Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion

by Lisa Bragg

Get the opportunities you desire-and deserve.

We've long been told, "Put your head down, do good work, and eventually someone will notice you." But that limiting and diminishing advice doesn't hold up in the noise and pace of these transformative times. The reality is, no one cares about your future the way you do. If you want to achieve remarkable results, it's up to you to talk about your successes and accomplishments.

In Bragging Rights, acclaimed speaker and advisor Lisa Bragg shows you how to get comfortable with sharing your strengths. Drawing on proprietary research, consultations with high-performing leaders, and her own rich experiences as a journalist and entrepreneur, Bragg examines why so many people are afraid to speak up about their work, illuminates why bragging is a catalyst of positive change, and offers practical advice on embracing and applying the art of authentic self-promotion.

With proven tools, techniques, and insights, Bragging Rights will help you understand and tell the world about your true superpowers, so you can access new opportunities and, along the way, elevate others.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help

254 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2023

About the author

Living with the name Bragg, Lisa has had to master the art and science of self promotion. She’s seen when being too humble has cost international deals and when bragging right has unlocked opportunities leading to untold fortunes.
Lisa helps high-achievers of all sorts to be seen, heard and share their value with the world. She then takes it a step further to show leaders how to help less visible people on their teams to do the same.
Her book, Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion released in 2023. It’s based on insights from Lisa’s career as an award winning journalist, entrepreneur and consultant. Full of interviews and stories from people from around the world. Lisa’s book and talks are also grounded in the most extensive research study on bragging and self-promotion conducted with professionals internationally.
Her clients include top 100 financial services firms, professional services, governments, associations, entrepreneurs and not-for-profits.
Lisa is also the host of the podcast Bold(h)er.
Lisa started her career as a broadcast journalist with stories from everything including international tech business to the lemonade stand around the corner.
She currently lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter, a 95-pound dog and two rascally cats.

Reviews

[Mihae Ahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book refreshing. The author makes a case for self promotion with such candid and relevant stories. This book is packed with practical advice, proven tools, and techniques to help readers embrace their strengths and share their successes confidently. It is evident how much she believes in the concept and how much she wants to support others through their journey. I’d highly recommend.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished the book today and found so much to inspire. I have a tendency to go underground when I hit a lull, when I could use that time to connect with the people I've met over my career who I care about. Lots of great advice here!

[Chantel DaCosta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful. A good starting point for developing the habit of self-promotion.

[Nola Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally have experienced how effective self advocacy can be - that’s what bragging is. Strategic self promotion helped me escape a controlling director who blocked progress, landed me in the finals of a national innovation challenge, presenting to the senior executive team, 6 weeks after starting a new job. I talked my way into running the communications for a high visibility conference interviewing the most powerful women in Canada. I was tapped to lead a cutting edge ERG for parents when the pandemic started because of the reputation I built.

Imagine if I had access to a book that outlined all the techniques to brag well without having to figure it out myself via trial and error? That’s the power of this book. I had such recognition while reading this book - research-backed strategies stories that gave validation to my own experiences.

This is a great book for anyone who is just starting a career or who feels stuck. If you don’t share your achievements, who will? You are your own best advocate. Lisa’s approach will help you figure out how to brag without the ick.

[Antonia Bowring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lisa has a very cheerful, positive tone AND she has done a lot of research. For me the key message was that bragging goes two ways. And also that we have to be able to speak positively about ourselves, that isn't boasting....that is holding our power. I have used the book with numerous coaching groups. I also recommend it for book groups!

[Renee Rubin Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this and now want to buy a copy for several friends and colleagues! The essence is her message is that it is okay to share our wins and be self-promotional - we don’t need to “play small”. Thank you Lisa Bragg for the important message!

[Lynn Kahrkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my boss and loved it so much that I am not only buying my own copy but a few more for my friends! It is very relatable with lots practical tips and techniques. So much better than all the “personal branding” platitudes I have encountered throughout my career. It contains lots of great nuggets that can help everyone rise. Read it. Share it. Celebrate it.

[Kristina Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful questions to consider how you can have more meaningful conversations about yourself. Lisa's tips make you feel like self-promotion is something that you can do. Start small and keep at it.

[Alyssa Hurst]

Really great read with so many actionable take aways.
I have never dog-eared so many pages in a book!

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic reference and the pep talk so many need.

[Monica Le Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book in so many levels. Is simple to read and take action. Will be bragging about it for months to come.

[Sharon Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this was written while I was out in the workforce. I was in management, but promiting myself was not something that was done. Right from the beginning of the book, it's positive, Lisa states, "The World Needs You," and it does. I'm newly retired and plan to still make a difference, only now with confidence to promote myself while still cheering on others.

[Lorraine Rise · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a career coach who works with professionals of all industries and walks of life, I can tell you there is one unifying theme with all clients: the inability to talk about one’s achievements. This is an area that many people struggle with! This book really hit home for me and for many of my clients and I appreciated Lisa‘s perspective. There are some very specific and actionable tips in here to help you learn how to own your accomplishments in a authentic and purposeful to way to advance your career.

[William Corless · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an executive coach, corporate trainer and host of the Workplace podcast .I'm well versed in the area of self-promotion. Hands down this is one of the best books on self-promotion and will be useful for people who find it difficult to have their voice heard or their work recognised in the workplace. If you are looking to advance your career this is the book for you, as it helps you overcome any of your own barriers to promoting yourself. The book provides the reader with so much practical advice, and it also informs you on what mistakes to avoid. I was educated with so many phrases and words that I could change my mindset and approach to self-promotion.

Most people want to avoid being a narcissist, competitive bragging or tooting their own horn. There are also strategies in place how you can ensure, work colleagues do not take credit for your work. This author allows you to be comfortable in your own skin so there are so many tips here it is such a well worth investment in your career to get the opportunities you desire, and you deserve as the book says wonderful. Excellent work Lisa Bragg.

[Faye Lavergne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bragging Rights was a gift from my daughter who gives me books worth reading.
Lisa is like a best friend who wants the world to see you the way she does, to appreciate you so she shows us how uniquely special we are in ways we can actually see, do and practice. When we doubt she shows us around so we have some perspective then wisely teaches the ways we can show up using our own voice. It’s great because we become our own best friend, safe and trustworthy. Then we can connect with others who will benefit from our abilities and it creates an atmosphere of respect, authenticity and accountability.
I am setting up book studies and will keep Bragging Rights close by to reference often.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don’t need to be convinced to want to brag, you can skip the first half of the book entirely. In Part 1 the author points out several examples (anecdotal, historical, surveys, etc.) of why people (especially women) feel awkward/shunned for pointing out their own skills, value, and accomplishments, as well as reiterates that we should feel comfortable bragging, practice bragging, and support other people’s bragging, etc. The actual advice comes in Part 2.

[Amy Wesson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would be against what I just finished reading to not write a review. Although I’m finding it challenging to formulate an opinion to share. Maybe I need to read it again!

I enjoyed the “great and grateful” segment as a good way to practice articulating successes. Each day, you note something you did well and something you are grateful for.

[Lisa Catherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book had a lot of practical advice. A few that really rose to the top for me were: 1) celebrate moments not milestones which aligns well with 2) 75% is the new 100% 3) be the first to ask a question 4) get slightly uncomfortable + 10%. Good read!

[Suzie Brazda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this bc my momma bought it for me since a friend recommended it to her. Really not my kind of book at all, I found it a very slow read and mostly common sense. There were a few lines that I found helpful.