Elizabeth l has long been one of my favorite historical figures. She overcame monstrous odds to ascend to the British throne, only to discover her country in shambles financially, vulnerable with no army or navy to speak of, religiously divided, and with nothing to offer the world culturally .
Very few wanted her in power. She was the “bastard Queen” having been declared illegitimate by her father King Henry Vlll. Her mother, Anne Boleyn had been executed for treason when she was 3. Her brother, Edward Vi, cut her out of the line of succession and her half-sister Mary had her locked in the Tower of London for a year as a young woman under suspicion of treason. Here was a woman with some serious issues to overcome.
Yet she became a great Queen. Arguably the greatest England has known. At the end of her forty-five year reign on the day of her death March 24, 1603 England was the wealthiest most powerful nation in Europe.
Alan Axelrod, who also wrote Patton On Leadership follows up with another best seller in Elizabeth l CEO. In this book he examines the leadership qualities in Elizabeth that propelled her to dig her country out of the huge hole it was in and set it on the map as one of the mightiest powers in the world.
You will not find a long, historical diatribe in this book, though. Elizabeth l CEO is written in easy to digest pieces with titles such as, ” Survival Is Never About Panic – How To Keep Your Head” and “Beware of wasteful conflict.” Axelrod brings Elizabeth’s leadership qualities forth in a way that illuminates them and transcends centuries. I keep it on my bookshelf and refer to it often.
Elizabeth l CEO is written for anyone who is in or desires a leadership position. I find it especially suited for women in leadership. It is an easy read with valuable lessons on running a business from a Queen who rose to power in the midst of disaster, turned the unpopular tide, and became one of our greatest leaders.
