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Developing Leadership: Exploring The Childhoods Of Women University Presidents, Susan R. Madsen

Susan R. Madsen

Researchers argue that much of who we are is developed during childhood. Childhood relationships and developmental activities, opportunities, and experiences (including hardships) come together to create each human being. Yet, little exploratory research has been conducted regarding the childhood experiences, activities, personalities, and perceptions of successful leaders. In-depth, qualitative interviews with ten women university presidents were conducted to investigate perceptions and experiences related to the lifetime development of leadership skills, abilities, and competencies. The lived experiences of these women were investigated using the phenomenological research methodology so that “voices” could be heard and unique insights examined. This paper explores a …