Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First

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Description

The first women to assume the presidencies of two of Canadas largest research universities the University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta Piper and Samarasekera share their insights and perspectives on the dilemmas and opportunities women confront as they take on leadership positions.

Candid and insightful perspectives on the dilemmas and opportunities women confront as they take on leadership positions Martha Piper and Indira Samarasekera had vastly different career paths on their way to becoming the first (and so far only) female presidents of two of Canada's largest and most respected research universities and directors of some of the nation's largest market cap companies, but what they had in common was their gender, their willingness to take risks when leadership opportunities presented themselves, and a work ethic second to none. It was not always easy, pretty, or fair, but it was always the result of choosing to answer the call to lead.

A call that in the authors' view, too many women still turn away from. In Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First, Piper and Samarasekera share their personal and professional stories, offering guidance for women leaders of every age and at every stage of their career. Nerve is a must-read for any woman who is leading today, considering leading, or thinking about life after leading.

Reviews

"Nerve is a timely contribution to our collective knowledge about women and leadership. The authors' shared learning, moving personal stories and reflective questions offer all of us--leaders and those who aspire to be--a powerful set of lessons. And yes, a reminder that above all, it is vital to find joy and 'gather the sweet nectar out of life." -- Barbara Grantham, President and CEO, CARE Canada
"Part memoir, part leadership book, Nerve takes us on the lifelong journeys of Martha Piper and Indira Samarasekera, culminating in their respective presidencies of two world-class institutions, University of British Columbia and University of Alberta. The compelling real-life stories of pitfalls and triumphs make Nerve definitely inspiring and empowering for future leaders." -- Sara Seager, OC, Professor of Planetary Science, Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineering at MIT, and bestselling author of The Smallest Lights in the Universe
"This book is a gem. Nerve could easily be titled Grit and Grace, two entwined values dramatically explored through its pages. It tackles the unique challenges facing women leaders with compelling practical advice and imaginative resilience of two extraordinary women. It is a valuable manual for anyone -- female or male -- interested in the anatomy of leadership." -- David Johnston, Governor General of Canada (2010-2017)

Author Bio

Martha Piper served as the first woman president of the University of British Columbia and has been a director of the Bank of Montreal, Shoppers Drug Mart, and TransAlta Corporation. An Officer of the Order of Canada, she was born in Lorain, Ohio, and lives with her husband, William Piper, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Indira Samarasekera served as the first woman president of the University of Alberta and is a director of Magna International, TC Energy, Intact Financial Corporation, and Stelco and has served as a director of the Bank of Nova Scotia. An Officer of the Order of Canada, she was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.