
Titles in This Set:
The Glass Cliff by Sophie Williams
What It Takes by Sarina Wiegman
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 1035038730, 978-1035038732; 0008672962, 978-0008672966
Overview:
This two-book collection brings together two revealing non-fiction titles that explore leadership, resilience, and the power—and limits—of women at the highest levels of influence. The Glass Cliff by Sophie Williams examines a persistent pattern in which women are appointed to leadership roles precisely when organizations are underperforming, a dynamic that can undermine any chance of success before a single decisive move is made. Williams draws on nearly two decades of global research and compelling real-world accounts to illuminate how structural inequality can masquerade as personal shortfalls. Paired with What It Takes by Sarina Wiegman, a deeply personal account from one of football’s most successful coaches, the set offers a powerful contrast: structural critique alongside a first-person journey through determination, leadership, and triumph in sport. Together, these works provide readers with insights into how leadership is constructed, navigated, and sometimes challenged by gendered expectations. This hardcover collection is a valuable addition for readers seeking credible, thoughtful analyses of leadership, sport, and social change.
What This Collection Covers:
Across these two volumes, readers explore how leadership is framed, challenged, and sometimes constrained by gender norms. The Glass Cliff investigates the environments that push capable women into roles where risk is highest and outcomes uncertain, offering a rigorous look at systemic bias, organizational dynamics, and the human stories behind headlines. What It Takes shifts the lens to the personal journey of a renowned coach, detailing the passion, persistence, and strategic decisions that propelled Sarina Wiegman to the pinnacle of international football. Together, the collection covers themes of equality in leadership, resilience under pressure, and the interplay between personal agency and structural forces. It appeals to readers interested in psychology, management, sports leadership, and gender studies, while remaining accessible to fans of compelling, real-world narratives about breaking barriers.
Book-by-Book Guide:
The Glass Cliff — Sophie Williams offers a gripping examination of a phenomenon that has subtle but profound implications for leadership worldwide. Grounded in years of global research and enhanced by poignant anecdotes, this book unpacks how the very act of appointing leaders in times of turmoil can set the stage for perceived personal failure, rather than for opportunity. Williams invites readers to question assumptions about competence, performance, and the signals organizations send when risks are high. The narrative blends analysis with compelling case studies, helping readers recognize patterns, understand the pressures leaders face, and consider strategies to create fairer, more sustainable pathways to success for everyone. This is a timely guide for students, professionals, and those curious about how power, bias, and merit intersect in the workplace. What It Takes — Sarina Wiegman shares a candid, inspirational portrait of a life dedicated to football at the highest level. From early days of playing with passion to leadership as a trailblazing coach, the story tracks pivotal moments, tough choices, and the unwavering focus required to excel. Wiegman reveals the mindset, preparation, and teamwork behind historic victories for both the Netherlands and England, offering readers an intimate look at leadership in sport. The book balances personal anecdotes with professional insights, delivering lessons on discipline, communication, and resilience that resonate beyond the pitch. For fans of football, leadership memoirs, and women who break barriers, this volume delivers motivation grounded in real-world experience.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection is ideal for readers who want to understand leadership through credible research and personal experience. It suits students and professionals in business, human resources, and organizational psychology, as well as sports enthusiasts and aspiring coaches who value a disciplined approach to growth. It’s a thoughtful gift for mentors, managers, and colleagues who appreciate data-backed analysis paired with compelling life stories. Fans of gender studies, non-fiction about leadership, and readers seeking inspirational biographies will find both titles highly engaging. The two books together offer a balanced view of systemic issues and individual determination, making it a meaningful addition to classroom reading lists, book clubs, or personal libraries.
Key Benefits:
About the Author:
Sophie Williams is attributed with co-authoring The Glass Cliff, bringing a rigorous, globally informed lens to the exploration of leadership dynamics and gender bias. Her work draws on extensive research and real-world cases to illuminate how structural inequality can shape outcomes for women in top roles, offering accessible insights for readers from business, academia, and everyday life. Sarina Wiegman, renowned as FIFA’s most decorated female football manager, has led national teams to historic victories with a philosophy that blends technical excellence, team cohesion, and psychological insight. Her storytelling as a coach and leader provides readers with a grounded, aspirational account of breaking ceilings in a male-dominated sport, making her a trusted voice in sports leadership and women’s empowerment.
Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you’re seeking a credible, engaging pairing of leadership analysis and personal achievement, this collection delivers. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how organizations shape—and sometimes limit—leadership potential, while also drawing inspiration from a proven record of success in elite sport. The set’s combination of theoretical insight and practical, human story makes it a compelling choice for readers who value intellectual rigor coupled with motivational storytelling, as well as for gift buyers looking to equip someone with both knowledge and inspiration.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
Thanks for subscribing!
This email has been registered!