Staying in the game: a number of challenges can derail a woman's career. The best strategists know how to manage them all.

IN PART 2 OF OUR WOMEN OF POWER SERIES, WE report on a study that shows how much more difficult it is for women than for men to return to the job market after a sabbatical. This research, titled Back in the Game, Returning to Business After a Hiatus, is just another indication--supported by empirical evidence--that women have to consistently be properly prepared, fully engaged, and soundly strategic to face the challenges of a competitive career arena. The demands are greater for women of color.

According to a Catalyst survey, Advancing African American Women in the Workplace: What Managers Need to Know, the barriers that many black women face are often a result of a myriad of challenges including stereotypes, lack of visibility, scrutiny, credibility, double outsider status, and exclusion from informal networks. The two female corporate executives we feature in this issue--Debra Sandler, worldwide president for McNeil Nutritionals L.L.C., in "Time Out" and Adriane M. Brown, president and CEO for Honeywell Transportation Systems, in "Results Count"--understand not only how to confront the obstacles that stagnate even the best intentioned career efforts but how to use their differences as "outsiders" to their advantage. They offer lessons in fortitude, strength, and preparation while also highlighting the importance of keeping it all in perspective and balance by delivering results with the utmost integrity.