Alix Stuart, CFO Magazine
June 1, 2006

"Having It All"

Survey executive women and men as to the major criteria defining "Having It All" at 25 at 35 at 45 at 55 and at 65 years of age, assemble satistically significant data, then reevaluate the possibility and probability of "Having It All".

Posted by jean schwindt | Feb 15, 2007 4:53 PM ET

What about Asians?

There are quite a few Asian (both male and female) students graduating out of Top MBA programs every year - most of them do really well in Finance and all the other courses. They are smart, ambitious, and hardworking, with excellent communication skills.

Where in the corporate jungles are these Asians getting stuck? And why?

I remember reading an article in Reader's Digest long time ago which basically argued "squeaky wheel gets the grease" theory - i.e. the article was suggesting Asians in the USA don't squeak as much as women, African Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities.

I wonder if squeaking is a good idea for Asians. In case of Asians, the squeaky wheel gets a kick first, and gets changed with another wheel later!

Interestingly, all the objections to Asian leadership qualities don?t seem to matter when they start their own businesses or when they are representing a company/division from Asia.

On a positive note - Given all the mess we have here in the USA corporate politics ? it is really commendable what Indra Nooyi (of Pepsi) achieved coming from India.

- Narendra Pulipaka, PhD, MBA

Posted by Narendra Pulipaka | Sep 27, 2006 5:18 PM ET

What *women* want

I'm all for promoting women in finance or any other field, for that matter, but why does everyone believe that home/family concerns tug harder on women than on men? The issue with that assumption, as I see it, is that while a woman can leave the workforce to care for home/family issues - and be lauded for it, a man making the same choice will be a social and business outcast. Women at least have the choice.

Posted by Jerome Kern | Jun 9, 2006 2:16 PM ET

What Women Want

What Women Want
In finance, the operative words are opportunity, flexibility, and balance
Alix Nyberg Stuart, CFO Magazin
June 01, 2006
I beg to differ wit the article. We have hundred of books, magazines and net about what someone wants or how some one can get things their way.
I would like to have some one write ?WHAT WOMEN DO NOT WANT?. That would be a best seller because we know what they want, but their needs not fulfilled, are lip tied up. So this is the time to open up and zip off by stating ?WHAT I DO NOT WANT.? You will money out of the delicate ideas that we men are looking for to, please.

Posted by Firozali A Mulla | Jun 9, 2006 5:37 AM ET

Balancing the view

I agree with the challenges related to caregiving and career choices cited in this article and applaud Ms. Calpeter for making her family a priority. I think it's important to recognize that these challenges are not just faced by women. In 2005 I had to face similar choices regarding my father and spent the better part of twelve months participating in his healthcare. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done and I will never regret it. I also know many men who are the primary caregivers for their children, men who had to make career choices in the process. These are real issues for both genders, issues that should result in decisions that are best for the family and not viewed as a compromise to ones career. Quality employers would never derail the careers of respected employees, but look for alternatives to retain talent, a compromise for both parties. Lets recognize that as employers seek to provide opportunities based upon performance, vs gender or diversity, issues like caregiving should no longer have a gender orientation.

Posted by John P Brazzale | Jun 1, 2006 10:35 AM ET

A Table Can't Stand on Three Legs

Opportunity, Flexibility and Balance are only three of the four legs needed to get ahead. Positive Press Coverage is essential. How can women get better jobs if noone knows who they are? Don't be fooled by the great lie - no candidates. There are many capable women who get no media coverage and therefore are not considered for jobs they could do well. At www.newsonwomen.com, I am nearing 1000 posts about women executives doing great things in really important jobs. How many of those 1000 women do you know? The orientation of the press needs to change and your article is a classic example. You highlight a number of outstanding women who have achieved success, but your lead paragraphs reinforce the "relatively rare" syndrome. Present your information so executives realize what they are missing. And why is your related article at the end dated 1998?

Posted by Alice Krause | Jun 1, 2006 9:14 AM ET