A response to the woeful inadequacy of male leadership, and an investigation into the qualities demonstrated by the female leaders showing us how it's done. Including original research and interviews with Madeleine Albright, Mary Robinson, Alicia Garza, and many others.

'Fascinating . . . the most incredible argument for why a female model of leadership might actually be the more powerful and sustainable one' Scarlett Curtis

'A bold, rigorous and lyrical work which feels both timely and essential' Musa Okwonga, author of One of Them

Women have been told to 'lean in' and act like men to get ahead. But as our systems crumble, isn't it time we had a different plan? While some at the top are telling us 'it is what it is' as we face financial collapse, a global pandemic, the devastation of our environment and the disintegration of democracies, a new generation of leaders are showing the world how to be better. They're building trust, investing wisely and actively decisively - and they've got one thing in common.

In Strong Female Lead, Arwa Mahdawi investigates the qualities of female leaders who show us how it's done, drawing on original research and interviews with Madeleine Albright, Mary Robinson, Audrey Tang and many others and answering a vital question: what can women in power teach all of us about leadership?