a polemic against Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and the like. I’m as disgusted by the megalomaniacal machinations of these men as the next person - but Mahdawi seems oddly obsessed with them. Particularly, she seems to believe far more of the world holds them in high esteem than I believe do. I think most people outside X (formerly Twitter) see Elon Musk as a bit of an idiot - but in Mahdawi’s telling these men are venerated as great leaders of our time. I don’t think this is quite in keeping with the zeitgeist (and the book is from 2021).
Which means that a section full of vituperation about a 10,000 year clock Bezos is constructing, which will beat every century, seems just a bit excessive. Yes, it is pointless, yes it is an ego project, but I’m not sure the diatribe against this - or the fad for space travel - requires so much focus in a generally positive book on the virtues of a new kind of leadership.
The penultimate chapter ‘Get Real’ is a call to be more ‘authentic and intimate’ in the manner of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, particularly in how she handled the aftermath of the 6th January Capitol riot. My issue in this chapter is that while earlier calls to collaborate more, speak plainly, value community input are all actionable, notions of intimacy or authenticity are so much more abstract that it is hard to see what Mahdawi is arguing for.
Yes, some people like AOC are highly personable and engaging - drawing you in via an Instagram-mediated and often genuine seeming intimacy, but does this make them good leaders? It feels like too many leaders embrace inclusive stylings but without actually having any substance or answer to the question: what are they leading us towards? Including more voices is great when there are clear objectives. But when there aren’t - it can be a method without a purpose.
Put simply, these later chapters extolled the virtues of lots of good leadership qualities like openness or authenticity, but were discussed like they were the be all and end all. They key, as I see it, is for good leaders to have a vision. Intimacy alone can only get you so far but it was extolled seemingly as the highest virtue by this author in the final parts of the book.
Overall, it is a pity that this work veers from its impressive start. The book felt like it was at its strongest when describing positive, female-associated traits and how all leaders should cultivate these. Where it strayed into a somewhat narrow attack on a few billionaires or pushed vaguer qualities like authenticity above all else it suffered and ultimately unbalanced the book somewhat. A valuable read nevertheless, particularly for those eager to hear how ‘non-traditional’ qualities like self-doubt are valuable in a world of fake-it-till-you-make-it leadership and bullshitery.
The first half of the book (roughly up to and including the chapter on ‘Rethinking Risk’) nails this brief, providing persuasive illustrations of where such ‘female qualities’ have helped women steer through crises while strongmen-esque leaders (including some women) have failed. A particularly powerful example is that of K. K. Shailaja - a regional health minister in Kerala - whose community-focussed approach to tackling first Nipah then COVID-19 likely saved lives. This is in contrast to the national government led by Narendra Modi, who was packing stadiums at rallies well into February and generally downplaying the virus.
Shailaja’s hands-on, non-patronising approach and willingness to meaningfully engage with locals is widely viewed as contributing to her success. The author uses this and other such examples to tease out how avoiding bullshit (her words), not condescending, not being a hypocrite, not using the language of war when calmer language will do, how these all contribute to Shailaja’s and other examples of successful management of complex systems or crises.
The discussion of the benefits of (often-associated-with-women-but-not-always) impostor syndrome is similarly valuable. Andrew Cuomo, former New York governor, comes in for a particular battering for his swaggering, toxically masculine approach to managing the pandemic, replete with bombastic imagery and braggadocio. This is contrasted with former New Zealand Premier Jacinda Ardern - who utilised self doubt to propel herself to better decision making.
I think the key throughout these chapters is how the qualitative examples illustrate what is too easily lost in an era of fake news and partisan harping: that good faith debate, the role of expertise and being able to acknowledge fallibility are valuable skills in our leaders. Mahdawi’s point is plainly true: we could do with more of these qualities in leaders - male or female - to reduce the amount of bullshit in our politics, media and business. I particularly appreciate the push of these qualities as something all can, and indeed should, aspire to rather than this branch of leadership being solely within the purview of women.
The book falters around the halfway point - particularly the chapter on Thinking Wide and Long - where it pivots to something of a polemic against Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and the like. I’m as disgusted by the megalomaniacal machinations of these men as the next person - but Mahdawi seems oddly obsessed with them. Particularly, she seems to believe far more of the world holds them in high esteem than I believe do. I think most people outside X (formerly Twitter) see Elon Musk as a bit of an idiot - but in Mahdawi’s telling these men are venerated as great leaders of our time. I don’t think this is quite in keeping with the zeitgeist (and the book is from 2021).
Which means that a section full of vituperation about a 10,000 year clock Bezos is constructing, which will beat every century, seems just a bit excessive. Yes, it is pointless, yes it is an ego project, but I’m not sure the diatribe against this - or the fad for space travel - requires so much focus in a generally positive book on the virtues of a new kind of leadership.
The penultimate chapter ‘Get Real’ is a call to be more ‘authentic and intimate’ in the manner of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, particularly in how she handled the aftermath of the 6th January Capitol riot. My issue in this chapter is that while earlier calls to collaborate more, speak plainly, value community input are all actionable, notions of intimacy or authenticity are so much more abstract that it is hard to see what Mahdawi is arguing for.
Yes, some people like AOC are highly personable and engaging - drawing you in via an Instagram-mediated and often genuine seeming intimacy, but does this make them good leaders? It feels like too many leaders embrace inclusive stylings but without actually having any substance or answer to the question: what are they leading us towards? Including more voices is great when there are clear objectives. But when there aren’t - it can be a method without a purpose.
Put simply, these later chapters extolled the virtues of lots of good leadership qualities like openness or authenticity, but were discussed like they were the be all and end all. They key, as I see it, is for good leaders to have a vision. Intimacy alone can only get you so far but it was extolled seemingly as the highest virtue by this author in the final parts of the book.
Overall, it is a pity that this work veers from its impressive start. The book felt like it was at its strongest when describing positive, female-associated traits and how all leaders should cultivate these. Where it strayed into a somewhat narrow attack on a few billionaires or pushed vaguer qualities like authenticity above all else it suffered and ultimately unbalanced the book somewhat. A valuable read nevertheless, particularly for those eager to hear how ‘non-traditional’ qualities like self-doubt are valuable in a world of fake-it-till-you-make-it leadership and bullshitery.
November 15, 2022
What a read! This book will easily become one of my go-to's on leadership and I will especially share it with other women in leadership. Arwa Mahdawi examines leaders who display "feminine" traits like empathy, collaboration, and caregiving to highlight their contributions and to reveal the need to have more leaders like this. We need more Jacinda Arderns in power and less of the "big rocket energy" we see from male elected leaders and technocrats.
I would highly recommend reading this book in concert with Laurie Penny's "Sexual Revolution." These two books point the way into the future and it will be women who lead us there.
I would highly recommend reading this book in concert with Laurie Penny's "Sexual Revolution." These two books point the way into the future and it will be women who lead us there.
January 15, 2024
I'm on a quest to finish all the books on my TBR cart, and you know it’s bad when I can’t even remember buying some of them. I usually can remember the why and when, but the circumstances of purchasing Strong Female Lead by Arwa Mahdawi eludes me.
Regardless, I am happy I did because I enjoyed this book. In short, Mahdawi makes the case that there are several lessons that the world can learn from women in power, from those in high positions of government to Fortune 500 companies, trailblazers who are making impacts, all stemming from their ability to deviate from the traits that are so similarly seen in their male counterparts, and even some women who mimic those male counterparts.
While the contexts vary, from the COVID-19 pandemic to PR crises to exploring some of the world's most complex problems (like climate change), the book reads well. As I was reading the book, I couldn't shake the feeling that her style of prose was quite familiar. And then it came to me immediately. The style and prose of Strong Female Lead are reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell's in that we start a chapter out of nowhere…in a completely random spot. Then gradually, and almost lyrically, Mahdawi lays out an illustration that will connect to a theory, and then by the time you get halfway through, you’re like, "Girl...I see what you did there, and I kind of like it." Furthermore, Mahdawi oscillates successfully through explaining the chapter’s subject, ranging from a technical issue to the most mundane, while also driving home her respective theory of how and why women just do it better. Even more interestingly, her explanations of why women do it better have less to do with because they are simply women but because of how women have been socialized in society, with the data to back it up.
Note: The book is heavily coded liberal/progressive Democrat, particularly in the chapters regarding the women in the United States government (i.e., Congress, Senate), so if that is not your thing, skip this book. It was almost too much at times, even though I enjoy any opportunity to read former President Trump and his cronies for being imbeciles.
Overall, this was deeply informative, deliriously poignant, somewhat comedic, and, if nothing else, a read of most of the male leaders who dominate our news cycle for absolute filth…because they deserve it. HA!
Regardless, I am happy I did because I enjoyed this book. In short, Mahdawi makes the case that there are several lessons that the world can learn from women in power, from those in high positions of government to Fortune 500 companies, trailblazers who are making impacts, all stemming from their ability to deviate from the traits that are so similarly seen in their male counterparts, and even some women who mimic those male counterparts.
While the contexts vary, from the COVID-19 pandemic to PR crises to exploring some of the world's most complex problems (like climate change), the book reads well. As I was reading the book, I couldn't shake the feeling that her style of prose was quite familiar. And then it came to me immediately. The style and prose of Strong Female Lead are reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell's in that we start a chapter out of nowhere…in a completely random spot. Then gradually, and almost lyrically, Mahdawi lays out an illustration that will connect to a theory, and then by the time you get halfway through, you’re like, "Girl...I see what you did there, and I kind of like it." Furthermore, Mahdawi oscillates successfully through explaining the chapter’s subject, ranging from a technical issue to the most mundane, while also driving home her respective theory of how and why women just do it better. Even more interestingly, her explanations of why women do it better have less to do with because they are simply women but because of how women have been socialized in society, with the data to back it up.
Note: The book is heavily coded liberal/progressive Democrat, particularly in the chapters regarding the women in the United States government (i.e., Congress, Senate), so if that is not your thing, skip this book. It was almost too much at times, even though I enjoy any opportunity to read former President Trump and his cronies for being imbeciles.
Overall, this was deeply informative, deliriously poignant, somewhat comedic, and, if nothing else, a read of most of the male leaders who dominate our news cycle for absolute filth…because they deserve it. HA!
November 30, 2024
This book manages to be both inspirational, optimistic and funny. A thought provoking beeakdown of the positive (and negative) leadership styles that are being seen in the world today. I especially enjoyed the analysis into the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and AI ethics.
August 12, 2024
This became very political. I love examples in leadership of successes and failures, but do not love the authors views pushed upon me.
March 25, 2025
I found this book accidentally in the religion section of my local library.
I really liked it not because the point it makes is that revolutionary but because it has a well caveated nuanced intro that doesn't go man = bad, woman=good. Instead focusing on the impact of 'traditionally' female traits on leadership. I also did not find it repetitive or padded.
I really liked it not because the point it makes is that revolutionary but because it has a well caveated nuanced intro that doesn't go man = bad, woman=good. Instead focusing on the impact of 'traditionally' female traits on leadership. I also did not find it repetitive or padded.
November 26, 2024
First time reading something non-fiction in a while. I really wanted to go through and highlight my favourite parts, wish I had. Some really interesting topics, written well. If anything it’s nice to highly traditional “female” traits can be powerful.
August 1, 2024
Awesome book! Highly recommend!
The elongated title summarizes it really well: rethinking leadership in a world gone wrong.
It gives a good overview about what we need to overcome challenging times and situations: leaders who lead like women. With all the traits that historically have been associated with weakness and lack of leadership skills.
The elongated title summarizes it really well: rethinking leadership in a world gone wrong.
It gives a good overview about what we need to overcome challenging times and situations: leaders who lead like women. With all the traits that historically have been associated with weakness and lack of leadership skills.
January 6, 2022
I enjoyed this book a lot, a valuable perspective on leadership that made me loudly chuckle couple of times. If you’re not planning to read this book, I’ll still recommend to take a look at chapter 4, where Arwa Mahdawi offers a different outlook on imposter syndrome.
February 19, 2022
I'm pretty sure I highlighted about 30% of this book. There are so many great stories and quotes. I thought this was going to be individual chapters each about a different woman leader, but it's actually woven together beautifully, tied in with the perspective and interpretation of the author. I loved the point that differences that may exist between men and women are not biological but instead are socialized into all of us from birth. There are so many powerhouse women that were interviewed as part of the book, and I learned a great deal about the qualities that make a great leader. Anyone who cares about gender equity will be inspired by the stories included included here. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
good read
July 2, 2025
An excellent book by one of my favorite journalists. Mahdawi gives lots of examples of good female leadership and how female leadership differs from traditional male leadership. I wish, though, that there was more analysis into the roots of the failings of traditional male leadership and how males are socialized from birth differently from girls. Maybe that's a different book more in the realm of psychology and sociology. I also wish that Mahdawi had addressed more of the negative examples of female leadership, because they are unfortunately in abundance today in the nasty forms of MTG, LePen, Meloni, Palin, Noem, and others. Why do we have such extremes? We have the likes of AOC and Jacinda Ardern on one side as shining beacons of empathetic leadership, but we have utter evil on the other. Why aren't females coeslescing behing positive female power? And what about Clinton's defeat in the 2016 election? That wasn't mentioned at all. Sure, Clinton isn't Ardern or AOC, but it seems like a glaringly obvious omission in a discussion of recent female leadership events.
Regardless, this is an excellent book, and it's easy to read. Not quite as witty as her usual columns but still well-written and to the point.
This is my favorite passage from the book on what real leadership looks like: "...above all else the most effective leaders don't create followers, they create other leaders. They don't need to always hog the spotlight; they let other people shine. That point has been somewhat lost in our authoritarian model of leadership, which fetishizes individual achievement. It's also been minimized in a lot of the discussion around female leadership, which has focused on self-empowerment and told women that success means raising your voice and taking up space. However, real leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room, it's about being secure enough in yourself to pass the mic to others. Real leadership isn't about taking up space, it's about knowing when to yield it." (p. 217).
Regardless, this is an excellent book, and it's easy to read. Not quite as witty as her usual columns but still well-written and to the point.
This is my favorite passage from the book on what real leadership looks like: "...above all else the most effective leaders don't create followers, they create other leaders. They don't need to always hog the spotlight; they let other people shine. That point has been somewhat lost in our authoritarian model of leadership, which fetishizes individual achievement. It's also been minimized in a lot of the discussion around female leadership, which has focused on self-empowerment and told women that success means raising your voice and taking up space. However, real leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room, it's about being secure enough in yourself to pass the mic to others. Real leadership isn't about taking up space, it's about knowing when to yield it." (p. 217).
September 13, 2024
At the beginning of Strong Female Lead Mahdawi states that this book isn't a criticism of Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg but I would argue that it's very much a response. Actually, the entire book feels reactionary, convoluted and crucially of its time. The worst possible time - Covid. Mahdawi focuses on the political situation in 2020 and uses a lot of the leadership examples from around that time, which I guess is fine but definitely not what I wanted to read about. If someone told me that this book would throw me back to political discourse of 2020 then I definitely wouldn't have picked it up.
Even if we ignore the constant mentions of covid etc. I can't recommend this book at all. In Strong Female Lead, Mahdawi argues that qualities that are usually associated with women ALSO happen to be qualities that make for better leaders. Here, Mahdawi just overcomplicates things because she's starting at the wrong end of the argument. All you need to do to make it better, is just to argue that these are the qualities that make for better leaders and leave gender out of the equation. Simple Occam's Razor.
If you say these are the qualities that are required for great leadership and then ALSO say these are usually qualities that women exhibit, it's just a simpler/better argument. This is clear from the fact that Mahdawi jumps through hoops trying to say that women have these leadership qualities but also trying to avoid the hole of saying that these qualities are inherently female or biologically determined by sex. Whereas this wouldn't be an issue if you just tried to make an argument about good leadership qualities AND THEN focus on how gender and sex come into play.
That being said, I can't deny how readable the book is. Additionally, some of the stories & research that Mahdawi mentions was really interesting and inspiring!
Even if we ignore the constant mentions of covid etc. I can't recommend this book at all. In Strong Female Lead, Mahdawi argues that qualities that are usually associated with women ALSO happen to be qualities that make for better leaders. Here, Mahdawi just overcomplicates things because she's starting at the wrong end of the argument. All you need to do to make it better, is just to argue that these are the qualities that make for better leaders and leave gender out of the equation. Simple Occam's Razor.
If you say these are the qualities that are required for great leadership and then ALSO say these are usually qualities that women exhibit, it's just a simpler/better argument. This is clear from the fact that Mahdawi jumps through hoops trying to say that women have these leadership qualities but also trying to avoid the hole of saying that these qualities are inherently female or biologically determined by sex. Whereas this wouldn't be an issue if you just tried to make an argument about good leadership qualities AND THEN focus on how gender and sex come into play.
That being said, I can't deny how readable the book is. Additionally, some of the stories & research that Mahdawi mentions was really interesting and inspiring!
October 1, 2023
I have been avid reader of the author's columns on guardian when I learned about the book, which is when I went ahead and preordered it.
I am a cisgender male, however, not possessing any of the leadership qualities that I guess society's portrayal of leaders are. Hence, I am delighted to see my own personal non-researched opinion being validated (and makes me feel vindicated) by the author in this book which is full of examples drawn from a well of research of the past two decades, at least from across the world of what leadership qualities actually we need for the long term benefit of a country, and the society in general. And as it turns out, those qualities seem to be considered feminine. I am so relieved to see that the author has also devoted a treatment on the topic of why it's not about acting like the typical white leader person does is the way to become a leader. It's not about the gender, it's about the qualities of the leader that matters.
It's a biased review, sure. However, I think even if you go and buy this book without having any opinion on this matter, one will find themselves a bit more open and perhaps find that they don't have to be a Elon Musk or Donald Trump to bring change in the world. And which is great for people of all genders, because you don't have to try and fit a particular mould of gendered behaviour, you just have to cultivate those qualities.
And finally, thanks to the author for calling out the unbridled optimism of Silicon Valley techbros that technology will solve all the problems.
And last but not the least, thanks to the author for giving me a new phrase to use "Big rocket energy", and I will substitute it for the less acceptable version which others may or may not be aware of.
I am a cisgender male, however, not possessing any of the leadership qualities that I guess society's portrayal of leaders are. Hence, I am delighted to see my own personal non-researched opinion being validated (and makes me feel vindicated) by the author in this book which is full of examples drawn from a well of research of the past two decades, at least from across the world of what leadership qualities actually we need for the long term benefit of a country, and the society in general. And as it turns out, those qualities seem to be considered feminine. I am so relieved to see that the author has also devoted a treatment on the topic of why it's not about acting like the typical white leader person does is the way to become a leader. It's not about the gender, it's about the qualities of the leader that matters.
It's a biased review, sure. However, I think even if you go and buy this book without having any opinion on this matter, one will find themselves a bit more open and perhaps find that they don't have to be a Elon Musk or Donald Trump to bring change in the world. And which is great for people of all genders, because you don't have to try and fit a particular mould of gendered behaviour, you just have to cultivate those qualities.
And finally, thanks to the author for calling out the unbridled optimism of Silicon Valley techbros that technology will solve all the problems.
And last but not the least, thanks to the author for giving me a new phrase to use "Big rocket energy", and I will substitute it for the less acceptable version which others may or may not be aware of.
June 13, 2024
This is the first nonfiction book I've read in years that wasn't an assigned textbook and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it. Mahdawi does an amazing job balancing informative writing with entertaining storytelling to educate the reader on the failings of our current model of leadership and how a more feminine-coded approach is the solution to many of these failings.
It was truly inspiring and as someone who is entering a career field which deals a lot with the global climate crisis, this book has changed the way I think about the path to progress and sustainability. I, myself, don't have any plans to enter an important position of leadership anytime soon, but I do believe the lessons I have learnt from this book will change the way I approach the workplace now, as well as my day-to-day life. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in not only becoming a better leader, but becoming a more supportive person for yourself and your community.
It was truly inspiring and as someone who is entering a career field which deals a lot with the global climate crisis, this book has changed the way I think about the path to progress and sustainability. I, myself, don't have any plans to enter an important position of leadership anytime soon, but I do believe the lessons I have learnt from this book will change the way I approach the workplace now, as well as my day-to-day life. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in not only becoming a better leader, but becoming a more supportive person for yourself and your community.
December 6, 2022
The first reason that drew me to this book was its author: if nothing else, Arwa Mahdawi's articles are the ones I always read (and enjoy) on The Guardian. The second is obviously in the title; a book about leadership that centers on women? Sign me up!
And it doesn't disappoint in its focus on the great leadership skills that so often are still overlooked and undervalue because traditionally considered "feminine'': collaboration, vulnerability, empathy; to name a few.
This book is highly readable partly because of the writing style (which at time is a little bit too colloquial for my taste), but also because the content flows seamlessly from paragraph to paragraph, one chapter to the next.
And it doesn't disappoint in its focus on the great leadership skills that so often are still overlooked and undervalue because traditionally considered "feminine'': collaboration, vulnerability, empathy; to name a few.
This book is highly readable partly because of the writing style (which at time is a little bit too colloquial for my taste), but also because the content flows seamlessly from paragraph to paragraph, one chapter to the next.
February 24, 2022
This was wonderful and I learned SO much! Mahdawi makes the argument that in order to be a good leader, women shouldn't try to copy outdated leadership practices of men. Instead, she argues, we all should look to the leadership of women re-think the way to be a leader. I love how she begins the book by pointing out that men typically do not look to women leaders as role models - why is this?!
"It is time we stopped telling women to act like men and started telling men to lead like women."
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy of this fabulous read!
"It is time we stopped telling women to act like men and started telling men to lead like women."
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy of this fabulous read!
September 19, 2022
Arwa Madhawi’s excellent book on women in power reflects her style when writing for the Guardian. She’s clear, acerbic, knowledgeable and collaborative in her exploration of learning lessons from women in power. The book reads as well researched and the narrative unfolds revealing new and repeating themes, that emphasise the qualities and dynamics of women in power or heading for power. A tad overlong but eminently readable. I was caught up in Arwa’s voice and her easy chatty (which sounds like faint praise) engaging style.
September 30, 2023
Such an interesting insight into styles of leadership and their impact on social groups, from small scale to global. Particularly reflecting back on the pandemic, this book can teach us so much about being a leader through adversity, packed full of examples. Definitely digestible for both men and women - this book is more about showcasing the strengths of female or community leadership as opposed to tearing others down. A positive and empowering read that left an impact!
September 16, 2024
I was a little disappointed with this book. I agree with the overall premise that we should be reshaping our idea of what a ‘leader’ is instead of making women fit into a very masculine version of it. However, I felt that the flow of this book was messy, the editing was awful (multiple typos!), and Mahdawi failed to back up multiple of her statements with studies/data. I would highly recommend ‘The Purpose of Power’ by Alicia Garza and ‘Invisible Women’ by Caroline Criado Pérez as alternatives.
July 9, 2022
The title is quite deceptive, this one definitely cannot be judged by its title. it gives the impression that is should only be shared with women, but it's not. It is closer to crash course in good management and leadership than glorifying women as a tribe. It's inspirational, some bits are hilarious, some trigger self-reflection. Way to go Arwa!
July 31, 2022
Arwa is right. This book is for everyone and that should be obvious, if they'd just have a look. Humility and cooperation beat bluster. Humans have a choice. We don't have to vote for apex predators or buy their crap. Maybe the world could be like a place where all of us can live. I know. Sounds crazy.
November 22, 2022
Fascinating premise: that we should re frame leadership to include 'female' traits such as cooperation, humility and empathy. The book does sometimes throw in too many examples that aren't explored fully and aren't entirely related to each argument, but I appreciate the balanced view of many of the leaders explored.
October 26, 2023
Easy read, entertaining anecdotes and interesting examples of strong women. I especially took a lot away from the examples that sound like feminist views but in truth are only copying the old, stereotypical male view of leadership: strong women lean in, are loud, don't show weakness and don't have imposter syndrome.
It sometimes was slightly repetitive and didn't go as deep.
It sometimes was slightly repetitive and didn't go as deep.
January 21, 2023
Eye opening, witty, and smart.
Recommended to all men and women who are uncomfortable with the selfish, divisive and toxic model of leadership that has dominated the world over the past couple of centuries.
Recommended to all men and women who are uncomfortable with the selfish, divisive and toxic model of leadership that has dominated the world over the past couple of centuries.
February 10, 2025
excellent read
I very much enjoyed this book which looks into leadership through the women lens. Book relies on plethora of studies but is written in an easy to read humorous language. When reading certain parts I couldn’t help but relate. Well done Arwa, we want more
I very much enjoyed this book which looks into leadership through the women lens. Book relies on plethora of studies but is written in an easy to read humorous language. When reading certain parts I couldn’t help but relate. Well done Arwa, we want more
March 2, 2022
A brilliant and insightful read into how to we need to re-value and re-shape our understanding of leadership.
August 20, 2022
badass
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