Jane Boulware is a global business leader and former Microsoft Executive. No one expected me, a scrappy girl born the fourth kid in a one bedroom house in rural Iowa, who paid for college selling dad's used carpets and mom's prayers, to become a leader of billion-dollar businesses and a top Fortune 100 executive. Married in the same church as my mom, my future was forged by others - get married, make babies, and stay on the good side of the church and the law, in that order. But I was never good at following others.Penniless and married at 21, I earned an MBA at 24, saw the ocean at 25, commuted to South America each week at 31, brought two sons into the world by 35, was a millionaire at 37, and one of the top 10 women at Microsoft at 40. I launched three billion dollar businesses, was VP of the largest merger in the history of the US, and left a legacy of strong leaders in my wake. I've been hit on, spit on, shot at, yelled at, a zero and a hero, called a bulldog, bitch, brilliant and inspiring. All true. I wrote Worthy to inspire others to act with courage and resilience, to overcome limitations and succeed despite being told what they can't, won't and shouldn't do. Through sharing real and relatable stories -even the super scary and vulnerable stuff - I hope others will know they aren't alone, will rethink what is possible and will claim their seat at the table. Still married to my high school sweetheart, I live in Washington state, write, speak and serve on boards including Boys & Girls Clubs, to whom 100% of Worthy's proceeds are donated. I am passionate about helping people claim their worth and forge the future. My joy is being outdoors with my family. Read more about this authorRead less about this author