In Her Own Voice

by Jennifer McCollum

In Her Own Voice reveals how Jennifer McCollum and other C-suite women leaders have overcome the unique challenges women face in business.

The data-grounded roadmap offers advice and empowerment for any woman who aspires to rise to more senior ranks in leadership…and any organization wishing to accelerate gender equity at every level.

The world has awakened to the urgent need to focus on women’s advancement—companies with gender-balanced leadership are far more likely to outperform their peers, and the evolving expectations of leadership align to women’s natural strengths. But we’re nowhere near achieving that equity. Less than 10 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, and the pace of growth is shockingly slow, made worse by COVID-19 and its aftermath.

What does it take for women to ascend permanently into leadership roles? In Her Own Voice—written by Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Linkage, a decades-old leadership-development firm with a mission to “Change the Face of Leadership”—reveals some answers. Based on 25 years of research, Linkage has identified the specific hurdles women face:

• Inner Critic
• Internal Bias
• Clarity
• Proving Your Value
• Recognized Confidence
• Branding & Presence
• Making the Ask
• Networking

In Her Own Voice outlines the key competencies and action steps to overcome these obstacles. Backed with data and infused with compelling real-life stories, it’s a blueprint for helping readers identify, measure, and conquer what’s holding women back at any stage of their careers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and thoughtful, I appreciate the burden of responsibility placed equally on women themselves and the organizations in which they operate. It feels like a more balanced take on women in the workplace than other books I’ve read on the topic.

Overall a solid read, well organized, nothing SUPER revolutionary.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written, with clear action items women can take. One quote that really suck out to me (and there were many) is "Women, you deserve to be in an environment where you are celebrated, not tolerated. A place where you have what you need to grow and thrive. A place where you can operate completely authentically. A place you love. A place that loves you."

This book lays out the areas where women can improve upon to help with the gender-gap and how we can help the next generation.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the phrase “Girls rule the world,” but reading In Her Own Voice by Jennifer McCollum gave those words real meaning for me. With honesty and clarity, McCollum offers practical, empowering guidance for women looking to grow, lead, and thrive—both professionally and personally. What really stood out to me was how inclusive the book is. The stories come from women of all backgrounds and experiences, which made me feel seen and connected. This isn’t just another self-help book—it’s a call to action. It inspired me to reflect, to rise, and to use my voice with confidence. In Her Own Voice is a powerful and uplifting read, and I’m so glad I picked it up.

A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this powerful book!!

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “In Her Own Voice”. I think it is full of helpful information for women like myself who want to overcome obstacles to to leadership and break glass ceilings. Through her own personal experiences Jennifer McCollum takes us on a journey to understanding the unique hurdles we as women face in leadership and how to overcome those barriers. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any woman leader no matter your level in your organization.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy for free. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

[Kelli Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book offering practical advice, personal stories and actionable ideas for anyone looking to grow in their influence as a leader. Inspiring message that helps anyone be able to find a next step to take - and important stats about the invisible work women still do and how far we have yet to go in creating equity for women. Go Jennifer! The world needs this message.

[bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the action items, advice, anecdotes. Five stars until the final pages, almost as a footnote —or maybe hoping we wouldn’t read that far— our self-improvement efforts are sidelined when met with the subsection: “why we need white men to accelerate the advancement of women leaders”. That broke my soul and made everything I just read feel like a pipedream.

[Tatenda Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed listening to this book. I have learnt a lot esp. listening advise from a fellow woman, how she rose through the ranks. It is important to grow our networks. The importance of having people to guide and mentor you through the journey.

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly uplifting and motivating guide to bring a better version of yourself. Also, a guide for allies to use their platform for good. Well done. I will take these messages with me in my work and personal life.

[Yukta Parikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone just starting in my career, this was so necessary!! I work with a lot of men and leadership advice isn’t typically curated to women’s experiences.