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Walk Away: Step Out to Step Up
For anyone feeling the pull of change, whether restless, hopeful, or ready for something new, Walk Away offers insight, clarity, and guidance.
In Walk Away, Clarke and Overdeput reveal the seldom-told stories of high-achieving women who made the bold decision to leave roles that no longer served them, discovering that stepping away marked the beginning of something far stronger.
From C-suite executives to founders of game-changing companies in Mumbai, New York, and beyond, these women share their experiences on the path to leadership. Some stayed longer in their positions than they should have; others leapt early, trusting their instincts. Each chapter captures the moment they reconnect with who they truly are, even when the path ahead is uncertain, and the lessons they have learned along the way.
Walk Away will empower you Spot the subtle signs that a role or culture is holding you backRecognize when you have outgrown your position and plan your next moveDevelop a clear, considerate exit while protecting your values, energy, and relationshipsMake career decisions with confidence, even when the way forward is unclearIn Walk Away, female leaders reflect on what truly matters when a position no longer supports their career growth. Each candid story shows that leaving is not an ending but a powerful beginning.
* * *
“I worked with Sally at Markit and have followed her career since. Walk Away captures leaders making courageous, values-aligned decisions at pivotal career moments.” Lance Uggla, Former CEO IHS Markit, Founder, Vice Chair, GA BeyondNetZero
“Simply engrossing. Walk Away is a window into the inner workings of 16 fascinating and accomplished women from very different backgrounds. Riveting for those thinking about radically changing their working lives.” Paul Wilson, Founder, GroundedThinking.net, Advisory Board Chair, SmartCitiesWorld
“Walk Away is a tribute to the power and insight of many voices, and to making more meaningful choices as we navigate life’s journey.” Pinky Lilani CBE DL, author, motivational speaker, food expert, and women’s advocate
“Walk Away captures the real and inspiring stories of women who made brave decisions at pivotal career moments — and went on to build something greater as a result.” Steve Meliush, founder and investor
In Walk Away, Clarke and Overdeput reveal the seldom-told stories of high-achieving women who made the bold decision to leave roles that no longer served them, discovering that stepping away marked the beginning of something far stronger.
From C-suite executives to founders of game-changing companies in Mumbai, New York, and beyond, these women share their experiences on the path to leadership. Some stayed longer in their positions than they should have; others leapt early, trusting their instincts. Each chapter captures the moment they reconnect with who they truly are, even when the path ahead is uncertain, and the lessons they have learned along the way.
Walk Away will empower you Spot the subtle signs that a role or culture is holding you backRecognize when you have outgrown your position and plan your next moveDevelop a clear, considerate exit while protecting your values, energy, and relationshipsMake career decisions with confidence, even when the way forward is unclearIn Walk Away, female leaders reflect on what truly matters when a position no longer supports their career growth. Each candid story shows that leaving is not an ending but a powerful beginning.
* * *
“I worked with Sally at Markit and have followed her career since. Walk Away captures leaders making courageous, values-aligned decisions at pivotal career moments.” Lance Uggla, Former CEO IHS Markit, Founder, Vice Chair, GA BeyondNetZero
“Simply engrossing. Walk Away is a window into the inner workings of 16 fascinating and accomplished women from very different backgrounds. Riveting for those thinking about radically changing their working lives.” Paul Wilson, Founder, GroundedThinking.net, Advisory Board Chair, SmartCitiesWorld
“Walk Away is a tribute to the power and insight of many voices, and to making more meaningful choices as we navigate life’s journey.” Pinky Lilani CBE DL, author, motivational speaker, food expert, and women’s advocate
“Walk Away captures the real and inspiring stories of women who made brave decisions at pivotal career moments — and went on to build something greater as a result.” Steve Meliush, founder and investor
- GenresNonfiction
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
About the author
S.J. Clarke
2 books10 followers Sally J. Clarke was born in Britain and has lived in Spain and Singapore, shaping a global perspective that informs both her writing and professional endeavours. An award-winning writer, she has been published in Art Republik, Singapore Press Holdings, Winning Post, Dynamic Magazine, and The Markit Magazine, where she served as managing editor from 2007 to 2011. Her journalistic assignments have taken her across the Middle East and Central Asia, from the bustling souks of Oman to the historic landscapes of Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Her debut novel, Ringside Gamble, made an immediate impact upon its release in November 2023, soaring to the number one spot in Asian Literature and ranking as a bestseller in fantasy, combat sports, and young adult fiction. In September 2025, Ringside Gamble won the Ink Prize Award for Best Debut Novel and came runner-up in the Young Adult Fiction Category.
Beyond her literary achievements, Clarke has played a pivotal role in business and the arts. She was awarded the 2014 La Salle Incubator Fund Award, led the advisory practice at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs and is a company founder. A former board advisor to The Substation, Singapore’s renowned contemporary arts platform, she has curated thought-provoking conferences and exhibitions in both visual arts and poetry. She also taught Central Asian Art History at La Salle College of the Arts in Singapore.
Clarke holds master’s degrees from the University of Barcelona (International Finance and Commerce) and the University of London (Modern Asian Art Histories), as well as a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Economics and Politics. In Singapore, she has further honed her craft through advanced writing courses with literary luminaries such as Clare Keegan, Jeanette Winterson, Darryl Whetter, and J.C. Hallman at the Asia Creative Writing Programme, a prestigious collaboration between the National Arts Council of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. In addition, she has attended workshops with Robert Anthony Siegel and is a Curtis Brown alumna.
She lives in Singapore with her family.
Her debut novel, Ringside Gamble, made an immediate impact upon its release in November 2023, soaring to the number one spot in Asian Literature and ranking as a bestseller in fantasy, combat sports, and young adult fiction. In September 2025, Ringside Gamble won the Ink Prize Award for Best Debut Novel and came runner-up in the Young Adult Fiction Category.
Beyond her literary achievements, Clarke has played a pivotal role in business and the arts. She was awarded the 2014 La Salle Incubator Fund Award, led the advisory practice at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs and is a company founder. A former board advisor to The Substation, Singapore’s renowned contemporary arts platform, she has curated thought-provoking conferences and exhibitions in both visual arts and poetry. She also taught Central Asian Art History at La Salle College of the Arts in Singapore.
Clarke holds master’s degrees from the University of Barcelona (International Finance and Commerce) and the University of London (Modern Asian Art Histories), as well as a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Economics and Politics. In Singapore, she has further honed her craft through advanced writing courses with literary luminaries such as Clare Keegan, Jeanette Winterson, Darryl Whetter, and J.C. Hallman at the Asia Creative Writing Programme, a prestigious collaboration between the National Arts Council of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. In addition, she has attended workshops with Robert Anthony Siegel and is a Curtis Brown alumna.
She lives in Singapore with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 26, 2026
It was the perfect read at the right time in my life. Not the greatest piece of literature, but a great motivation. I really liked it.
April 23, 2026
Some of these stories genuinely made me squirm, in a good way. The toxic workplaces, the pressure to keep proving yourself, the health scares. None of it is sugarcoated. These women have achieved incredible things, but they're honest about the fear, the doubt, and all the messy stuff in between.
What I really loved is that the book never preaches. It doesn't tell you what to do. It just shows you what's possible and lets you sit with that. I found myself thinking about my own choices, where I might be staying too long, what I actually want next.
I finished it a while ago and I'm still thinking about it. If you're at a crossroads, or even just quietly wondering whether there's something more, read this.
What I really loved is that the book never preaches. It doesn't tell you what to do. It just shows you what's possible and lets you sit with that. I found myself thinking about my own choices, where I might be staying too long, what I actually want next.
I finished it a while ago and I'm still thinking about it. If you're at a crossroads, or even just quietly wondering whether there's something more, read this.
May 31, 2026
**Book Title:** Walk Away: Step Out to Step Up
**Author:** S. J. Clarke and Deborah Overdeput
**Genre:** Non-fiction / Career / Personal Growth
**Language:** English
**Format:** Kindle
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
**Review:**
This book resonated with me deeply. I found parts of myself in almost every story, especially because many of the professional backgrounds and environments felt familiar given I just walked away from a role that I loved.
What stayed with me most was how honestly it talks about ambition, identity, burnout, politics, motherhood, transitions, and the uncomfortable reality that sometimes staying starts shrinking you.
A few lines hit hard:
“The agreement, as I saw it, was that I would do a good job, and in return, the company would promote me.”
“Sometimes, the bravest and wisest choice is to step away, redraw the map, and write your own definition of success.”
“The choice to step forward when staying meant shrinking.”
You can love your work and still know when it is time to move on
You’ll never be good at the game as it doesn’t suit your personality, but you can get good at reading and anticipating when games are being played
“Sometimes, the most courageous leadership decision is to walk away from the wrong seat at the table.”
“Walking away is not a weakness; it is often a sharper form of discipline.”
What I liked most is that the book expands the meaning of “walking away.” It is not just about leaving a job. It talks about walking away from careers, departments, companies, decisions, entrepreneurship journeys, identities, and versions of yourself that no longer fit.
What I did not like was the lack of diversity in perspectives. Many stories were of veteran women, largely from FIS/Markit and Singapore corporate ecosystems. I wished there were more varied industries, geographies, and career phases esp younger too.
Still, the emotional honesty of the book stayed with me. Especially the realization that sometimes stepping away is not giving up. It is finally choosing yourself.
Read it with the article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-wo...
Shared my thoughts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/courag...
**Author:** S. J. Clarke and Deborah Overdeput
**Genre:** Non-fiction / Career / Personal Growth
**Language:** English
**Format:** Kindle
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
**Review:**
This book resonated with me deeply. I found parts of myself in almost every story, especially because many of the professional backgrounds and environments felt familiar given I just walked away from a role that I loved.
What stayed with me most was how honestly it talks about ambition, identity, burnout, politics, motherhood, transitions, and the uncomfortable reality that sometimes staying starts shrinking you.
A few lines hit hard:
“The agreement, as I saw it, was that I would do a good job, and in return, the company would promote me.”
“Sometimes, the bravest and wisest choice is to step away, redraw the map, and write your own definition of success.”
“The choice to step forward when staying meant shrinking.”
You can love your work and still know when it is time to move on
You’ll never be good at the game as it doesn’t suit your personality, but you can get good at reading and anticipating when games are being played
“Sometimes, the most courageous leadership decision is to walk away from the wrong seat at the table.”
“Walking away is not a weakness; it is often a sharper form of discipline.”
What I liked most is that the book expands the meaning of “walking away.” It is not just about leaving a job. It talks about walking away from careers, departments, companies, decisions, entrepreneurship journeys, identities, and versions of yourself that no longer fit.
What I did not like was the lack of diversity in perspectives. Many stories were of veteran women, largely from FIS/Markit and Singapore corporate ecosystems. I wished there were more varied industries, geographies, and career phases esp younger too.
Still, the emotional honesty of the book stayed with me. Especially the realization that sometimes stepping away is not giving up. It is finally choosing yourself.
Read it with the article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-wo...
Shared my thoughts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/courag...
March 26, 2026
Walk Away is an encompassing read with stories from 16 senior leaders that will resonate with everyone. Lots of lessons to be learnt about when and how to ‘walk away’ when where you are no longer resonates with your values or aspirations.
April 30, 2026
Case Studies for Walking Away
This book highlights a lot of personal scenarios from around the globe where people decided to walk away for various personal and professional scenarios.
This book highlights a lot of personal scenarios from around the globe where people decided to walk away for various personal and professional scenarios.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews