The 'real lives' of the title are eight women who have become leaders of countries and political organisations throughout the world - Jacinda Ardern, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Theresa May among them - who share the obstacles they've overcome and 'real lessons' they've learnt.

Julia Gillard, former prime minister of Australia, has joined with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian-born economist and international development expert, to present this very engaging and well-argued investigation into why less than 10 per cent of the world's leaders are women and what we are losing, as a result.

The book begins with mini biographies of the women who've been chosen to share their personal perspective and experience.

In addition to the headline names, there are the life stories and contributions of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia; Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile; Joyce Banda, the former president of Malawi; Erna Solberg, president of Norway; and Christine Lagarde, former leader of the International Monetary Fund.

The accounts detailing the challenges they have faced in their personal and professional lives is humbling and inspiring.

The authors go on to highlight elements of research in the area of women and leadership, and ask these eight women to respond to the various arguments through their own experience. For example, what stereotypes and gender bias did they encounter in their childhood, and how did this affect their choice of career path? How did they find that they were judged by their appearance? What support did they receive from other women, and how difficult was it for their opinion to be heard in the company of men? What characteristics were seen as inappropriate for a woman leader but acceptable in a man?

This is an entertaining, fascinating and informative read which is measured in its debate. Ultimately its conclusions are sobering and challenging. Highly recommended!