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If You’ve Ever Longed for a Heartfelt Mentor, This Book Is For You.

 Skies have never been brighter for women leaders. As the balance of power shifts to employees who demand the kind of work experience we excel at creating, glass ceilings are shattering everywhere. But women who long to rise have questions: What really goes on in the C-suite? What skills do women on top hone and deploy? What blocks their ascent? And what sacrifices do they make to get there—especially when they also have a family?

 Deb Boelkes wrote Strong Suit: Leadership Success Secrets For Women on Top to answer these questions. This book—the last in a four-part series—is meant to fill the mentoring gap that holds so many women leaders back. The author’s own story, combined with the reflections of seven high-level women from various industries, yields a wealth of insights. You’ll learn how to:

• Identify and leverage your innate superpowers—aka your strong suits—and those of your team

• Strike the balancing act of staying open to new opportunities while holding firm to personal brand

• Cultivate a network of meaningful connections with trusted peers as well as leaders outside your industry

• Master the mindset shifts, emotional minefields, and tricky logistics that come with being a working mother

 Brimming with tips, tactics, and introspections—and featuring a special section on career and motherhood--this book will resonate with women at every stage. It’s perfect for students charting an educational path, women at mid-career exploring their next move, and seasoned leaders who are still on the journey of pursing their callings and crafting a life lived without regrets.

Reviews

Deb Boelkes’ new book, Strong Suit, is the single best guidance I’ve read on preparing women leaders to assume senior positions. Her voice is that of and insightful, strategic, and intuitive mentor, invested in your success. Sweep all the other business books off your shelf. This is the only one you need. And it is truly the one you’ve been looking for all along.
—Maj. General Mari K. Elder, U.S. Army retired
Author of American Cyberscape and The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line

“Strong Suit is a collection of universal business truths, not only for aspiring women on their way up, but also for women who have reached the pinnacle and understand that they can always improve their game. Had I had this information at my fingertips decades ago, my own struggle would have been far less confusing and stressful. Deb clearly demonstrates that it is never too early to plan for success and never too late to consolidate success. This is an absolute must-read for women in or aspiring to leadership in any field.”
—Colonel Diana Craun
U.S. Army, Retired
Director of Human Resources, WestRock

 “Deb is spot-on here on so many topics as I found myself nodding in agreement continuously throughout the read. Chapter 4: To Thine Own Brand Be True and Chapter 8: No Need to Be Lonely really hit home for me, as your personal brand speaks to your authenticity and is central to not only your beliefs and who you are at your core, but also to your future success. As you ascend the career ladder, it’s normal to feel that you need to conform to your new business culture, but keep in mind that perhaps your non-conformity is maybe exactly what the business culture needed—a fresh perspective coupled with an against-the-grain mentality that challenges and elevates the organization to the next level. Staying true to yourself and surrounding yourself with like-minded and true, authentic support will carry you through the rough waters that you may encounter in challenging times, while also celebrating alongside you win after win.” 
—Laura DiBella 
Secretary of Commerce, Florida
President and CEO of Enterprise Florida 

“There is no question that becoming more aware of what captivates you, excites you, and engages you can help you be more successful in your career and life. Deb Boelkes’ book is a must-read for women eager to learn, to improve, and to apply important lessons in life. She addresses many areas critical to a leader’s success, including the value of an authentic personal brand, leveraging your strengths, and having a trusted mentor. Deb’s wisdom and insights will aid your professional development, help you build your confidence, and guide you through challenges as you advance in your career. Her book, Strong Suit: Leadership Success Secrets From Women on Top, is full of engaging stories from successful female executives, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly!”
—Dr. Sherry Hartnett
Professor and Founding Director of the Executive Mentor Program, University of West Florida
Coauthor, High-Impact Mentoring: A Practical Guide to Creating Value in Other People’s Lives

 “What refreshing encouragement from the pioneers who have gone before us! Too many times, women leaders conform to being and acting a certain way instead of being authentic—our personal brand is beyond important. I’m a mom of two young girls myself. In Strong Suit, Deb Boelkes uncovers the work-life balance myth because we truly have just one life. Pearls of wisdom are found throughout this fantastic book, and I look forward to passing the sage advice along to my daughters.”
—Lindsay Hoyt
Founder and Board Chair, Cornerstone Classical Academy

 “Reading this book was like getting an MBA for life. Deb Boelkes does it again with an eye-opening look into the thoughts and feelings of leaders at the top of their careers. No question is left unasked, and every answer given is heartfelt, actionable, and startling in the sincerity of experience. This powerful book took me into a deep introspection and made me reflect on my life and career. I learned some new questions to ask myself as I enter the next chapter of my career.”
—Laura Steward
 Strategist, International Best-selling Author, and Podcaster

“Strong Suit is an inspirational must-read to catapult your career. Adopting the techniques that apply in the office as well as at home will be multi-beneficial and drive success. I found the thought-provoking introspections at the end of each chapter especially helpful and applicable to many aspects of leadership, from strategic planning to crafting simple emails—like adjusting tone to gain acceptance when delegating tasks. This book has caused me to rethink how I communicate to ensure that my message will be accepted when conveying complicated or shocking or simply unpleasant information.” 
—Maria Zack
Chief Executive Officer, Quantum Solutions Software, Inc.
Chair of the Board of Directors, Nations in Action