Happy book birthday, Ellen!

Earlier this month, I was celebrating! Why? It was the first book birthday of The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier that Locks Successful Women in Place, a game-changing book by Ellen Taaffe , published by Page Two . A former Fortune 50 brand executive turned Kellogg professor, Ellen is a dedicated advocate for women’s voices in leadership, blending her roles as an author, coach, board director, and speaker to drive real impact in business and beyond.

In The Mirrored Door, Ellen introduces the subtle yet significant barrier that holds women back due to self-doubt and societal expectations. Through well-researched insights, Ellen empowers readers with actionable strategies to break through this barrier, encouraging women to claim their space in leadership roles. The book, endorsed by thought leaders like Sally Helgesen , Whitney Johnson , and Dorie Clark , has spurred vital conversations around women’s leadership and self-perception.

At the Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management Ellen’s popular “Personal Leadership Insights” course consistently earns a 97% student satisfaction rating, while her Women’s Leadership Programming has reached over 1,500 participants, contributing to Kellogg’s milestone 50% female enrollment in 2024.

Beyond Kellogg, Ellen serves as Board Chair of AARP Services Inc., Lead Director at John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc., and on the board of Hooker Furniture Corp., championing diversity across each organization. Her insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fortune, and Fast Company, establishing her as a pivotal thought leader in business.

As Ellen’s impact grows, she certainly deserves a place on the Thinkers50 Radar for her innovative contributions to leadership. I’d encourage everyone who has been inspired by her work to join me in nominating Ellen for Thinkers50—her dedication to empowering women and reshaping leadership truly merits this recognition.

Happy anniversary to The Mirrored Door!