Book excerpt: Reaching the boardroom is the aspiration of most managers, but only a few achieve this goal. At the same time the directors' role is under greater scrutiny than ever before with statutory regulations on how directors have to behave and on-going discussions on the numbers of female directors. The Keys to the Boardroom will provide a map to the boardroom and help you to stay there. Jo Haigh has over 25 years' experience as a director and non-executive director and she explains in practical terms the purpose of a board and the skills you need to get you there. She is the Winner of The Sunday Times Non-Executive Director of the Year award. Full of real life examples and international perspectives, it will show you how to deal with the boardroom dynamics, politics and prejudices that all directors face at some time in their career. "This down to earth and personalised account of what makes a good Director is a must read for those aspiring to the post and those new to the role." James Caan "Jo Haigh is right on target with her analysis and explanations of the Boardroom. A great book for those who want to push their careers to the highest level..." John Devaney Chairman Cobham Plc, Chairman National Air Traffic Services "If you really want to get to grips with what being a Director means in the 21st Century this is a must read..." Lord Smith of Kelvin "Jo Haigh is quite simply world class in this space." Steve Gilroy, Chief Executive at Visage, the World's largest CEO network