Dig Your Heels In: Navigate Corporate BS and Build the Company You Deserve

by Joan Kuhl

What if you could transform your company from the inside out? Biased, male-dominated corporate cultures have forced far too many women out of the companies they've aspired to work for. Dig Your Heels In is a first of its kind playbook that empowers women to disrupt the corporate achievement game and be catalysts for positive change.

Joan Kuhl helps women create a clear vision of what their career path deserves to be and make a convincing business case for equality to their managers and senior leadership. You'll learn strategies for overcoming sexist cultural attitudes about gender and leadership, as well as for dealing with self-limiting behaviors like Imposter's Syndrome (the feeling that you're never good enough despite a track record of success) and the Myth of Meritocracy (the idea that just doing good work is the only way to advance). Because relationships are absolutely crucial, Kuhl describes how to build support networks before you even need them and explains how to get actionable feedback that will help you get to the next level--the kind women rarely are afforded.

Case studies, practical exercises, and inspiring stories from Kuhl's work with clients at companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Goldman Sachs, U.S. Soccer, BlackRock, South Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association and top business schools make this a truly comprehensive guide. It's an indispensable resource for women seeking to build the confidence and conviction to secure the seat at the table they've earned and create a welcoming workplace for everyone.

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2019

Reviews

[Nikki]

So happy to have this book in my life! I have been lucky in my career to have amazing role models as leaders in different places where I have worked. I have especially appreciated those role models even more because I also worked in environments where women were undervalued and undermined. Dig Your Heels In is a refreshing and innovative read about changing the way we approach creating a workplace that benefits all. This book is a must for anyone who wants to achieve balance and get the most out of their career.

[Jaclyn]

Joan’s book is a refreshing reminder of how boundless and relentless women are. I learned actionable insights from the stories Joan shared about her own experiences and those of other female leaders. Most notably is the idea that by building my personal brand and digging my heels in at my current company, I can change the experiences and model for women to come. Ladies- if you are early in career, passionate about crafting a meaningful experience in life and work, and curious to learn about how to do it then this book is for you.

[Phanesia Pharel]

One thing I often think about as an artist is whether or not I should be entering more “corporate” spaces. Coming to Barnard I have realized that I need to learn more about navigating spaces that were not made for me. This book-has been really helpful to me in understanding different ways of advancing in my goals. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to excel.

Below is a quote that stood out to me from this book:

“We need women at all levels of their professions as well as the men they work with to elevate equality as an urgent priority. Everyone employed today and in the future deserves to work for a company that is fair in pay and opportunity to both genders. Equality is good for people, good for business, and good for society.”

This book validated me and I would recommend to any femme with goals. A great read that I will be going back to several times this summer.

[Bobbi Rebell]

This is the book I needed back when.. but glad someone finally wrote it. So many women have left the workplace- and so many companies have lost incredible women- simply because of the corporate culture and the obstacles that are put up to stop them. The author provides actual solutions for all the different stakeholders and gives millennials a path to succeed where previous generations stumbled- pun intended. A priceless investment of your time.

[maureen niesborella]

So excited to read dig your heels in! I am a 36 year old mother of three that is reentering the workforce after an eleven year break to stay home with my children. I believe this book is going to be a roadmap to where I want to end up and place me immediately on the right path for that. With such a long break I think learning about other women’s experiences through this book will be key for me.

[Ashley Feinstein]

Dig Your Heels In is a much needed guide to designing your career and climbing the corporate ladder while transforming company culture and bringing other women with you as you go. It's inspirational, it's full of useful tips and strategies and Joan has the anecdotes and statistics to back them up. Highly recommend!

[Colette]

3.5

[Claire]

Good points but could have been better written.

[Tarah Jakubiak]

The author shares stories, anecdotes and exercises that help the reader elevate themselves to their next level professionally.

[Jenna Horton]

Joan Kuhl has written a masterpiece! She clearly outlines the goals of each chapter, uses anecdotes and data to back her points, gives you actionable next steps and energizes you to reflect and make positive change. I'm confident every women can learn something from "Dig Your Heels in". Thank you Joan for your passion and commitment to making women feel confident, prepared and strong!