Stiletto Network

Starred review from March 4, 2013
For some time, the “old-boy network” has been an acknowledged way for men to get things done in business, and the doors to many men’s clubs were long closed to women trying to make it in the working world. Things have changed. Not only are women making strides in business, they are forging their own exclusive support systems, which journalist Ryckman calls “stiletto networks.” In this engaging debut, Ryckman goes behind the scenes with some of today’s most powerful female movers and shakers, sharing how they are forming all-girl salons, throwing dinners at their homes, and mingling outside board rooms to advance their careers, raise capital, and support each other personally and professionally. Among others, the author profiles notable business veterans like Silicon Valley venture capitalist Heidi Roizen, leadership coach Carol Hyatt, Oxygen Media’s Geraldine Layborne, and dynamos like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Gilt Group founder Susan Lynde. In an upbeat tone and energetic style, we learn how these successful women are coming together in intimate groups, where they embrace fashion, capital structures, and deals. Emboldening, encouraging, and entertaining, this book is essential reading for any woman who wishes to further her career while remaining true to herself. Agent: Jillian Manus, the Manus & Associates Literary Agency.

May 15, 2013
Former strategist Ryckman sets out simply to chronicle the ever-growing circles of influence created by women in all industries and at all levels. Her book is filled with witty names and acronymsthe Harpies, PEWIN, Wafiaand, most important, with real-life stories of women helping other women with investment funding, for charity, or to change a part of the world. These power circles, in place since the 1990s, are strong, based as they are on the female need to become the biggest, boldest, bravest version of yourself that you can be. The last chapter covers high-level advice for starting a network. Inspiring and insightful.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)