Nice Doing Business with You, Ma'am: About short skirts, high heels and the interaction of a woman in a male-dominated financial world By Annelies George
Nice Doing Business with You, Ma'am: About short skirts, high heels and the interaction of a woman in a male-dominated financial world
By Annelies George
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Rating 5/5
Synopsis
Sexual harassment has become one of the hot topics today, resulting in the worldwide #MeToo movement. However, long before the #MeToo movement I wrote a fiction novel, Nice Doing Business with You, Ma´am, based on my own experiences as a woman working in a male-dominated financial world.T his book tells the story of 26-year old Lisa Simon as she enters the world of fast money after a move to a new city. It’s also Lisa’s first confrontation with the male-dominated world. She’s always finding herself in peculiar situations such as an unexpected visit to a sex club after hosting a serious business dinner. She draws a crowd at two trade fairs and all of this makes him believe that she is his goldmine when he starts ‘exploiting’ her femininity. In an attempt to build the business, her manager, Frank, spearheads the acquisition of a company that unfortunately turns out to be a fraud. Lisa stands her ground when the fraud is discovered and she has to deal with two lying account managers who were “inherited” as part of the acquisition.
Before long, she is an integral part of the leasing firm, eventually taking over most of Frank’s duties when he resigns. Within months she also has her former boss’s title as director of the firm.
Lisa’s relationship with her new husband threatens to fall apart when she falls in love with a man she meets on a flight from Geneva to Paris. Just when she thinks she’s pushed him from her mind and heart, they unexpectedly meet again at Charles de Gaulle airport, where their passion intensifies. Fate again steps in to prevent the relationship from developing.
As her star rises in the leasing/finance world, she encounters quite a few characters, ranging from stalwart coworkers to helpful advisors to carousing businessmen to ravening wolves, eager to take advantage of a rare woman in a male-dominated field Lisa handles them all with aplomb, until the firm is sold and the new CEO turns out to be an arrogant micromanager. Fed up, she quits on the spot. She is offered an job from an up-and-coming IT firm. A new challenge in the fast-paced internet world is awaiting her.
My Thoughts
Annelies George's *Nice Doing Business with You, Ma'am* is a bold and insightful exploration of a woman’s journey through the complexities of a male-dominated financial world, long before the #MeToo movement made its mark. Based on the author’s own experiences, this novel offers a sharp commentary on the challenges women face in their professional lives, particularly in high-stakes, power-driven industries.
The story follows Lisa Simon, a 26-year-old woman who enters the fast-paced world of finance in a new city. Immediately, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of unexpected situations—both professional and personal—that challenge her values and test her resolve. One of the most striking aspects of the book is Lisa’s encounter with the men who see her femininity as a tool to exploit for personal gain. Lisa’s ability to hold her ground when faced with sexual harassment and manipulative behavior sets the tone for the rest of her journey.
George skillfully brings to life Lisa’s rise within the company, from dealing with a fraudulent acquisition to becoming an integral part of the firm’s leadership. Lisa’s professional growth is compelling, demonstrating her resilience and determination to succeed in a world that often underestimates her. Her conflict with Frank, her boss, and the deceitful account managers adds an edge of tension, making the corporate world she navigates feel raw and authentic.
However, the book isn’t all about corporate drama. Lisa’s personal life also takes center stage, with a love triangle involving her husband and a mysterious man she meets on a flight. This subplot adds an emotional layer to the narrative, illustrating the complexities of balancing career ambition and personal relationships.
The character development is one of the novel's strengths. Lisa is portrayed not just as a woman in a man's world but as a multifaceted individual—confident, capable, and vulnerable at times. The supporting characters, from the helpful coworkers to the opportunistic businessmen, further enrich the story, highlighting the diverse personalities that populate the corporate world.
By the time Lisa quits her job after the arrival of a new, micromanaging CEO, it’s clear that her journey has been one of empowerment and self-discovery. The novel concludes with Lisa’s transition into a new role in the IT sector, signaling her continuous evolution and readiness to take on new challenges.
*Nice Doing Business with You, Ma'am* is an engrossing and thought-provoking read. It’s not just about the corporate world or the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field; it’s about perseverance, identity, and the drive to succeed despite the odds. Annelies George’s writing is sharp and insightful, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in stories of personal and professional triumph, especially within a backdrop of societal challenges.
Highly Recommended!
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