F*ck Being Humble

by Stefanie Sword-Williams

Get ready to start taking charge of your own success. Whether it is through our parents, our education, our bosses, our colleagues, or the media we consume, we are constantly told that being humble is essential to our professional success. It's often seen as distasteful or arrogant to shout about our achievements. But in a modern workplace, where the conventional, steady, linear career path is becoming rarer and rarer, this advice seems ever-more obsolete. In the age of flexible working and portfolio careers, it's time to f*ck being humble . With simple exercises, steps and real-life examples, this is a resource for your bedside table that you can come back to again and again, at any point in your career. Learn how to:

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Psychology, Personal Development, Design, Feminism

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2020

Reviews

[Paul Ince · Rating 2 out of 5]

In fairness, this book wasn’t written for me (also it was gifted to me). I like much of the sentiment and I imagine that it would be quite motivating for a younger person starting out in their career, or someone who wants to move their side hustle into a full time thing.

It didn’t land well with me, a Gen X business owner, who is probably too jaded to take some of the ballsy actions suggested in the text.

But I can appreciate that to others it could be motivating and it’s clearly working to help the author gain a reputation in her space. It’s also a good example of the power being an author of a book can have when you want to get things like speaking gigs and more brand awareness.

Two stars may be a bit harsh - I’m just trying to keep in par with other reviews I’ve done.

[Seine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stars for the amount of work putting into the design of this gorgeous book. Most things I already knew so kinda skimmed through but recommended for people who has major imposter syndrome.

[Laura Bareham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of the info felt pretty unsubstantiated and the overuse of bad metaphors became exhausting. There were some useful reminders and takeaways though.

[Laura Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become I brand ambassador of this book. A friend recommends this book at the perfect time and has helped me get what I want and gave me confidence when working as a freelance.

Everyone who is struggling with finding a job or leaving a toxic environment should read this book and pass it to others.

Stefanie does a great work explaining and giving technics to believe in your potential and ask for the money you deserved.

This book is my bible! Thanks Stefanie.

[Nataly Nieves · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much food for thought in this books and loads of practical advice. It’s an easy read and highly recommended for anyone who is looking to improve his/ her self-branding or self-promotion, negotiations, communication or networking skills 5/5!

[Deepa Daya · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Ya, it was okay. I had other hopes for this book, it wasn’t all bad, there were a few gems in between some of the pages. But otherwise it was okay

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Dit boek is lekker geschreven en geeft veel praktische voorbeelden en lijstjes. Ik heb zoveel gemarkeerd.

[Rebecca Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earmarked a lot of pages that I want to go back to. I’ve not been to any of Stef’s events but I’m definitely going to give one a go after reading this. A great collection of personal stories, interviews and anecdotes. Would recommend!

[Emily Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kind of book that I will keep going back to throughout my career (dropped a star because I wasn't a fan of the millennial jokes/metaphors that are frequently used). I attended one of Stefanie Sword-Williams' talks a couple months ago and I do think she is brilliant and well worth following!

[Franco Cárcamo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bueno, el libro empieza muy bien con eso del título y la enseñanza de que uno, eventualmente, tiene que aprender a venderse y mostrarse, dejar de lado la humildad. Luego, parece que a la autora se le acaba el tema en específico y se pone a escribir sobre cuestiones nada que ver. Asuntos para los cuales, espero, no se necesita leer un libro. Pero ahora que lo pienso, quizás todas las personas nos sentimos fuentes de sabiduría en algún grado. Igual ahora pienso que debería hacerme un linkedin.

[Ana Zilio · Rating 3 out of 5]

It looked like a promising book, but it doesn't tell you anything new, unless your self-esteem is extremely low. The book brings a series of testimonials from people who managed to position themselves in their careers and succeed, some funny stories and several messages of "know your worth". A mixture of self-help, with female empowerment and motivation.

[Rosie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Might be better to digest in print but I didn't get on with the writing style. Not really anything new here, lots of 'know your worth, shout your achievements, do this do that, why haven't you set up your own website? It's easy!' Don't audiobook this, the author reads it in a gratingly condescending tone. It didn't feel that practical and had a privileged undertone.

[S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Some interesting thoughts, for sure, but I find that a hyper-relatable writing style can backfire when you don't personally vibe with the register or find the stories relatable. That said, clearly it resonated more with others and that's great too.

[Lisa Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

I‘ve read a lot of self help books, but this was one of my favorites. Although I knew a lot already, it really gives you this positive vibe about not giving up and knowing your self worth. I also liked the reading flow with little stories, interviews, tipps and quotes.

[Holly Pullen · Rating 1 out of 5]

One word = crap

[Daniela D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was excited to read this book, especially given the very valuable virtue of being humble that I have grown up with like many others in Eastern Europe. I found some very useful nuggets. And I want to raise two points. One - I think the author uses 'humble' interchangeably to mean shy and lacking confidence in speaking up or connecting with others, or underestimating your own accomplishments; and that's why I didn't change my mind and I still think being humble is a virtue. I agree that you should share your work and not be afraid to talk about it with the right people at the right time, but I still think you should be humble about it and talk about the effort you put in without exaggeration. Stefanie raises this point in the last few chapters with concrete examples about how you should laugh about your failures and openly share them and how you should be a little more like Adele in communication, i.e. down to earth and stuff. And in my mind, that is the core of being humble, you work and you succeed and you share it, but you find the right balance and still remain relatable.
Two - and this is even more 'just personal', I was really looking forward to more examples on how to phrase achievements and your work in a less arrogant way. Stefanie talks about writing a better CV, which was super and I relate to learning about the phrasing while I was at university as well. But I felt like the other chapters were much more general, taking a bird's eye view in a number of other skills: goal setting, networking, communication, which are still critical, but I already was quite familiar with them. While it was fun to read, I breezed through and would think they would be much more useful to someone who is just starting to understand all the soft skills.

[John Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"F" being THE unapologetically proud Stefanie Sword-Williams

Hold on, hear us out. Empty rooms can be so loud. We just wanna let you know we are proud. Close your eyes, tune them out. You're right here, with us now. You’ve always been the kind of kid, That hid your face, So afraid to tell the world. What you've got to say, But you have this dream, right inside of you, you are gonna let it show, it's time to let all know. This is real, this is you. You are exactly where you are supposed to be now. Gonna let the light shine on you, Now you've found who you are. There's no way to hold it in, No more hiding who you want to be. This is you. You have to believe in yourself. It's the only way.

You don’t need to have a premonition, Don’t need permission. This your condition, Not to hide. Won’t apologize for the wisdom. Won’t run away from your mission to survive. Won’t let your head hang low. Won’t let the monster grow, No time to be humble. the world is a jungle. never avoid it. see it and destroy it. Be a walking demolition, Head on collision. Still hear the ringin’ in my ears Yes, you are worth it, Damn right you earned it

https://youtu.be/ZkT6VFD_tPk?si=woUA0...

[A SC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skeptical about reading this book (maybe because of the name?), yet it proved to be very handy - practical tips for putting yourself out there during everyday work-life!
I’d look into this topic of self-promotion more creatively, maybe, and argue that no one formula fits us all, yet only by experimenting and finding different ways to celebrate and communicate yourself can one know what feels authentic to them. The author does provide many tools in this book so that one can start the experimentation.
I recommend it to anyone who needs a push.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a self-help book in which Stephanie offers her point of view and experience on self-promotion and career, full of inspirational messages, nice humor, and some actionable tips.

A good read for people looking for a job or starting a new business: to get to the mindset of self-promotion, self-confidence, and 'fake it until you make it'.

The main message of this book is that we should lose the fear of self-promoting and learn how to do it in a way that helps us show our unique set of skills to others and advance in our careers.

[Trudie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given this book by a very good friend a few years ago who raved about it so I thought I should probably get round to reading it. It’s a beautifully laid out book but definitely more for early career people and fairly vanilla in a lot of the tips it gives. If I’d read 10 years ago it might have resonated more. I also personally balk at someone naming their brand with a swear word in the title when this is meant to be for professionals. However it was easy to get through and a couple of good tips in amongst the rest.

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me interesó por el título y el diseño (me encanta un diseño bonito) empecé a leerlo y pensé….. esto está muy básico, pero seguí leyendo y me di cuenta que aunque muchas de las cosas que tiene el libro ya las hago, hay otras que dejé atrás o solo hacía sin entender por qué y unas ni las había considerado.

Así que le daré a este libro el crédito que merece, hasta subrayé más de una frase, es un increíblemente bonito de referencias y re afirmaciones que todos necesitamos cada cierto tiempo, está escrito de forma divertida y fácil de entender.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. While no one has ever accused me of being humble, I picked up this book because I’m going through a bit of imposter syndrome. There was nothing profound or groundbreaking about what she said, but I feel so seen! I wish I had read this while I was job hunting because there was some genuinely good advice about being confident, taking risks and getting started on tasks even when you feel drained and burnt out.

[Emily Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Reading this along with watching some of Stef's talks online has given me a new confidence to go after my goals. Previously I had been scared what people might think of me but using the strategies in this book I have pushed through limiting self beliefs. There are also great tips on communicating and working with others.

[Dovile Dalele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, provocative and full of authentic stories

I was recommended this book by my colleague and the provocative title got my attention.
It is very easy to read and relate, to the point where you start nodding your head while reading it!
I would highly recommend this to all women out there who have doubts of themselves - we need to put ourselves forward!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and wrote down some tips, but personally I don’t feel connected with some thoughts. If I was on the other end of communication I would probably be mad If someone bombarded me with emails like “did you receive my emails” (one is ok, but more is meh) and annoying reminders of themself when I didn’t replied

[Françoise · Rating 2 out of 5]

For someone that has challenges being more vocal about their work, this book can be a great starting point.
It has some nice nuggets here and there. I rate it 2 because there is a bit of privilege coming through the pages (the author is a white woman), and some aspects of the book could have been summarised way more.

[Tyla-Manai · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 advice in this book, and I will be taking every part of it on board in my own life! I was recommended this boom from a friend, and it was the best recommendation at the best moment EVER! I listened to this as an audiobook, and I will be most definitely buying a physical copy to always refer back to.

This is an amazing read for anyone and everyone!!

[Agnė V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Self promotion tema mano akiratyje yra ne pirmus metus, todėl daug dalykų jau esu girdėjusi. Vienok, čia galima rasti praktinių patarimų, aiškių to do dalykų.
Man įsiminė pastebėjimas apie tinkamą laiką kalbėti apie savo pasiekimus, atsižvelgiant į kito žmogaus emocinę būseną tuo metu. Ir svarbu KĄ ta žinute pasakyt nori - tik pasigirti, ar ir pasidalinti kažkokia išmokta pamoka iš viso proceso

[Trixie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new or groundbreaking
If you're a fresh grad that only started their first job and/or have really bad confidence issues, then this is for you. But if you have gone past these obstacles (even as an introvert), then you're better off reading other books that will deepen your knowledge rather than repeat what every other self-help book has already said.

[Uzoamaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple bite size piece about how to be better at self promotion from networking, building your confidence, emotional intelligence and more. It’s peppered with some personal examples and other notes from leading women in their respective fields. Some easy, practical steps to being a better version of yourself and getting paid to reflect your value too. I enjoyed this.