Pamela Ryckman - Stiletto network: Inside the womens power circles that are changing the face of business

STILETTO NETWORK

INSIDE THE WOMENS POWER
CIRCLES THAT ARE CHANGING
THE FACE OF BUSINESS

PAMELA RYCKMAN

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Ryckman, Pamela.

Stiletto network : inside the womens power circles that are changing the face of business / Pamela Ryckman.

pages cm

Includes index.

ISBN-13: 978-0-8144-3253-2 (hardcover)

ISBN-10: 0-8144-3253-0 (hardcover)

1. Businesswomen. 2. Women executives. 3. Women in the professions. 4. Business networks. 5. Strategic alliances. I. Title.

HD6053.R93 2013

331.481658dc23

2012051563

2013 Pamela Ryckman

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

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Printing number

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

This book about girls is dedicated to my boys.
To Bill, Will, George, and James for your
love, patience, and support.

Stiletto Network is a testament to the power of its thesis: that these networks work. This book was truly a collaborative effort, with incredible women across the globe opening doors, providing advice and guidance, and stepping in to help each time I got stuck. I will be forever grateful for both the opportunities they gave me and the faith they showed in me.

I owe a particular debt of gratitude to Susan Stautberg and Edie Weinertwo formidable, kind, brilliant, beautiful women who opened their community of trust to me. You are true role models, and it has been a profound joy to learn from you.

As I was writing Stiletto Network, I was devouring Selected Quotations That Inspire Us to Think Bigger, Live Better, and Laugh Harder, a gem of a compilation by Susan Stautberg and Theresa Berhendt. Many quotes seemed apt as I crafted my story, but one stuck with me. Oftentimes, when Id relay my ideas to skeptical listeners (who inevitably countered with tales of bitchy bosses), I found myself quoting Susan quoting Daniel L. Reardon: In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip.

I fully believe Stiletto Network represents a new truth for women in the workplace, and its an optimists storynot to mention a hell of a lot of fun!

A special thank-you to Jillian Manus, who was a source (introduced by another source) before she became my super-agent who never gave up. She lives and breathes the inspiring message of this book. And I want to thank the team at AMACOMEllen Kadin, Barry Richardson, Andy Ambraziejus, Jenny Wesselmann, Irene Majuk, Rosemary Carlough, Cathleen Ouderkirk, and Erika Spelman.

I would also like to thank all the women who shared their stories with me. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes and friendships, and for trusting me with the intimate details of your lives.

This journey began with an invitation to the first Alley to the Valley conference in November 2010. The summer before, I started talking to Deborah Perry Piscione, an entrepreneur, and Janet Hanson, the founder of 85 Broads, who together organized this event. As high-powered women agreed to participate, Deborah and Janet asked if theyd be willing to speak with me for an article I was writing on Alley to the Valley for the New York Times. These ladies were the first to let me in, and this was when I first sensed that something exciting was happening in the world. Thank you, Deborah and Janet, for providing the spark.

I would be nowhere without my dream-team of readers, each of whom perused early drafts and provided comments and insight that shaped the book. First, to Allison Fabian Derfner, the closest thing I have to a college roommate as an adult. How lucky am I that my wonderful neighbor, the one I hang out with in pajamas as our boys wrestle in the hall, happens to have been the long-term Features Editor at Harpers Bazaar? Fate smiled on me when you moved in. May you forgive my incessant questions, and celebrate the end of pages slipped under your door. And to Megan Mulligan, my former editor at the New York Sun, and Lauren Foster, my former editor at the Financial Times. I am so fortunate to know you both as exceptional colleagues and dear friends.

Just when I didnt think I could feel more blessed, another set of advisers and advocates emerged when this book went into production. The PR dynamo Suzy Ginsburg rolled up her sleeves, even when I didnt have the budget to pay herjust because she believed in the story. Alexej Steinhardt and Elana Carroll of Round Hex went above and beyond for my website and graphics. Mary Beth OConnor and Sheila Klehm offered counsel and so generously organized lunches with key influencers to help spread ideas, even before wed met in person. Claudia Batten arrived with passion and spectacular expertise in brand-building and digital media (and fabulous shoes), and she pushed me to always think bigger. Lets create a movement! she said, and then mobilized her troops.

I have been overwhelmed by all of their kindness and enthusiasm, and in awe of their great big brains.

Finally, I want to thank my sons for being their sweet, curious, engaging, fun-loving selves; for teaching me to embrace the chaos; and for being almost as excited about this book as I am. And my parents, George and Janet Balbach, who said of course I could be the fastest runner in fourth grade. And my sister, Lauren Loutit, who keeps me sane. And Jennifer Wray, whose devotion to my children and help at home gives me the freedom to write. And most of all, my husband, Bill, without whose love and support none of this would be possible.

STILETTO NETWORK

Who knew Nora Ephron was such a Harpy? Barbara Walters, thats who.