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I Didn't Get Here by Taking NO for An Answer
This is an autobiographical story of Cynthia Nelson’s journey as an entrepreneur and her mindset of overcoming adversity and turning "no" into "yes." Cynthia shares her personal story of being told "no" many times but never letting it define them or limit their potential. She illustrates the importance of controlling one's own thoughts and energy, and not waiting for others to validate their dreams. At the end of the day, Cynthia encourages readers to create their own "yes" and take control of their lives.
"Knowing what I know now 20 years later, this is an all too common story. A story that rarely gets told. After thousands of interviews, I’ve heard a version of this story too many times to count. It’s a story of male leaders who’s power goes unchecked. The company is making money so the Board leaves them alone. I’ve watched how these leaders have the power to control the career path of women. “You don’t have ‘executive presence’. You’re not ‘warm and fuzzy’”. These stories compel me to ask the question why are we giving away our power to these men? These stories are the fuel that feeds my deep passion to coach women so they can achieve THEIR extra-ordinary." - Cynthia Nelson
"The most persuasive person I’ve ever met was Roger King, Chairman and co-founder of King World Productions, syndicator of three of the biggest shows on Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Roger would always tell me, “They haven’t said NO, they just haven’t said YES yet!” Cynthia Nelson comes from the same talented, passionate, unstoppable. This is her story. The question is, can it be your story too?"
Warm regards,
Jeff Epstein
Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and a Lecturer at Stanford University.
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Oracle
Serves as Board of Directors of Twilio, Okta, Kaiser Permanente and other companies.
---
"Cynthia has been one of the most important influencers in my life and career. Her straightforward, practical, and specific advice ALWAYS comes from a place of care, thoughtfulness and selflessness. Every moment I get to spend with Cynthia, whether on the phone, videoconference or live is special and I leave that moment better for it. I am so thankful and happy that she is a key member of my personal board of directors and a good friend"
-Cris Barrett
Head of Human Resources Facebook Privacy
---
"Cynthia understands on a deep level why connection is so meaningful and fulfilling. Not just in work, but in life. So it is a natural extension of her whole being that she started a search firm...she knows how to connect with people and how to help other people connect with people.
She's also one of the women in my life that I consider a mentor. She has the courage to tell me when she disagrees with me, and does so in the most digestible way. I run toward her feedback instead of hiding from it. Her words & actions demonstrate exactly what she we all have to help each other out. "
-Kristie Rodenbush
Head of People at Algolia; former Head of People at Google X
"Knowing what I know now 20 years later, this is an all too common story. A story that rarely gets told. After thousands of interviews, I’ve heard a version of this story too many times to count. It’s a story of male leaders who’s power goes unchecked. The company is making money so the Board leaves them alone. I’ve watched how these leaders have the power to control the career path of women. “You don’t have ‘executive presence’. You’re not ‘warm and fuzzy’”. These stories compel me to ask the question why are we giving away our power to these men? These stories are the fuel that feeds my deep passion to coach women so they can achieve THEIR extra-ordinary." - Cynthia Nelson
"The most persuasive person I’ve ever met was Roger King, Chairman and co-founder of King World Productions, syndicator of three of the biggest shows on Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Roger would always tell me, “They haven’t said NO, they just haven’t said YES yet!” Cynthia Nelson comes from the same talented, passionate, unstoppable. This is her story. The question is, can it be your story too?"
Warm regards,
Jeff Epstein
Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and a Lecturer at Stanford University.
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Oracle
Serves as Board of Directors of Twilio, Okta, Kaiser Permanente and other companies.
---
"Cynthia has been one of the most important influencers in my life and career. Her straightforward, practical, and specific advice ALWAYS comes from a place of care, thoughtfulness and selflessness. Every moment I get to spend with Cynthia, whether on the phone, videoconference or live is special and I leave that moment better for it. I am so thankful and happy that she is a key member of my personal board of directors and a good friend"
-Cris Barrett
Head of Human Resources Facebook Privacy
---
"Cynthia understands on a deep level why connection is so meaningful and fulfilling. Not just in work, but in life. So it is a natural extension of her whole being that she started a search firm...she knows how to connect with people and how to help other people connect with people.
She's also one of the women in my life that I consider a mentor. She has the courage to tell me when she disagrees with me, and does so in the most digestible way. I run toward her feedback instead of hiding from it. Her words & actions demonstrate exactly what she we all have to help each other out. "
-Kristie Rodenbush
Head of People at Algolia; former Head of People at Google X
221 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2023
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