ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how women leaders in a range of professional services have managed to navigate their careers and be promoted to the highest levels in their organizations or professional working environments. It also examines the dynamics of professional services organizations in relation to women, the barriers women face in rising to the top and the common themes to which women who have been successful, attribute their success. Professional services exist due to the demand for problem-solving competence on behalf of the client. The women who have been successful in professional services have learned ways of navigating their paths and careers to build trust with their clients; to outperform on delivery and hence overcome the bias of having a woman lead the team. Our women professionals noted a move in favor of leadership qualities that come more naturally to women, including being more collaborative and more engaging in interactions with staff and clients.
