Authors Connie Glaser and Barbara Smalley revisit an ancient question: How did an orphaned Jewish girl win a beauty contest and become the most powerful woman in Persia? They shape the tale of Biblical Queen Esther into an intriguing tutorial for women as managers. Esther’s development as a leader illuminates key strategies for success. These leadership tools are introduced through old/new parallels. For example, Esther’s mastery of "palace protocol" translates into learning corporate culture, her closeness with her wise cousin Mordechai creates a template to finding a mentor, her dustups with the villainous Haman become a primer for dealing with difficult people, and her bravery in saving her people underlines integrity and risk-taking. Glaser and Smalley alternate examples from Esther’s leadership with those of contemporary executives such as Avon CEO Andrea Jung and Enron whistle blower Sherron Watkins.

Each chapter begins with an excerpt from the Esther story and is followed by highly practical suggestions. Seasoned businesswomen may find some strategies familiar. And the writing is diminished by expert quotes that could have been paraphrased. Yet the author’s engaging and thoughtful examples rule the day. Their insights about a tale as old as time are relevant and inspiring. --Barbara Mackoff


From Publishers Weekly
Some may be skeptical as to whether the Bible can-or should be-mined for lessons on attaining business success. But Glaser and Smalley have no doubt: "Esther emerges as an ideal role model for women today." The book draws on the Old Testament account of Esther, in which the poor but beautiful Jewish orphan girl strikes the King of Persia's fancy and is taken to be his queen. One day Esther learns from Mordecai, her cousin and "mentor," that the King's wicked advisor, Haman, plans a genocide against the Jews. Mordecai calls upon Esther to use her influence with the King to save her people. Esther, calling upon her business savvy and feminine wiles, gets the King to grant her any wish. She wishes to have Haman hung. Haman is executed and Esther emerges a "true Queen and leader." What does all this have to do with becoming a female CEO of a Fortune 500 company? Plenty, according to Glaser and Smalley. Esther's story is chockfull of pearls of business wisdom, such as "always doing your homework," "using body language that says 'I mean business!'" and "focusing on the forest, not the trees." In short, Esther's story is a compendium of tired business cliches held together with a thin veneer of biblical myth. By dwelling on snappy buzzwords and little anecdotes, the authors (who also wrote Swim with the Dolphins) don't emphasize the kind of substantive achievements that are most often required for success: an advanced degree from a respected institution, say, or long experience and a track record in a competitive field. Women can and do succeed in business. However, biographies of highly successful women, such as Katherine Graham or Madeleine Albright, would likely present more sobering and realistic models for success than the ancient story of Esther. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Review
"With the Bible's inspirational Queen Esther as a role model, Glaser and Smalley offer solutions that have stood the toughest test of all: time." --Judy Woodruff, CNN prime anchor and senior correspondent

"What Queen Esther Knew provides us with the wisdom and smarts of a historical figure of grace and integrity. . . . The lessons are clear, direct, and applicable to our everyday work lives. An inspirational read for every businesswoman." --Gail Evans, author, Play Like A Man, Win Like A Woman and She Wins, You Win

"Briskly-written, this upbeat book reminds us that in a corporate world often characterized by the corruption of abusive leaders, significant individuals. . . can still stand courageously to powerfully change their world." --Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Associate Dean, Yale School of Management

"A must-read for all women who want to become leaders and innovators in their occupational lives." --Bonnie Lipton, President of Hadassah

". . . An inspiring business book appropriate for any working woman." --Carolyn Elman, Executive Director, American Business Women's Association

"Watch Glaser and Smalley draw parallels between the success strategies of Queen Esther and modern executives. Then apply their solid advice --and reap your own success." --Betty Spence, Ph.D., President, National Association for Female Executives



Review
"With the Bible's inspirational Queen Esther as a role model, Glaser and Smalley offer solutions that have stood the toughest test of all: time." --Judy Woodruff, CNN prime anchor and senior correspondent

"What Queen Esther Knew provides us with the wisdom and smarts of a historical figure of grace and integrity. . . . The lessons are clear, direct, and applicable to our everyday work lives. An inspirational read for every businesswoman." --Gail Evans, author, Play Like A Man, Win Like A Woman and She Wins, You Win

"Briskly-written, this upbeat book reminds us that in a corporate world often characterized by the corruption of abusive leaders, significant individuals. . . can still stand courageously to powerfully change their world." --Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Associate Dean, Yale School of Management

"A must-read for all women who want to become leaders and innovators in their occupational lives." --Bonnie Lipton, President of Hadassah

". . . An inspiring business book appropriate for any working woman." --Carolyn Elman, Executive Director, American Business Women's Association

"Watch Glaser and Smalley draw parallels between the success strategies of Queen Esther and modern executives. Then apply their solid advice --and reap your own success." --Betty Spence, Ph.D., President, National Association for Female Executives



Book Description
". . . practical strategies to help you become the queen you deserve to be."

The story of Queen Esther, the orphan girl who became Queen of Persia and saved her people, has inspired millions and is the focus of a joyful celebration of thanksgiving--but there's more to Esther's story than meets the eye. Connie Glaser and Barbara Steinberg Smalley found something remarkable--Esther's tale contains the ingredients every woman needs to succeed in the business world today.

From Esther's start as a contestant in the ancient world's largest beauty pageant to her triumph over the evil Haman, the authors use her example as a strategist, a risk-taker, and a persuasive speaker to provide a new archetype for contemporary women's success in business. Along the way, they answer questions such as:

- Do I really need a mentor, and if so, how do I find one?
- What can I do to be taken more seriously?
- How can I get the credit and recognition I deserve--without seeming pushy or aggressive?
- How important is risk-taking to my career success?

Smart, savvy, and strategic, Queen Esther provides an impressive role model for women today.



From the Inside Flap
". . . practical strategies to help you become the queen you deserve to be."

The story of Queen Esther, the orphan girl who became Queen of Persia and saved her people, has inspired millions and is the focus of a joyful celebration of thanksgiving--but there's more to Esther's story than meets the eye. Connie Glaser and Barbara Steinberg Smalley found something remarkable--Esther's tale contains the ingredients every woman needs to succeed in the business world today.

From Esther's start as a contestant in the ancient world's largest beauty pageant to her triumph over the evil Haman, the authors use her example as a strategist, a risk-taker, and a persuasive speaker to provide a new archetype for contemporary women's success in business. Along the way, they answer questions such as:

- Do I really need a mentor, and if so, how do I find one?
- What can I do to be taken more seriously?
- How can I get the credit and recognition I deserve--without seeming pushy or aggressive?
- How important is risk-taking to my career success?

Smart, savvy, and strategic, Queen Esther provides an impressive role model for women today.



From the Back Cover
Get the Royal Treatment You Deserve!

"With the Bible's inspirational Queen Esther as a role model, Glaser and Smalley offer solutions that have stood the toughest test of all: time." --Judy Woodruff, CNN prime anchor and senior correspondent

"What Queen Esther Knew provides us with the wisdom and smarts of a historical figure of grace and integrity. . . . The lessons are clear, direct, and applicable to our everyday work lives. An inspirational read for every businesswoman." --Gail Evans, author, Play Like A Man, Win Like A Woman and She Wins, You Win

"Briskly-written, this upbeat book reminds us that in a corporate world often characterized by the corruption of abusive leaders, significant individuals. . . can still stand courageously to powerfully change their world." --Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Associate Dean, Yale School of Management

"A must-read for all women who want to become leaders and innovators in their occupational lives." --Bonnie Lipton, President of Hadassah

". . . An inspiring business book appropriate for any working woman." --Carolyn Elman, Executive Director, American Business Women's Association

"Watch Glaser and Smalley draw parallels between the success strategies of Queen Esther and modern executives. Then apply their solid advice --and reap your own success." --Betty Spence, Ph.D., President, National Association for Female Executives



About the Author
Connie Glasser is one of the country's top authorities on women in business. A sought-after guest on TV and radio, she has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, Bloomberg News, and NBC Nightly News.

A nationally recognized speaker and consultant, her client list includes AT&T, AOL Time Warner, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Office Depot, and the U.S. Navy. She also serves as National Spokesperson for the Business Women's Network, representing the interests of over 30 million women world-wide.

Connie was recently named to the World Who's Who of Women. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons.

Barbara S. Smalley has been a successful freelance writer for nearly twenty years. Her specialty is writing for and about women, and she has published more than five hundred articles in national magazines such as Woman's Day, Redbook, Woman's World, and Reader's Digest.

Recently, Barbara was a recipient of the prestigious ATHENA Award, an international award that recognizes women who selflessly give of their time and talents to help other women reach their goals. She lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband and two children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The story of Queen Esther, the orphan girl who became Queen of Persia and saved her people, has inspired millions and is the focus of a joyful celebration of thanksgiving—but there's more to Esther's story than meets the eye. Connie Glaser and Barbara Steinberg Smalley found something remarkable—Esther's tale contains the ingredients every woman needs to succeed in the business world today.

From Esther's start as a contestant in the ancient world's largest beauty pageant to her triumph over the evil Haman, the authors use her example as a strategist, a risk-taker, and a persuasive speaker to provide a new archetype for contemporary women's success in business. Along the way, they answer questions such as: Do I really need a mentor, and if so, how do I find one? What can I do to be taken more seriously? How can I get the credit and recognition I deserve—without seeming pushy or aggressive? How important is risk-taking to my career success?

Smart, savvy, and strategic, Queen Esther provides an impressive role model for women today.

About the Author:CONNIE GLASER is one of the country's top authorities on women in business. A sought-after guest on TV and radio, she has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, Bloomberg News, and NBC Nightly News.

A nationally recognized speaker and consultant, her client list includes AT&T, AOL Time Warner, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Office Depot, and the U.S. Navy. She also serves as National Spokesperson for the Business Women's Network, representing the interests of over 30 million women world-wide.

Connie was recently named to the World Who's Who of Women. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons.

BARBARA S. SMALLEY has been a successful freelance writer for nearly twenty years. Her specialty is writing for and about women, and she has published more than five hundred articles in national magazines such as Woman's Day, Redbook, Woman's World, and Reader's Digest.

Recently, Barbara was a recipient of the prestigious ATHENA Award, an international award that recognizes women who selflessly give of their time and talents to help other women reach their goals. She lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband and two children.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly