skills and wasn't able to perform at a higher ability, then I wouldn't have reached ANY kind of success, male or female. My personal experience in regards to gender and names is that I've found a male name attracts MORE success and provides MORE opportunities than a female name. But a name is not all it takes. I'm not sure where you read that. Also! While gender bias is a lovely topic I'm happy to discuss via email, it would certainly be a better idea to focus on Amy's post and HER ideas, don't you think? So if you'd like to pursue the subject, give me a shout via the contact form. @matthew -- I really like the idea of opportunity and preparation. The more you improve what it is you do the more you tend to see the opportunities spring up as well. @ThoreyO -- Hi! It's those last few steps that get most of the attention but it gives us a skewed impression of how things are achieved. @Susan -- I admire your grit and determination and your honesty about sitting on your ass and moping. I've definitely been there and sometimes reaching that point of pure frustration is just what you need to spur you on and keep going. @Business Logos -- Definitely, believing in yourself is a powerful skill to have to succeed and for me, looking at overnight successes dulls that rather than working to improve what I do. @Mellaman -- I think your point