Dare: Straight Talk on Confidence, Courage, and Career for Women in Charge - Hardcover

Blalock, Becky

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 111856264X ISBN 13: 9781118562642

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2013

Synopsis

From a veteran Fortune 500 executive, how women can reach and succeed in top leadership positions

Though women hold a majority of the managerial and professional jobs in the workforce, they occupy a mere 14% of C-suite positions at Fortune 500 firms. To break through this stubborn glass ceiling, women must learn to take bold steps when career-defining moments arise. During her 33-year career at Southern Company, a Fortune 500 utility company, Becky Blalock rose to become CIO in a traditionally male industry. Now she offers her own hard-won advice, as well as that of 28 top female executives, to show all aspiring women how to dare to reach the highest tier of leadership and C-suite positions.  

• Includes advice and mentoring lessons from top women business leaders such as: Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA; Kat Cole, President of Cinnabon; Carol Tomé, CFO of Home Depot; Dr. Beverly Tatum, president of Spelman College, and Jeanette Horan, CIO of IBM, among many others
• Features straightforward, honest advice on gaining confidence, speaking up, finding mentors, learning to fail, building a network of allies, managing others, and more
• Written by pioneering business leader Becky Blalock, with a Foreword by Anne Mulcahy, former chairperson and CEO of Xerox Corporation

Dare is must-needed guide for women everywhere, at every level, striving to develop the character, skills, and relationships that deliver greater success in the workplace. 

About this title

Review:

Q&A with Becky Blalock, author of Dare

Becky Blalock

Why did you write Dare?

The top jobs in corporate America were once reserved for men. I was fortunate to be among the first women to break this tradition when I became CIO of one of the largest utility companies in the world. Getting there was not easy, and during my career journey, I learned many important lessons. As a result, I've strived to mentor other women seeking the same career path, to help them find their own way to success. I saw writing Dare as my chance to mentor women beyond my immediate circle.

Why do women need to dare more to reach the top jobs?

Sometimes women don't aim for the top jobs because they haven't seen women in those positions. It is hard to be something you've never seen, and I remember how inspired I was when I first met women who had reached top leadership roles. Women are often taught early in life to ask permission before taking action, but the business world needs leaders who take initiative. Dare shows women how to take initiative in ways that inspire others to follow.

Why are role models and mentors important?

It's critically important to nurture and build strong support networks. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You need mentors who can coach you and help you keep a positive, can-do attitude. You need sponsors who will back you to other higher-level managers. You need to work with people who are positive, ethical, and have skills that you lack. Having a strong social safety net makes risk-taking much, much easier.

Dare offers advice from top C-suite executive women. What commonalities did you find in their advice and willingness to mentor?

I found they all showed great passion to help other women. They recognize that women still face challenges in climbing the corporate ladder and in dealing with the fear of failure, especially when confronting tough or new assignments. They emphasized how important it is to take risks, embrace new experiences, and to understand what it is you really want. Their stories, as well as my own, will inspire others to do more.

How will Dare help women in the workplace?

Dare provides women with a realistic vision of what it takes to achieve success in their professional lives. It shares wisdom, inspiration, and most of all real-life examples from some of the best female role models in the business world.

My career journey began at the very bottom and with a degree from a wonderful, but not well-known, institution. I also spent quite a few years "stuck" in middle management. In other words, I've experienced many of the same setbacks and circumstances facing most women working today, and my advice reflects that.

From the Back Cover:

Praise for Dare

"I have known and worked with Becky Blalock for years and always admired her energy, leadership, and ability to get things done. I am so glad that she has taken the time to share her success philosophy, and that of other remarkable women. Dare informs, entertains, and shows you the way to reach your highest potential."
—Gail Evans, author, New York Times bestseller, Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman

"Today there are more women than ever in leadership positions in business. This journey isn't easy, but for women who aspire to achieve corporate success, Dare is the chance to learn from some of the best."
—Stacey D. Stewart, U.S. president, United Way Worldwide

"Dare provides an empowering road map for anyone who wants to break through professional and personal glass ceilings that can hold us back from long-term success. Becky's impassioned encouragement to become an intentional, lifelong learner, with coaches and mentors to support and keep us accountable, provides a practical path to the rewards of the C-suite."
—Keith Ferrazzi, founder and chairman, Ferrazzi Greenlight, and author, New York Times bestsellers Who's Got Your Back and Never Eat Alone

"Dare sends a resounding message to women of the world: if you have the audacity to shape and improve the world around you, you can achieve it. Blalock's lessons are honest and thoughtful—they extend beyond corporate experience and will resonate with anyone aspiring to leadership."
—Alyse Nelson, president and CEO, Vital Voices Global Partnership, and author, Vital Voices

"This practical playbook will help you become a better leader, a better colleague, and a better human being. Dare is packed with immediately applicable tips and techniques."
—Christine Comaford, author, New York Times bestseller Rules for Renegades and SmartTribes

"Becky is a proven leader who has captured in Dare what it takes to succeed in the business world. I saw these lessons in action first-hand when she was on my team at Southern Company. Anyone, male or female, can learn to be a stronger leader by following this timeless advice."
—Bill Dahlberg, retired chairman of the board and CEO, Southern Company

About this edition

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 111856264X
• ISBN 13: 9781118562642
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240