Fast Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose

A book of practical advice and personal stories of powerful women around the world ​— ​including Hillary Clinton, Geena Davis, and Diane von Furstenberg ​— ​Fast Forward offers contemporary women an inspirational look into how to harness their own power and talent to achieve their life goals.

“Ensuring the full participation of women and girls is the great unfinished business of the twenty-first century. The stories in this book of people making a difference give me hope. We can use our power and purpose to help all women. And once we do, we can fast-forward to a better world for all.” ​— ​from the foreword by Hillary Rodham Clinton

Books such as Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In have helped advance a conversation about women and their careers that has resonated with millions of readers. Here, Melanne Verveer and Kim K. Azzarelli ​— ​whose experience spans corporate America, public service, and global diplomacy, take the next step with Fast Forward. Through interviews with a network of more than seventy trailblazing women, Fast Forward shows women how to accelerate their growing economic power and combine it with purpose to find both success and meaning in their lives.

Companies, countries, and organizations the world over are waking up to the stark reality that women control the lion’s share of purchasing power and are essential to competitiveness. Women are using their influence and redefining what power and success mean in the process. Through clear, practical advice and personal stories of women around the world ​— ​including Hillary Clinton, Geena Davis, Christine Lagarde, and Diane von Furstenberg ​— ​Fast Forward shows every woman how to know her power, find her purpose, and connect with others to achieve her goals in life.

“[Fast Forward] outlines a female power action plan: how to find yours and use it while supporting other women . . . The book is full of compelling studies and stats.” ​— ​Elle

“A durable contribution to the continued efforts to effect change for women.” ​— ​Kirkus Reviews

MELANNE VERVEER is a founder of Seneca Women and executive director of Georgetown University's Institute for Women, Peace and Security. In 2009, President Obama appointed her the first-ever United States ambassador-at-large for global women's issues. She is a cofounder of Vital Voices, an international nonprofit that invests in emerging women leaders.
 

KIM K. AZZARELLI is a founder of Seneca Women and cofounder and chair of Cornell Law School's Avon Global Center for Women and Justice. She is a legal, corporate, and philanthropic adviser and has held senior positions at companies including Newsweek/The Daily Beast, Goldman Sachs, and Avon.