A multiple case study explored the personal perceptions and experiences of 15 women executives in the midwest who have made it to the top of their organizations. Questions were asked about: how they describe their management style; how they perceive their management styles as differing from those of their male counterparts; obstacles and challenges these women faced on their climb to the heights of their organizations; the role they believe gender played in their career experiences; factors they attribute to their success; the role that mentors play in their lives; and the advice they might give to women in management. Personal interviews were conducted with 15 female executives in higher education, state government, private corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the Lincoln, Nebraska area. In the findings, five major themes emerged: (1) the majority of the informants characterized their management style as participative, with a work place that encouraged consensus building and collaboration; (2) challenges and obstacles they faced included juggling career and family, contending with gender bias, being the token woman at professional meetings, and being caught between generations and left out of the decision-making arenas; (3) critical factors included having a supportive spouse and family, hard work and passion, a college education, and being a risk-taker; (4) mentoring played an important role in their careers; and (5) they believe that women seeking top management need to develop a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence and cultivate a strong network and establish long-range goals. (BT)