An important point here is that women need 'real models' not role models to be encouraged across their career; C-suite icons are too far distanced from most and therefore there should be more emphasis on female line managers mentoring and coaching other women, real models. This is one of the key conclusions of our recent research report on women in leadership entitled "When Women Lead, Businesses Do Better" and includes interviews with women leaders from across industry on overcoming career challenges. I hope this adds to the discussion at Cisco and a copy of the report can be downloaded at: http://www.rightmanagement.co.uk/thought-leadership/articles-and-publications/when-women-lead-businesses-do-better-what-the-corporate-world-can-learn-from-women-owned-businesses.pdf