What I Know Now About Success: Letters from Extraordinary Women to Their Younger Selves

Erma Bombeck once said, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I'd hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.'” How each woman defines success might be a personal matter, but there are certain gems of wisdom we can all share. Editor Ellyn Spragins invited women from all walks of life to write letters to their younger selves, filled with the knowledge they wish they'd had before beginning their own journeys. Including tales from trailblazers like legendary news journalist Barbara Walters, finance expert Suze Orman, pro golfer Annika Sorenstam, fashion designer Kate Spade, newscaster Soledad O'Brien, and fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, these letters highlight what helped each woman get ahead, what got in her way, and what really mattered.

Whether they address launching a company, running for office, starting a family, or succeeding in less conventional ways, these voices will both move and inspire any woman who counts herself a success-in-the-making.

Ellyn Spragins, a former New York Times writer, established the What I Know Now? series and seminars. She lives in Pennington, New Jersey, with her family.