Women remain significantly underrepresented in high-level leadership positions despite making up half of the global population, and the reasons why are strikingly similar from continent to continent, observes Duygu Alptekin Gürsu, an executive coach who has worked with women leaders across more than 50 countries
“I have witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers that prevent women from stepping into leadership roles, despite their qualifications and capabilities,” Gürsu said.
In her compelling new book, Empowering Women on the Way to the Top: A Comprehensive Guide for Advancing Women’s Leadership, Gürsu champions a clarion call for lasting, measurable change in leadership dynamics. Drawing from years of experience in leadership development, she examines the unique pressures women leaders face—from societal expectations to workplace inequities. But Gürsu doesn’t just highlight the challenges. She provides actionable strategies to empower women, organizations and male allies to take action.
“At the end of the day, gender equality in leadership is a journey we all must take together,” Gürsu said. “When men and women collaborate, respecting each other’s unique strengths and capabilities, the result is a stronger and more innovative, adaptable organization.”
Blending inspiration and practical advice, Empowering Women on the Way to the Top is more than a guide. It’s a movement that brings together years of experience, global insights and a research-based approach to creating real change.
“I want readers to walk away with the understanding that leadership is not a predefined mold; women bring unique strengths — like empathy, collaboration, and resilience —that make them exceptional leaders,” she added. “By embracing these qualities and addressing the barriers in their path, women can confidently claim their rightful place at the top
Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Empowering-Women-Way-Top-Comprehensive/dp/6250025413/ref
About the Author
Duygu Alptekin Gürsu is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning leadership and team coach and keynote speaker who brings a wealth of experience from her exceptional 29-year career as a woman business leader and executive coach. She holds the esteemed Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential and is among the first to earn the Advanced Certified Team Coach (ACTC) designation from the International Coach Federation. She is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of top and mid-level executives, high-potential individuals and executive management teams in global corporations.
She has coached executives in over 50 countries, with blue-chip clients that include Nestle, Loreal, Johnson & Johnson, Mayo Clinic, Microsoft, Roche, Workday, Service Now, Equinix, Philips, Pfizer, Novartis, Unilever, Coca-Cola, GlaxoSmithKline, Vodafone and Volvo. She is married with one son and resides with her family in Istanbul, Türkiye. She is also the author of the best-selling book Transformational Leadership: Inspire the Excellence Within, published first in 2019.
