A standard academic career?

I graduated with a first class honours degree at 19 years, but more than 25 years later, I was as far away as ever from my naïve early career dream of a Professorship. I had a PhD, a research track record, varied teaching experiences and demonstrated leadership abilities. I had worked in some very prestigious institutions in Ireland and the UK. But at 46 years old I was stuck. Yet, within five years, I had been appointed Professor of Sociology and Social Policy and Dean of the Faculty (the first woman in my university to be appointed at these levels). I am now working on my sixth book. This is what I learned about men, power and organisations during what has been a long and challenging career to date.