Authors Gerzema and D'Antonio (coauthors, Spend Shift) focus on verifying their assertion that feminine leadership qualities are the key to creating a better world. Their data-driven research involves a survey conducted broadly across 13 countries taken by people from different cultural, economic, political, and religious backgrounds, to distinguish feminine from masculine leadership traits. Another survey ranked the importance of the found characteristics and investigated their application to various areas of life. The findings revealed the feminine qualities of leadership, success, morality, and happiness, as ascendant, particularly for the younger generation. The remaining chapters look at how these qualities are exhibited on a global scale, covering Great Britain, Israel, Japan, Kenya, India, China, and Bhutan, among others. While the stories of the amazing people Gerzema and D'Antonio interview are informative, the authors could have tied these case studies more directly to the Athena-related qualities discussed cogently in the introduction and conclusion. VERDICT Although this book is focused on leadership it should appeal to those interested in business and global economics.—Elizabeth Nelson, UOP Library, Des Plaines, IL
Captivating... a fascinating case study of human nature, this book provides insight into future world leaders.” —Publishers Weekly
"With a wealth of data and even richer stories from around the world, The Athena Doctrine offers convincing proof that the future requires us to embrace traits and values traditionally linked to women. Leave it to two fathers of daughters to show us how men and women alike are using empathy and collaboration to solve problems big and small. If you care about leadership, creativity, and the world of tomorrow, you must read this book." —Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief, The Huffington Post
"The Athena Doctrine is a powerful book. Extraordinary research. Great story telling. A message both timely and of monumental importance." —Tom Peters, leadership guru and bestselling author, In Search of Excellence
"Goddess of both craft and wisdom, patron of Odysseus, and inspiration for legions of smart girls, Athena is an icon for our times. The Athena Doctrine offers a gender-neutral approach to embracing a set of values that underpin a new generation of innovation based on connection and creativity. It is an optimistic and energizing book." —Anne-Marie Slaughter, professor of politics and international affairs, Princeton University; former director of policy planning, U.S. Department of State
"The Athena Doctrine offers more than ample evidence of the rebalance needed in global leadership. Painstakingly researched and documented, with interviews of amazing people all over the world, the ideas in this book will influence the leaders of tomorrow and, more importantly, make the case for more women leaders." —Pat Mitchell, president and CEO, the Paley Center for Media; curator, TEDxWomen
“Rich in data and stories from around the world, this fresh analysis will certainly provoke healthy debate in the workplace and hopefully smash through a few glass ceilings.” —Tina Brown, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Beast and Newsweek “…this is a book for everyone, and I have no doubt that your life and your work will be enriched by reading it.” —Jack Covert, 800-CEORead
