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UP!: The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise
Finally, a book to catapult your career and life. “Kelly Mooney and Katy Mooney offer practical wisdom and infectious optimism; they show us that the path forward isn't just possible—it's within our reach.” (Shannon Watts, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fired Up.)
UP! is a modern playbook for women who want careers and lives with more meaning, power, and possibilities. No matter if you are starting, stuck, stalled, spinning, or soaring, UP! gives you proven strategies, practical tools, and step-by-step guidance you can use now, not someday.
UP! is organized into six easily digestible parts:
1. Lead Yourself: become more intentional about your career and life
2. Own Your Choices: recognize you have agency over your decisions
3. Find Your Fit: know what fits you before burning out or opting out
4. Think Big(ger): expand your vision of what’s possible
5. Get in the Game: navigate the unwritten rules of the workplace
6. Love Your Life Along the Way: enjoy a personal life while building your career
“Blending heart and strategy in a way that’s rare, UP! helps women design careers and lives that align with who they are–and where they want to go next.” (Ivy Ross, chief design officer of consumer devices at Google). Importantly, there are no “shoulds” in this book—and that’s intentional. Because there isn’t one path or pace that works for everyone. Your future is unique to you.
By the end of this book, you’ll know what truly matters to you. You’ll walk away with new skills, clear action steps, and a massive boost in confidence. You’ll stop waiting to be noticed or wondering when your life will get better. You’ll start moving—up.
UP! is a modern playbook for women who want careers and lives with more meaning, power, and possibilities. No matter if you are starting, stuck, stalled, spinning, or soaring, UP! gives you proven strategies, practical tools, and step-by-step guidance you can use now, not someday.
UP! is organized into six easily digestible parts:
1. Lead Yourself: become more intentional about your career and life
2. Own Your Choices: recognize you have agency over your decisions
3. Find Your Fit: know what fits you before burning out or opting out
4. Think Big(ger): expand your vision of what’s possible
5. Get in the Game: navigate the unwritten rules of the workplace
6. Love Your Life Along the Way: enjoy a personal life while building your career
“Blending heart and strategy in a way that’s rare, UP! helps women design careers and lives that align with who they are–and where they want to go next.” (Ivy Ross, chief design officer of consumer devices at Google). Importantly, there are no “shoulds” in this book—and that’s intentional. Because there isn’t one path or pace that works for everyone. Your future is unique to you.
By the end of this book, you’ll know what truly matters to you. You’ll walk away with new skills, clear action steps, and a massive boost in confidence. You’ll stop waiting to be noticed or wondering when your life will get better. You’ll start moving—up.
232 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Kelly Mooney
3 books9 followersKelly Mooney is a three-time author, speaker, board director of a public company, and longtime gender equality advocate. She's also a wife and mother of two who built her career while navigating the realities of modern work and family life.
Over a decades-long career, she has experienced the full arc of the workplace—from intern to CEO—ultimately co-owning and leading the nation's largest women-owned digital agency, scaling it 15x, and later exiting the business to IBM, where she served as Chief Experience Officer for North America.
Consistently ahead of the curve, Kelly anticipated the power shift from organizations to consumers, authoring The Ten Demandments and The Open Brand—the latter becoming required reading at Stanford and other universities. She also founded the Equipt Women Foundation and created Get Equipt, a widely read weekly career advice newsletter.
Over a decades-long career, she has experienced the full arc of the workplace—from intern to CEO—ultimately co-owning and leading the nation's largest women-owned digital agency, scaling it 15x, and later exiting the business to IBM, where she served as Chief Experience Officer for North America.
Consistently ahead of the curve, Kelly anticipated the power shift from organizations to consumers, authoring The Ten Demandments and The Open Brand—the latter becoming required reading at Stanford and other universities. She also founded the Equipt Women Foundation and created Get Equipt, a widely read weekly career advice newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a woman who has spent decades building a career, navigating ambition, relationships, motherhood, reinvention, and all the trade-offs in between, reading UP! felt less like a business book and more like a tool to help navigate life.
What makes this book stand apart is that it doesn’t offer hollow empowerment clichés or rigid formulas for “having it all.” Instead, Kelly and Katy Mooney deliver something far more valuable: honest, practical wisdom about how to lead yourself, advocate for your future, and make intentional choices in a world that often expects women to stay small, quiet, grateful, or endlessly accommodating.
The chapters on speaking up, building networks, and understanding your own strengths are very relevant in today’s culture, where women are still navigating workplaces that reward visibility, confidence, and adaptability, yet often punish women for displaying those exact qualities. The book addresses these realities while still remaining optimistic and actionable.
Thinking about recent graduates stepping into an AI-transformed world, the guidance around experimentation and adaptability feels timely (for women of all ages, actually!) Rather than fearing change, this book encourages women to stay curious, build transferable skills, and develop the confidence to evolve alongside technology instead of being intimidated by it.
I also appreciated the sections about choices, boundaries, and knowing what you need. For a mom trying to decide how career and family fit together, this book offers permission to define success on her own terms.
This is also not a man-bashing book or a trite female empowerment message - and sadly, there are women out there who feel intimidated by other successful women, or competitive in a dysfunctional way. Reading this is a call for women to stand up for themselves, and stand up for each other!
What makes this book stand apart is that it doesn’t offer hollow empowerment clichés or rigid formulas for “having it all.” Instead, Kelly and Katy Mooney deliver something far more valuable: honest, practical wisdom about how to lead yourself, advocate for your future, and make intentional choices in a world that often expects women to stay small, quiet, grateful, or endlessly accommodating.
The chapters on speaking up, building networks, and understanding your own strengths are very relevant in today’s culture, where women are still navigating workplaces that reward visibility, confidence, and adaptability, yet often punish women for displaying those exact qualities. The book addresses these realities while still remaining optimistic and actionable.
Thinking about recent graduates stepping into an AI-transformed world, the guidance around experimentation and adaptability feels timely (for women of all ages, actually!) Rather than fearing change, this book encourages women to stay curious, build transferable skills, and develop the confidence to evolve alongside technology instead of being intimidated by it.
I also appreciated the sections about choices, boundaries, and knowing what you need. For a mom trying to decide how career and family fit together, this book offers permission to define success on her own terms.
This is also not a man-bashing book or a trite female empowerment message - and sadly, there are women out there who feel intimidated by other successful women, or competitive in a dysfunctional way. Reading this is a call for women to stand up for themselves, and stand up for each other!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a successful but retired boomer, I know that my advice can sometimes be outdated and limited for my daughter. Our experiences are totally different. She is an MBA/JD student with one year left to finish both degrees and this is the perfect playbook for her entrance into the career world. She and her friends are uber achievers, fearless and incredibly smart. But, as much as they would like to think of themselves as completely equipped, they still need to build on being confident in advocating for themselves. UP! is going to make the perfect summer read for my daughter and her friends as they navigate how and when to negotiate compensation, understanding office politics, finding the right mentors and so much more. Selfishly, this playbook for women is going to help me understand and help in her journey. What a wonderful opportunity for expanding our mother/daughter conversations and experiences as grown women. I can't wait to share it!
June 2, 2026
I was hooked from just reading the inside jacket. I love that this how-to-book doesn’t focus on just one way to achieve personal goals, but takes into account that we are all individuals and our paths to achieving them may look different. They are not trying to sell the latest glorified canned gimmick, but instead genuinely want to help women at all stages of life reach their potential, both personally and professionally. What really resonated with me was getting practical advice on how to be seen, heard, and valued. Kelly and Katy don’t just give the reader advice, they share real-life testimonials and dig deeper by addressing mindset and empowerment. So many of us get stuck, and this easy to read, uplifting book guides you into discovering who you are and where you want to go, while providing actionable advice. This is a must summer read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
UP!: The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise isn't your typical self-help read. It feels more like grabbing coffee with someone who's been in the trenches and actually wants to see you win — no fluff, no toxic positivity, just real talk. Some parts genuinely caught me off guard, especially around self-leadership and boundaries. There's this underlying message of "stop waiting for permission" that I kept coming back to.
What I loved most is that it doesn't just tell you to grind harder. It asks you to think bigger, to actually choose yourself, and to figure out what a meaningful life looks like "for you", not someone else's version of it. Ambitious but human. That balance is hard to get right, and this book does it.
What I loved most is that it doesn't just tell you to grind harder. It asks you to think bigger, to actually choose yourself, and to figure out what a meaningful life looks like "for you", not someone else's version of it. Ambitious but human. That balance is hard to get right, and this book does it.
Read
May 22, 2026Most career books talk at you. UP! feels more like sitting across from someone who’s actually been through it and understands that ambition gets complicated somewhere between responsibility, exhaustion, ego, and wanting a life that still feels like your own.
The book understands that ambition is complicated. Especially for women. That being capable and being recognized are often two very different things. And that building a meaningful career without losing yourself along the way requires more than confidence slogans and corporate language.
UP! feels grounded, observant, and deeply human. The kind of book that leaves you feeling clearer, more focused, and more certain about your next move.
The book understands that ambition is complicated. Especially for women. That being capable and being recognized are often two very different things. And that building a meaningful career without losing yourself along the way requires more than confidence slogans and corporate language.
UP! feels grounded, observant, and deeply human. The kind of book that leaves you feeling clearer, more focused, and more certain about your next move.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where have the Mooney sisters been all my life—or at least during the decades I spent scratching and clawing my way UP!
If you’re tired of vague "just lean in" advice, UP! is the playbook you’ve been waiting for. Kelly and Katy cut through the noise to provide a refreshing, no-nonsense roadmap for aspirational women navigating the most daunting parts of workplace dynamics. Their personal experience and expertise offers hands on strategy that feels like having a private mentor in your pocket.
UP! is a masterclass in identifying goals, creating a concrete action plan, and executing with confidence - the career coaching I wish I'd had decades ago!
Andrea Cambern, former Broadcast Journalist
If you’re tired of vague "just lean in" advice, UP! is the playbook you’ve been waiting for. Kelly and Katy cut through the noise to provide a refreshing, no-nonsense roadmap for aspirational women navigating the most daunting parts of workplace dynamics. Their personal experience and expertise offers hands on strategy that feels like having a private mentor in your pocket.
UP! is a masterclass in identifying goals, creating a concrete action plan, and executing with confidence - the career coaching I wish I'd had decades ago!
Andrea Cambern, former Broadcast Journalist
Review of advance copy received from Author
Up! is one of those books that I want to re-read every year to keep me motivated and inspired to show up as my true self. Kelly Mooney has a way of blending leadership insight, personal stories, and practical advice that feels real and approachable. It’s empowering and motivating.
What I loved most is the reminder that growth does not come from waiting for permission or having everything perfectly figured out. It comes from trusting yourself enough to take the next step. This book left me feeling energized, and more intentional about what’s next. Am awesome read for any woman navigating ambition, leadership, growth, or reinvention.
What I loved most is the reminder that growth does not come from waiting for permission or having everything perfectly figured out. It comes from trusting yourself enough to take the next step. This book left me feeling energized, and more intentional about what’s next. Am awesome read for any woman navigating ambition, leadership, growth, or reinvention.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kelly Mooney and Katy Mooney’s UP: A Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise has powerful insights, perspectives and tips for any woman navigating leadership, growth, or reinvention.
What I love most is that you can open to almost any page and be reminded both of something new and something you intrinsically know, but may have forgotten, as a woman leader- trust your voice, lead with courage, and look for the next move to intentionally lead your life. It’s practical, affirming, and empowering. This is the kind of book every woman should own — and give away to daughters, friends, colleagues, and emerging leaders. A fabulous and inspiring playbook.
What I love most is that you can open to almost any page and be reminded both of something new and something you intrinsically know, but may have forgotten, as a woman leader- trust your voice, lead with courage, and look for the next move to intentionally lead your life. It’s practical, affirming, and empowering. This is the kind of book every woman should own — and give away to daughters, friends, colleagues, and emerging leaders. A fabulous and inspiring playbook.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Up! is a wonderful book for anyone seeking to make the most of their career. The many helpful practices are presented in a straightforward fashion. The writing is relatable and engaging. Real-life stories show how actively managing your career is vital to making the most of the journey. I recommend this book as a helpful manual to keep close at hand. You may need it today, or you may recall section a year from now to use in assisting you through a challenging situation. I found the section on better understanding salaries particularly helpful. Wherever you are in your career, the well-built tools, guides, and a broad range of examples will serve you well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full transparency, the authors of this book, our dear friends, and women I look up to, and so it was a no-brainer to want to read Up!
What I realized as I got through it was, I was so immersed in the stories and information that I forgot I was reading a book written by Friends and was solely invested in how much I needed this at this stage of my career.
Although written in support of women in business the strategies and insight is for anyone wanting a kick in the pants to find your passion and voice.
What I realized as I got through it was, I was so immersed in the stories and information that I forgot I was reading a book written by Friends and was solely invested in how much I needed this at this stage of my career.
Although written in support of women in business the strategies and insight is for anyone wanting a kick in the pants to find your passion and voice.
Read
April 15, 2026This is a great book full of insight and practical steps to take your career to the next level and in ways that really honor the life you want to build. Kelly and Katy have done a great job in breaking things down, sharing examples, and also engaging readers in reflection and action. It's a treat and I can't wait to see the impact it will have on so many women as they take the wisdom to heart and build their futures.
May 15, 2026
This is the big sister advice that every woman needs. Kelly Mooney has a special way of identifying the approach it takes to reach your career goals and she gives it to you straight. While much of the advice is geared towards younger professionals, anybody of any age could learn a thing or two from UP!
This isn’t just a book you read and put on a shelf; it’s a bible of advice that you can reflect on, carry with you, and revisit through every stage of your life and your career.
This isn’t just a book you read and put on a shelf; it’s a bible of advice that you can reflect on, carry with you, and revisit through every stage of your life and your career.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've read a lot of self-help books, and so many of them go so deep on one topic that by the end it starts to feel repetitive. UP! is the opposite of that. There are so many takeaways packed into this book, and every single one of them is unique and actionable. I flagged way more pages than I expected to. Make sure to get yourself a copy of this book when it releases on June 2!
Review of advance copy
This thought-provoking book is a must-read for women of all ages who want to rise UP! The Mooney sisters provide a masterful road map for readers to chart their own course through sharing personal stories, reflective prompts, and actionable steps. This book is filled with valuable strategies, heartfelt inspiration, well-earned wisdom, and infectious optimism.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a 27yr old female navigating my career, I haven’t come across anything as helpful as UP. It’s a built in mentor and coach that helped me learn how to lead yourself, negotiate compensation, have hard conversations, and overall think BIGGER! Highly recommend. We need more books like this!
Read
May 23, 2026This is esactly sort of advice and expertise that would have helped me in my career. Our (slightly earlier) generation had little guidance or mentors. Reading, absorbing and following can really ease your path to professional success and personal satisfaction.
June 3, 2026
This is a wonderful book that will stay on my shelf. It is a great resource for when I need some inspiration and guidance. I will be buying this for all of my gfs to read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews