The Women of Berkshire Hathaway: Lessons from Warren Buffetts Female CEOs and Directors

Praise for The Women of Berkshire Hathaway

"It′s never easy to be a woman in a male–dominated profession, but the women of Berkshire provide valuable guidance for ambitious women at every stage of their careers. This is a perfect book for your daughter, your friend, your colleague, or your protégé."
—Sylvia Ann Hewlett, Founding President, Center for Talent Innovation, and author of Winning the War for Talent in Emerging Markets: Why Women Are the Solution

"A uniquely compelling look at the lives of the successful women who work with Warren Buffett. The Women of Berkshire Hathaway is a must–read for all future leaders in this new era of business—both men and women! This book inspired me to start my own business!"
—Amanda Kimball, author of 2011 UC Davis Study of California Women Business Leaders

"This book is a collection of stories about the ′women of Berkshire.′ All are women that my father respects and admires—because they are good managers and good people. I′ve had the great privilege of knowing all of the women in this book. These are stories for anyone interested in business, management, entrepreneurship, or just plain human drama."—From the Foreword by Susie Buffett, Chair of the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation

Foreword ix

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

Chapter 1 Rose Blumkin—Magic Carpet Ride 1

Chapter 2 Susan Jacques—Puttin’ On the Glitz 27

Chapter 3 Doris Christopher—Kitchen Counter Culture 65

Chapter 4 Cathy Baron Tamraz—Distribution Evolution 97

Chapter 5 Marla Gottschalk—Consuming Passion 121

Chapter 6 Beryl Raff—Precious Mettle 145

Chapter 7 Charlotte Guyman—Impact Creator 167

Chapter 8 Susan Decker—Desire to Inspire 193

Chapter 9 Katharine Graham—Capital Publisher 213

Chapter 10 Women at the Top and at the Table 235

Notes 253

About the Author 277

Index 279

Karen Linder is the founder and CEO of Linspiration, a corporation that supports entrepreneurship, creativity, and education. She is a sponsor of the annual technology conference Big Omaha, an experienced author and editor, and a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder. Linder is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and a member of the Board of Directors of two nonprofits, the Museum of Nebraska Art and KANEKO, and SkyVu Entertainment, a for–profit company.