Pearls: Women Who Radiate Success

When a determined woman puts her mind to something, she will work very hard until she gets it, despite whatever roadblocks are put in her way. “Pearls” is the perfect metaphor for the women in this special book, i.e., women of great value and rarity who were shaped, not crushed, by the myriad vagaries of life. The women whose stories come alive in these pages have experienced challenges of all types during the courses of their lives and careers: the loss of loved ones, serious illnesses, career upheavals and gender discrimination. What makes them different is that each of them understands her worth, refused to give up when life got tough and has achieved great professional and spiritual success. “Pearls: Women Who Radiate Success” is a candid, deep dive into the lives of women we tend to admire—the ones who have climbed to the top of the ladder. Fred Dawson gives us an up-close-and-personal look at the lives of 21 extraordinary females from all walks of professional life: higher education, politics, entrepreneurship, law, big business and non-profit. These women have leapt over barriers, recovered from grief, made profound sacrifices, broken rules, discovered untapped courage within themselves and given selflessly to others. They are mothers, wives, daughters and friends. Read this book for inspiration and comfort. Take heart in knowing women like these are all around you. Follow their examples, learn from their triumphs and failures, and heed their advice. Oscar Wilde said, “The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.” I’m grateful to these women for passing it on.