The Rise of the Female Executive

'This book, by Peninah Thomson and colleagues at The Mentoring Foundation, is very timely as a breakthrough is now occurring in terms of female representation on boards, and it needs to be sustained by mentoring a growing pipeline. I am delighted to see that, having set up a process with Lord Davies and his team, a voluntary approach based on the self-interest of companies in tapping into the female talent pool is now bearing fruit.'

-The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

"The great value of mentoring, and cross company mentoring in particular, is the opportunity to help women to better assess how to progress in their career, and to discuss issues more independently and objectively. I believe mentoring has an important role to play in helping us ensure that we fully harness the capabilities and potential of the UK's enviably large population of talented women. This wise book makes a compelling case for redoubling our efforts. Our businesses and the wider economy will be the beneficiaries.'

-António Horta Osório, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyds Banking Group plc

'FTSE 250 companies need to ensure they equip themselves to be competitive in an international marketplace as business culture evolves in the 21st century. In my time as a Chairman Mentor on the FTSE® 100 Cross-Company Mentoring Programme. I believe that encouraging women to join boards is crucial to modernising organisationalculture, improving how both companies and boards function.'

-Nigel Rich CBE, Chairman, Segro plc

'In my nearly 25 years of training and development in the civil service, the last 18 months working with my mentor have been the most precious, the most interesting and the most challenging. He shifted my way of thinking; we had different sorts of conversations.'

-Sharon White, Chief Executive, Ofcom

'Our collaboration with the Mentoring Foundation has helped to stimulate great discussion and debate across our business, the FTSE 100 and beyond. As well as preparing senior women for board appointments, it has been very positive to focus on the development of women at an earlier stage in their career. The Next Generation Women Leaders Programme, described in this book, ensures that these talented women are gaining from the valuable experience of others to help them to achieve success and take ownership of a fulfilling career. I strongly believe that they will encourage diversity of thought which will have an impact on the culture of organisations as they progress.'

-Nigel Wilson, Group CEO, Legal & General Group plc