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This deeply personal and reflective book encourages women to embrace their dreams, their goals, and their desires. It is not a linear read, and the book's audience is encouraged to skip to the chapters they feel are most necessary and helpful. Initially, the book opens with a unique tool—The Permission Slip, which bears a powerful statement: "I am the one who decides." This simple tool reminds women that they have—and should have—the power to make their own decisions. The author also shares anecdotes from her own life about being a woman working in executive leadership under a boss "who viewed me less as a professional and more as a face that could wine, dine, and get new clients." She describes having to file an EEOC claim after being dismissed from her job because of her pregnancy. From there, she shares inspirational and useful pieces of advice like "When you win, be nice. But win no matter what."
Reading guides, discussion questions, and self-reflection exercises are placed strategically throughout the book. For example, the text includes a very unique "Winning Means" activity. It allows individuals to reflect on what winning means in various roles: as a daughter, as a mom, as a coworker, as a neighbor, and in other roles in different social, familial, and professional capacities. Such exercises encourage not only self-reflection but also personal and social growth. Such exercises are not only beneficial for individuals. They can serve as engaging and pragmatic exercises for women's groups and professional development presentations.
The book also offers people tips for building their confidence. The steps for this include keeping a Good Things List, making one daily promise, and breaking "the apology loop." It also examines the historical and social role of toughness and vulnerability in a woman's upbringing, development, and existence. Such chapters remind women that they are definitely not alone in the expectations placed on them inside and outside their homes. In this, too, the author offers a uniquely personal look at "comparison culture," which has profoundly influenced people's daily lives through social media. The author reminds individuals that what they see on social media from celebrities and influencers is "about 4% reality." Thus, such sections are gentle reminders for women not only to live their lives to the fullest, but also to stop comparing themselves and their lives to others' and to what they see on social media.
Other sections offer advice about learning to say "no" and about setting clear boundaries. It encourages women to allow positive energy and positive people into their lives by avoiding those who resent their successes. It helps them understand how to accept and give genuine kindness, as well as recognize that genuine kindness "goes deeper." Another reminder the book gives women about this topic is that "Resentful people will often pivot the conversation back to their own lack or their own busy schedule to diminish your moment." Later in the book, one finds a series of steps to own one's success, and it nudges women to remember that "Success is about you—but you can only succeed when you are the one in control of your capacity."
For women who reimagine their lives and want to bring more positivity into their lives, this book is a great starting place. The helpful reflective exercises are perfect for developing self-awareness and establishing goals. This is not only a helpful book for women working in the corporate world, but also for any woman looking to lead with kindness, become a positive leader, and live a full life where being nice is not considered a weakness.