Shireen Muhiudeen’s latest book, “We Are All Stakeholders: Culture, Politics, and Radical Accountability in the Boardroom”, has quickly gained traction in the corporate sector sending it soaring up the Amazon sales charts.

Released worldwide on April 25, the book has become an Amazon Best Seller and has hit #1 in both its Business Management Science and Business Ethics categories.

Seeking to tackle obstacles to much-needed environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment, Shireen identifies existing boardroom dynamics in multinational corporations and calls out an “old guard” resistant to change.

She then goes on to explore ways to break through the status quo with strategies capable of reinventing corporations into 21st century organisations that are transparent and future-proof.

Described in a review earlier this month as a “must-read” for leaders tired of the status quo, Entrepreneur.com said it contained “an optimistic vision and an actionable blueprint for entrepreneurs and corporate leaders” looking to “break the mould”.

“It focuses not just on implementing an ESG lens but on transforming corporate culture with an eye to radical transparency and globally-minded decision-making,” the review added.

Writing the book’s editorial review, ex-AIG supremo, Maurice “Hank” Greenberg, was effusive in his praise of Shireen and her latest offering.

Calling her “one of the leading female investment executives and board members in Malaysia today”, Greenberg said the book provides “insights and unvarnished perspectives on how modern board members can help drive outstanding results and position their companies for the future.”

“We Are All Stakeholders” has also received multiple 5-star ratings on Amazon from book purchasers over the last month, including some high-profile names from Britain, Europe and the United States.

“I really enjoyed this book and it’s my new go to guide for advice and insights on the challenges faced on boards with lots of practical advice and guidance,” said Yvonne Greeves, currently the director of women in business at British private banking and insurance giant, NatWest Group.

For David B. Yeske, Shireen’s experience as an international fund manager and active board member has enabled her to “serve up a high-minded call to action on issues of corporate governance and public responsibility, while also sharing practical, down-to-earth advice on how to survive and thrive in the political minefield of a public board.”

“This book should live on the nightstand of every board director seeking to leave a lasting mark on both their organization and the world,” he added.

Ashley Sharp called it a “compelling read” and a “masterpiece that is deserving of the attention of any ambitious director seeking to gain deeper insight into the contemporary business landscape.”

It also provides “a strong argument for the critical importance of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives, including the need for greater representation of women in corporate boardrooms,” she said.

Another reader was similarly impressed by Shireen’s call for women to make their presence felt in the boardroom.

“Women oftentimes remain mute during important meetings, only to share their true feelings after the meeting adjourns. These vital off-the-record conversations need to happen at the decision table, and reading this book has helped me make a mental note,” said Danielle Gordon.

Luxembourg-based Carmen Niethammer, a gender diversity expert with the European Investment Bank, the world’s biggest multilateral financial institution and climate financier, enjoyed the positive vibes that came from the author’s first-hand experiences.

“Shireen Muhiudeen’s personal accounts of navigating the boardroom’s culture are interspersed with guidance on global best practice and links to solutions. I truly enjoyed (her) ‘can do attitude’,” she said.

One stranger to the boardroom testified to learning much from the book. Creed Mamikunian said:

“As a person with no boardroom knowledge or experience, this book enlightened me to the reality of boardroom fights and decisions and how determined individuals can make a change in the world. Kudos to her for drawing back the curtain to show us how the sausage is made. Excellent read and highly recommended!”

Author Shireen Muhiudeen is a Kuala Lumpur-based fund manager with 32 years’ experience.

She founded Corston-Smith Asset Management in 2004 and has a deep interest in ESG issues, which she believes must be at the core of every sustainable and responsible business.

In 2008, she led Corston-Smith to become an early signatory of the UN Principles of Responsible Investment (UN PRI), which promotes an economically efficient and sustainable global financial system as a necessity for long-term value creation.

Shireen began her fund management career in 1988 at Arab-Malaysian Merchant Bank before moving on to Bumiputra Merchant Bankers.

Between 1992 and 2004, she worked in AIG Investment Corporation where she rose to become CEO, managing emerging Asian markets, particularly those of Malaysia, Indonesia and India.