Madsen (management, Utah Valley U.) examines the influences and opinions of ten current and recently-retired female presidents and chancellors in the U.S. Based on extensive interviews with the ten individuals, Madsen's text explores the lifelong journeys the women have made in becoming leaders. Coverage includes the women's family backgrounds and childhoods; skills and competencies developed during adolescence and college years; career paths and barriers; influential individuals in the workplace; beneficial work-related developmental activities; ways the women strengthened their leadership competencies in non-work-related roles; the presidents' leadership motivations, styles, and philosophies; and their advice and perspectives regarding the position of a university president or chancellor in higher education. For leaders and educators in K-12 and higher education, counselors, parents, and students. Jossey-Bass is an imprint of Wiley. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)