As a teenager, Sanya Khurana had very low self-esteem and was disgusted at not being 'fit' enough for the world. She sought acceptance in this patriarchal world, even at the cost of her passions and ambitions. In 2014, her father gifted her a book by Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. After reading it, she started a Lean In Circle. As she began leading a circle, she started leading her life, and observed a significant change in her confidence and self-esteem, and was on the path of discovering herself, spreading awareness and making a change in small ways. In this book, Sanya refers to patriarchy as a bug in human minds, which grows with age. She talks about how the Indian media, film industry, rituals and customs strengthen the bug; the effects of 'Log Kya Kahenge' Syndrome on gender roles; and how unsafe cities become a psychological barrier for women. The book aims to encourage women in every part of the country to come together and fight gender inequality. Lean In India is an independent organization, affiliated with Lean In. Org, which works closely with Lean In. Org to further its mission, and is licensed by LeanIn. Org to use the 'Lean In' name.

Despite the huge advances women have made in recent decades, their ambitions are still undermined in subtle ways. Parents, teachers, bosses, and institutions all give less encouragement to women than men, and women still grow up believing that they must defer to men in order be seen as feminine. If their ambition does survive into adulthood, too often those ambitions must be downsized or abandoned to accommodate “wifely” duties of household chores and child care. As a result, women--unlike men–continually have to re-shape their goals and expectations. Yet expressing ambition, pursuing it, and getting recognition for one’s accomplishments is critical to identity and happiness. In this groundbreaking work, Anna Fels draws on extensive research and years of her psychiatriac practice to offer an original and deeply useful examination of ambition in women’s lives. In the process, she illuminates just what is necessary for women to articulate--and fulfill--their dreams.

"Multi-tasking and distracted women everywhere yearn for simplicity and for the ability to focus on their goals and ambitions. Allison's book is timely. You will uncover the secret to achieving your dreams and discover that goal setting is a unique and personal process." Fran Hewitt, International bestselling author, The Power of Focus for Women Why You Should Read This Book This book provides a step by step goal setting and motivation program based on the achievement, personal change and motivation research. You will discover and prioritize which dreams and goals are the most important to you, and how you can make the process of achieving your goals joyful, easy and convenient. By removing thoughts of uncertainty and doubt about your ambitions you will develop unstoppable motivation to move forward with your goals - until you achieve them! This Book Will Help You If... - You are feeling unclear about your life dreams and goals - You know what you want to achieve but you lack motivation to get started - For mysterious reasons you begin to work toward a goal but then give up after awhile - Your current life choices suggest that you are no longer serious about your goal, despite thinking about your goal all the time - Long chunks of time go by, and you feel anger, shock and disbelief that you have not been making progress with your goals "This book shows you how to develop clarity and focus, move ahead faster, and accomplish more of your goals than you ever thought possible." Brian Tracy, bestselling author of The Psychology of Achievement, over 500 audio and video learning programs

The Ambitious Woman illustrates how ambitious women embody characteristics such as inspiration, empowerment, and motivation to help others accomplish their goals, and create win-win relationships in all areas of life. When you think of the word 'ambitious', what comes to mind? Power hungry? Getting ahead no matter what it takes? Someone who runs over others to accomplish their goals? While many people may have a negative view of what it means to be ambitious, author, motivational speaker and women's movement leader, Esther Spina, is not one of them. In fact, in The Ambitious Woman, Esther shows that Ambitious Women are found in all walks of life - the famous and the not-so-famous. They embody characteristics such as inspiration, empowerment and motivation to help people accomplish their goals. Ambitious Women can be humble and loyal; they are disciplined and have a never-give-up attitude. Real and genuine ambitious people care about others; they are not self-centered. They are "ambitious" about seeing others succeed, and creating win-win relationships in all areas of life. Using profiles of people such as Diana Nyad and Barbara Walters, The Ambitious Woman offers contemporary illustrations of people who have lived ambitious lives and what we can learn from them. The book also profiles ambitious people who are close to the author, people who live with passion, confidence and consistency in their everyday lives. Women from all walks of life will find ambitious characteristics to strive for, ones that will improve their lives, their relationships, and who they are deep down. When you become an Ambitious Woman, you, too, can help others change their lives!

Break into the power circle and build relationships that advance careers The Politics of Promotion offers women the tools and guidance they need to successfully navigate the realities of their organization, emphasizing the need to understand office politics to get the promotions and recognition they deserve. Written by Bonnie Marcus, a professional coach who focuses on helping women advance their careers, this book demonstrates the impact of relationships and sponsorship on career trajectory. Readers will learn why excellence and achievement aren't propulsion enough to get ahead, and how networking with power and intention can make all the difference in perception, reputation, and promotion. Far beyond the typical advice of "be assertive" and "embrace ambition," this book provides a unique and proven method for becoming a bigger player in the workplace and avoiding unexpected trip-ups that can add years to the climb—or end it for good. Many women focus on performance, thinking that good work garners promotion. Too often, they're left outside of the circles of power and influence where decisions are made that affect their careers. The Politics of Promotion provides a framework for breaking into that circle, and taking control of one's own career path, specifically showing how to: Navigate office politics successfully Build and nurture key relationships Get comfortable with self-promotion Avoid potentially disastrous "blindsides" Women who want to advance cannot afford to view politics as "dirty." It's the reality of the workplace, one that differs between organizations and fluctuates over time. Although being savvy about office politics is important for both genders, unconscious bias and stereotypes create special challenges for women. Learning to navigate these complex rules and customs is the key to professional recognition for women, fostering relationships that reach far beyond the next evaluation. Women looking to get ahead will find that the insights in The Politics of Promotion can help smooth the way.

"A girl is inspired by an ambitious woman to ponder the word and claim it for herself as well"--

Betty Friedan, a name synonymous with the feminist movement of the 20th century, was a trailblazing writer, activist, and co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Her groundbreaking work, The Feminine Mystique, ignited a national conversation about the plight of women in post-war America, exposing the "problem that no one had a name for" – the dissatisfaction and unfulfilled aspirations of countless women trapped within the confines of domesticity. Born Bettye Naomi Goldstein on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois, Friedan was a bright and ambitious young woman who excelled in her studies. She graduated from Smith College in 1942 with a degree in psychology, harboring dreams of a fulfilling career. However, the societal expectations of the time steered her towards a more conventional path, leading her to marry Carl Friedan in 1947 and settle into suburban life. As a young mother, Friedan began to notice the stirrings of discontent among her peers – women who, despite their educational achievements and personal aspirations, felt confined and unfulfilled by the limited roles society had prescribed for them. This observation sparked a deep-seated curiosity within Friedan, prompting her to embark on a journey to uncover the root of this widespread discontent. In the late 1950s, Friedan began surveying her Smith College classmates, inquiring about their lives and aspirations. The responses she received were overwhelmingly similar, revealing a pervasive sense of emptiness and frustration among women who had been conditioned to believe that their primary purpose was to serve as wives and mothers. These women, despite their innate talents and ambitions, were trapped within the confines of domesticity, their dreams and aspirations relegated to the margins of their existence. Friedan's research findings fueled her determination to shed light on this pervasive issue. She spent the next several years meticulously gathering data, conducting interviews, and analyzing the societal forces that had shaped women's roles and expectations. In 1963, her seminal work, The Feminine Mystique, was published, marking a turning point in the history of feminism. The Feminine Mystique, with its powerful prose and incisive analysis, resonated deeply with women across America. Friedan's articulation of the "problem that no one had a name for" gave voice to the frustrations and aspirations of countless women who had long felt silenced and misunderstood. The book became an instant bestseller, sparking a national dialogue about women's roles in society and igniting the second wave of the feminist movement. Friedan's work served as a catalyst for action, inspiring women to challenge the status quo and demand equal rights and opportunities. In 1966, she co-founded NOW, a pivotal organization dedicated to achieving equality for all women. NOW's bold vision and unwavering commitment to social justice played a crucial role in advancing women's rights in the years that followed. Throughout her life, Friedan remained a tireless advocate for women's rights, using her platform to challenge gender discrimination, advocate for reproductive rights, and promote equal opportunities in all spheres of life. Her legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking book, as she played a pivotal role in shaping the feminist movement and transforming the lives of countless women worldwide.