Book of the Month: How Women Rise
The book every ambitious woman needs to read
I’ve read a lot of career books over the years and I love them. I’ve recently dabbled in fiction and I loved that too…but a few fiction books later, I was kind of craving another self-help book. So here we are.
‘How Women Rise’ by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith hit the spot. It’s one of those books that doesn't just give advice, it holds up a mirror…the kind that doesn’t lie or sugar-coat. And what I saw in it made me rethink how I show up professionally. I found it focused on women ‘in the work place’ more than entrepreneurs…which I thought would be a bit of a stumbling block but in actual fact there were a lot of lessons that still contribute to entrepreneurship.
It’s written for women who already know they’re capable. Women who’ve worked hard, who are probably already doing well, but feel like they’ve hit a ceiling. So it sounded perfect for me.
What I loved most is that the book isn’t about how to hustle more, do more, or be more likable. It’s about the habits that are actually holding you back…even though they kind of feel like strengths to ourselves. Things like:
Overvaluing expertise
People pleasing
Not claiming your achievements loudly enough (definitely guilty of this)
The chapter about minimizing really stood out for me…making ourselves smaller, in meetings, in emails, even in the way we physically show up. I didn’t even realize how often I was doing it. How often I softened the way I spoke about my success so I didn’t come across a bit too much. But reading it made me realize…playing small doesn’t actually help you.
It’s definitely a book thats shifted my mindset slightly. I wasn’t expecting a huge transformation or anything, but I’m glad I learnt something from it. I’ve caught myself changing the way I respond to opportunities…saying yes without justifying it, or no without guilt. I’ve even started a bit louder about my achievements.
I initially wondered if this book was going to be a feminist guide…but thankfully it appeals to all. Most of all I really like how it makes you feel seen. I honestly think every woman…especially if you’re ambitious, driven, or know you’re meant for more, should read it at least once. I wish I had this book in my twenties. But I’m glad I found it now.
