Through the Glass Ceiling: Reflections on Feminism from the C-Suite is a powerful blend of personal memoir, feminist history, and career guidance. Sheelagh Whittaker shares her journey through the corporate world, facing and overcoming challenges while offering witty, funny, and valuable insights into gender equality, workplace dynamics, and personal growth.

Whittaker delves into the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, from the influence of key role models to the unexpected lessons learned in business school. As she ascends the corporate ladder, her story explores the absurdities, victories, and setbacks defining a woman’s journey in male-dominated spaces. Along the way, she reflects on how feminism gradually penetrated her consciousness, influencing her decisions and actions both at work and at home. The book weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and practical advice, making it a valuable resource for readers ranging from young professionals to established leaders.

Through the Glass Ceiling is not just a memoir; it’s a call to action for the next generation of women leaders. Sheelagh Whittaker’s story serves as a guide and source of inspiration for those aspiring to break their own glass ceilings, challenging them to keep pushing forward, even when the path is anything but clear.

Sheelagh Whittaker is irrepressibly curious. Meet her and next thing you know she’ll be asking about

your childhood home or which authors you like to read. When the excitement of Women’s Lib began to

fill the air, she excitedly sought out Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own and de Beauvoir’s Second Self and then went off in all directions.

As the first female CEO of a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Canadian Satellite

Communications Inc.), Sheelagh jokes that her meme is that of a professional breath of fresh air. She is

particularly proud of leading the licensing competitions for Cantel (now Rogers mobile) and CBC NewsWorld. From her early days as a federal anti-trust Investigator, a management consultant, and CBC executive, she went on to be CEO first at Canadian Satellite Communications (Cancom) and later EDS.

The rough and tumble of an international business career has made Whittaker more, rather than less,

humble about her insight and experience. Nevertheless, she can never resist offering her opinion, if

asked.

Lucky in life and love, she enjoyed every job she ever had and cherished every child for which she found herself responsible. Since retiring from the world of commerce, she has written several books

Sheelagh Whittaker's profile page

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is Sheelagh’s personal story presented with a good dose of humor, but it is also filled with insights along the way that leave you thinking about the implications for your own journey, and for some, of the issues that we continue to deal with today." —Rhonda Lenton, Ph.D., President and Vice Chancellor, York University

"A snappy book on a woman who demonstrated that gender does not matter for success. As aptly put, it takes 'drive, brains and a sense of humor.' I have known Sheelagh for over twenty years, but this book brings to light a brilliant career of someone who succeeded in breaking down the barriers. A great read to learn how the glass ceiling can be broken." —Jack Mintz, President's Fellow, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary

"Irreverent humor and practical advice abound in this no-holds-barred, no-secrets-hidden tale of a boomer breaking the glass ceiling. It’s feminist at its heart - sharing experiences and wisdom gained on life's journey, with a Greek chorus of generations before and after - empowering us all to achieve our full potential and natural rights." —Sheryl Kennedy, Corporate Director, Retired CEO, Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada

"Sheelagh Whittaker wittingly and unwittingly has played a significant role in cracking the glass ceiling in Canada with respect to both workplaces and society in general. Her book, essentially a memoir, provides many examples of her insightful contributions in this regard. Through the Glass Ceiling is an interesting, intriguing, and enjoyable read." —Ian Nielsen-Jones, Deputy Director of Investigation and Research of the Competition Bureau, President of the Ontario Lottery Corporation, and President of the Entertainment and Recreation Development for Rank Organisation Plc

"I couldn’t put Through the Glass Ceiling down - drawn in by the ‘laugh out loud’ humor and the memories it sparked of my similar ‘it seemed like a good idea at the time’ career path. What a gift Sheelagh has for distilling life and career learning into pithy practical wisdom. I will gift this pocket mentor to every woman (and some men) I know." —Anne Fawcett, Executive Recruiter and Community Volunteer