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Double Down: Bet on Yourself and Succeed on Your Own Terms - A Remixed Rule Book for Badass Boss Ladies
Tricia and Antoinette Clarke—best friends, Power Twins, and Boss Ladies—show you how to take your work and life to the Next Level.
“Aspiring Boss Ladies in any field should pay attention.”—Gabrielle Union-Wade, actress, activist, and New York Times bestselling author of We’re Going to Need More Wine
As African American women who have climbed their way to the highest ranks of the media world, Tricia and Antoinette have learned that to win when the deck is stacked against you, you need to ditch the old Status Quo rules. Whether you’re starting your career, wondering why you’re not further along, or looking to pivot, you’ve got to double down on yourself, and you’ve got to cultivate a tribe of people who will double down on you, too.
Now, they share their wisdom with the next generation of Boss Ladies looking to up their game. If you’re tired of getting second-class rewards for first-class work and you’re ready to be respected for who you are, Double Down will give you the tools and tactics to go all in on your dreams.
Among the lessons you’ll
• Don’t emulate, Identify your unique superpowers to start from a place of strength.
• Don’t stay in place, move into white To stand out, use your superpowers to do something no one else does.
• Don’t just compete, play the long Work backward from where you want to end up—aim high, go far.
• Don’t inherit your tribe, build Actively cultivate a crew of people who will push you to go after your most audacious goals (and set new ones).
Packed with strategies and solutions, as well as stories of other badass Boss Ladies including Ayesha Curry, Carly Cushnie, Anne Wojcicki, and many others, this remixed rulebook will help you see the power in yourself— and double down on it.
“Aspiring Boss Ladies in any field should pay attention.”—Gabrielle Union-Wade, actress, activist, and New York Times bestselling author of We’re Going to Need More Wine
As African American women who have climbed their way to the highest ranks of the media world, Tricia and Antoinette have learned that to win when the deck is stacked against you, you need to ditch the old Status Quo rules. Whether you’re starting your career, wondering why you’re not further along, or looking to pivot, you’ve got to double down on yourself, and you’ve got to cultivate a tribe of people who will double down on you, too.
Now, they share their wisdom with the next generation of Boss Ladies looking to up their game. If you’re tired of getting second-class rewards for first-class work and you’re ready to be respected for who you are, Double Down will give you the tools and tactics to go all in on your dreams.
Among the lessons you’ll
• Don’t emulate, Identify your unique superpowers to start from a place of strength.
• Don’t stay in place, move into white To stand out, use your superpowers to do something no one else does.
• Don’t just compete, play the long Work backward from where you want to end up—aim high, go far.
• Don’t inherit your tribe, build Actively cultivate a crew of people who will push you to go after your most audacious goals (and set new ones).
Packed with strategies and solutions, as well as stories of other badass Boss Ladies including Ayesha Curry, Carly Cushnie, Anne Wojcicki, and many others, this remixed rulebook will help you see the power in yourself— and double down on it.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2019
19 people are currently reading
1466 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 11, 2019
Pros: This book has all the speed like a brand new sports car. First, you idle the car at the light, then you maneuver through the crowd of vehicles, and then, take off speeding through the clear freeway. Exhilaration is what I felt from beginning to end, and I learned some valuable gems along the way. I remember reading about Simmons powerful secret some time ago, so I'm familiar with one of the authors. It was a good laugh throughout as well, even when things got serious, there was still humor somewhere in there. You will enjoy this book and feel the fire and get to whatever your hearts desire. One last thing, "compassion" is a must and a great way to be towards any and everyone, preferably in the workplace or at home, so keep this in mind.
Cons: The language will surprise you, but I love the realness here. So, if you're sensitive to profanity, then this will shock you a little bit. However, if you're a fan a Russel Simmons, then you already know what it is. Also, it was confusing to learn who was narrating. I wondered if one sister was speaking about the other, but then the name would change again, and this made it difficult to follow.
Overall: Good book that should be added to your arsenal when it comes to business.
Cons: The language will surprise you, but I love the realness here. So, if you're sensitive to profanity, then this will shock you a little bit. However, if you're a fan a Russel Simmons, then you already know what it is. Also, it was confusing to learn who was narrating. I wondered if one sister was speaking about the other, but then the name would change again, and this made it difficult to follow.
Overall: Good book that should be added to your arsenal when it comes to business.
October 15, 2019
I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. It is not just a book for women and minorities looking for advice on how to success. A lot of what they have to say works for anyone. Their ideas of networking, building your tribe speak to me in a way that a lot of hokey books have not.
First, the entire section on friendship, how you should be deliberate about it is the theme of this year. One of my friends just finished a seminar she's giving in China on this topic. We spoke extensively about it. These ladies did a similarly excellent job, though from a slightly different perspective. It is something so few talk about. While people understand that you don't get to the top by yourself, they often don't understand the details of why it is there are great people surrounding those that are successful. This talks to the basics of it.
Similarly, I love the way they talk about being a boss lady (or a boss, period). The idea that it's just this selfish, hard exterior, cold person is missing everything. Empathy - as they mention - is core and cultivated as a skill. Dig. But you still got to make decisions. More importantly, the empathy informs the decisions. That's why I think it's so crazy when people criticize boss ladies (self). I would add here, that part of the reason people don't get it is because they think most decisions are binary yes/no. But in fact, the art of decision making is actually knowing there is a decision to make in the first place. And you're doing this ( as mentioned in the middle chapters that also talk about the awesome Ms. Tyra Banks) surrounded by/and drowning out the haters.
I add that last point about understanding what a decision is b/c it makes a lot more sense when you read the later chapters on team. You got to show up and lead. And then some of that way of thinking about being truthful and having someone call your sh*t out. Resonates.
Also, the whole stuff on Status Quo. Know it before you break it, but break it... into the White Space. I am soooo with you. I've always told people, I don't try to compete with others, b/c I don't have to. I have always excelled by carving out my own space. I would add SOOOO many fights with others in my career have been about people forcing me to compete in the exact same way. I'll lose. I know I'll lose. And what the heck is the point. Compete in my own area grows the firm and is less likely to experience external competition. But part of the haters has to do with the fact they are fighting you here. That whole part was helpful in solidifying my understanding of the dynamic of why Status Quo is so frighting to others vs. the obvious way to behave if you don't believe you are the same as everyone else.
I love the format of the book with downloads. FOR SURE, I'm sharing this book b/c I often am mentoring other women and minorities. One of my top self-help books this year for sure!
First, the entire section on friendship, how you should be deliberate about it is the theme of this year. One of my friends just finished a seminar she's giving in China on this topic. We spoke extensively about it. These ladies did a similarly excellent job, though from a slightly different perspective. It is something so few talk about. While people understand that you don't get to the top by yourself, they often don't understand the details of why it is there are great people surrounding those that are successful. This talks to the basics of it.
Similarly, I love the way they talk about being a boss lady (or a boss, period). The idea that it's just this selfish, hard exterior, cold person is missing everything. Empathy - as they mention - is core and cultivated as a skill. Dig. But you still got to make decisions. More importantly, the empathy informs the decisions. That's why I think it's so crazy when people criticize boss ladies (self). I would add here, that part of the reason people don't get it is because they think most decisions are binary yes/no. But in fact, the art of decision making is actually knowing there is a decision to make in the first place. And you're doing this ( as mentioned in the middle chapters that also talk about the awesome Ms. Tyra Banks) surrounded by/and drowning out the haters.
I add that last point about understanding what a decision is b/c it makes a lot more sense when you read the later chapters on team. You got to show up and lead. And then some of that way of thinking about being truthful and having someone call your sh*t out. Resonates.
Also, the whole stuff on Status Quo. Know it before you break it, but break it... into the White Space. I am soooo with you. I've always told people, I don't try to compete with others, b/c I don't have to. I have always excelled by carving out my own space. I would add SOOOO many fights with others in my career have been about people forcing me to compete in the exact same way. I'll lose. I know I'll lose. And what the heck is the point. Compete in my own area grows the firm and is less likely to experience external competition. But part of the haters has to do with the fact they are fighting you here. That whole part was helpful in solidifying my understanding of the dynamic of why Status Quo is so frighting to others vs. the obvious way to behave if you don't believe you are the same as everyone else.
I love the format of the book with downloads. FOR SURE, I'm sharing this book b/c I often am mentoring other women and minorities. One of my top self-help books this year for sure!
November 15, 2019
Loved this book! This wasn't your typical "Boss Lady" read. It had a great vibe, great point of view, and also tangible examples of stories of success and failure. I couldn't put in down, and took away quite a few points.
I also won this book in the giveway! It can happen to you :).
I also won this book in the giveway! It can happen to you :).
September 10, 2019
This book was recommended to me by GoodReads. Why? I have no idea, it bears no relation to anything that I've ever read. However, this book's title has two colons. Therefore, five stars.
November 3, 2019
Double Down is the book I wish someone would have gifted me when I graduated from high school. It would have given me much more focus and perspective on how to maximize my time in college, my internship and early employment experiences, and building professional and platonic relationships. Twenty years later, however, as my life has pivoted from career-driven aspirations to a more holistic approach to work and life, it was hard to align with the sisters’ sacrifices in the name of success.
While the sisters are accomplished and successful in their careers, I wondered what impact this had on their health, friendships, and romantic relationships. In a time when it’s extremely challenging for highly educated and career focused women to balance these goals with their desires for fulfilling relationships, I am curious to know if this is a lifestyle and pace that today’s young women want to keep up with, as more and more young professionals are choosing alternative paths to career success, whether launching startups or ditching traditional employment to work and travel as digital nomads.
There are a lot of takeaways from Double Down that makes the book worth reading, but the overarching theme feels a bit outdated for the times.
While the sisters are accomplished and successful in their careers, I wondered what impact this had on their health, friendships, and romantic relationships. In a time when it’s extremely challenging for highly educated and career focused women to balance these goals with their desires for fulfilling relationships, I am curious to know if this is a lifestyle and pace that today’s young women want to keep up with, as more and more young professionals are choosing alternative paths to career success, whether launching startups or ditching traditional employment to work and travel as digital nomads.
There are a lot of takeaways from Double Down that makes the book worth reading, but the overarching theme feels a bit outdated for the times.
July 26, 2023
Found this in the dollar store and brought it on impulse because I love a good self help book!
This was cute and there was definitely a fun energy behind the book that’s infectious . although I don’t think it succeeded as a rule book or true resource for women. It’s a shallow summary of their lives or better yet feels like a resume for Tricia and Antoinette . That comes off a little bit as a brag at times, how great they are , and how they come from a great family. And yet you feel that it’s all surface level and beyond what they tell you - you feel like - what am I supposed to do with this information? I thought you were giving me rules for being a badass boss lady?
I honestly think they could take their stories and turn it into an elementary or middle grade book with great illustrations along with their advice and it be AMAZING !
The stories were cute and fun, but sadly this isn’t a book I would recommend .
This was cute and there was definitely a fun energy behind the book that’s infectious . although I don’t think it succeeded as a rule book or true resource for women. It’s a shallow summary of their lives or better yet feels like a resume for Tricia and Antoinette . That comes off a little bit as a brag at times, how great they are , and how they come from a great family. And yet you feel that it’s all surface level and beyond what they tell you - you feel like - what am I supposed to do with this information? I thought you were giving me rules for being a badass boss lady?
I honestly think they could take their stories and turn it into an elementary or middle grade book with great illustrations along with their advice and it be AMAZING !
The stories were cute and fun, but sadly this isn’t a book I would recommend .
September 10, 2019
Tricia and Antoinette share so many amazing points but the biggest takeaway I got from "Double Down" was that we all have something and it's ours. No one else has it. We are the difference.
The perfection often lies in our ability to look past what everyone is saying and ourselves out there. Be a boss lady! Stop following the status and dare to leave your comfort zone, expect challenges but keep going!!
I loved the stories of family and how they overcame adversity and continued to maintain a positive and “go for it” attitude. This book inspired and renewed me to keep making positive changes in my life.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to make changes in there life, who needs some guidance on how to move forward & how to live there best life.
The perfection often lies in our ability to look past what everyone is saying and ourselves out there. Be a boss lady! Stop following the status and dare to leave your comfort zone, expect challenges but keep going!!
I loved the stories of family and how they overcame adversity and continued to maintain a positive and “go for it” attitude. This book inspired and renewed me to keep making positive changes in my life.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to make changes in there life, who needs some guidance on how to move forward & how to live there best life.
May 30, 2020
I won this book in a giveaway. I was attracted to the title because it looked like a good book on being successful by being yourself. The subtitle of the book references Badass Boss Ladies. The two sisters that authored the book are truly Badass Boss Ladies. The advance they made in their careers were based on using their strengths in unique ways to succeed. They advocate being able to look at a situation from all sides to determine how your strengths, experience and skills can create a niche for success. I wish I had read this book when I was younger. I will be passing this book on to my grown daughters. Even though it is sisters that have written the book, I think a man could benefit from a read as well.
October 30, 2019
Lots of pump-you-up, you-can-do-it, take-control info in this book. I enjoyed reading it - the writing style was very much like a conversation with a friend. I felt like I gained some knowledge, and it opened my eyes a bit to the importance of the people I surround myself with.
My only gripes: in the first half of the book, the term "double down" was used *so* much that I got tired of it. I know it was to reinforce a point, but it was a lot. My other gripe: there was a good amount of profanity (also primarily in that first half...either that, or I was desensitized to it by the second half). I feel like some of that profanity was unwarranted/unnecessary.
My only gripes: in the first half of the book, the term "double down" was used *so* much that I got tired of it. I know it was to reinforce a point, but it was a lot. My other gripe: there was a good amount of profanity (also primarily in that first half...either that, or I was desensitized to it by the second half). I feel like some of that profanity was unwarranted/unnecessary.
April 27, 2020
Double Down is a book that should be given to every high school graduate. Tricia and Antoinette share so many stories of success and failure. Parts of the stories will have you examining your own life, coming out of your comfort and challenge yourself. The sisters faced adversity and continued to maintain a positive attitude. It can be challenging for a woman to balance a career with family and friend relationships. It is important to surround yourself with positive people that will support your success. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking to find their gift they can share.
November 2, 2019
Loved this for so many reasons. It's unlike any career path help book that i've ever read. These women are so easy to relate to and it's not like they're preaching at you. It's like a girlfriend giving you good advice and a clear path to build your goals. LOVED.
November 21, 2019
A set of twins, now boss ladies give part memoir and part guide to help others become boss ladies themselves. It had pretty good ideas and tips. It was an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 29, 2019
Thank for you the advanced copy for an honest review. This book about twin sisters Antoinette and Tricia Clarke give advice on how to succeed. This book is broken down into two parts, Double Down on You and Double Down on your Crew. Very good book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews