Book excerpt: Pattie Grimm climbed the corporate ladder in banking and information technology-both male-dominated businesses-to shine as a senior manager...until her work life imploded when she endured what she calls "the fall." Stress and chronic fatigue sent her to the bottom of the ranks. She became depressed and felt like a failure. As time passed, she realized her personal doubts were simply not true. She started to believe she was a strong, successful female leader, and the world needed more women like her to take a stand. In this part memoir, part self-help book, Pattie inspires women to recognize their strengths and lead in the workplace and other areas of their lives. She also helps women dodge "the fall" so they won't suffer as she did. She includes stories, helpful exercises, and research she conducted personally. She also interviewed 250 leaders and surveyed 1,600 people to learn more about the characteristics of great leaders and the main differences between male and female managers. Prepare to laugh, cry, and, ultimately, learn how to take control and become a successful female leader at any age.