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A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space
For too long, women have been told to confine themselves—physically, socially, and emotionally. Eliza VanCort says now is the time for women to stand tall, raise their voices, and claim their space.
Women fight the pressure to make themselves small in private, professional, and public spaces. Eliza VanCort, a teacher, consultant, and speaker, provides the necessary tools for women to rewrite the rules and create the stories of their choosing safely and without apology.
VanCort identifies the five key behaviors of all “Space Claiming Queens”: use your voice and posture to project confidence and power, end self-sabotage, forge connections, neutralize unsafe spaces, and unite across differences. Through personal narrative, research, and actionable strategies, VanCort provides how-tos on combatting challenges like antimentors and microaggressions and gives advice for building up your “old girls” club, asking for what you're worth, and owning your space without apology.
Bold, fun, and enlightening, this book is birthed from VanCort's incredible story. Having a mother with schizophrenia forced VanCort to learn to be small and invisible at an early age, and suffering a traumatic brain injury as an adult required her to rethink communication from the ground up. Drawing on these experiences, and those of real women everywhere, VanCort empowers women to claim space for themselves and for their sisters with courage, empathy, and conviction because “when we rise together, we rise so much higher.”
Women fight the pressure to make themselves small in private, professional, and public spaces. Eliza VanCort, a teacher, consultant, and speaker, provides the necessary tools for women to rewrite the rules and create the stories of their choosing safely and without apology.
VanCort identifies the five key behaviors of all “Space Claiming Queens”: use your voice and posture to project confidence and power, end self-sabotage, forge connections, neutralize unsafe spaces, and unite across differences. Through personal narrative, research, and actionable strategies, VanCort provides how-tos on combatting challenges like antimentors and microaggressions and gives advice for building up your “old girls” club, asking for what you're worth, and owning your space without apology.
Bold, fun, and enlightening, this book is birthed from VanCort's incredible story. Having a mother with schizophrenia forced VanCort to learn to be small and invisible at an early age, and suffering a traumatic brain injury as an adult required her to rethink communication from the ground up. Drawing on these experiences, and those of real women everywhere, VanCort empowers women to claim space for themselves and for their sisters with courage, empathy, and conviction because “when we rise together, we rise so much higher.”
256 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2021
83 people are currently reading
1422 people want to read
About the author
Eliza VanCort
3 books32 followersEliza VanCort is the author of the bestselling book, A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space: Stand Tall. Raise Your Voice. Be Heard. Her book has received critical acclaim nationally and internationally - The United Kingdom’s “The Bookbag," gave it five stars saying, “Every woman should read this book. It could change your life.” Bookpal named it one of the “12 Women in Business Books by Todays Female Founders and History Makers.”
Eliza's writing has been featured national and internationally - including Forbes, Training Mag, The Education Report, and Booktrib. She has been featured in TV and print news media and dozens of popular podcasts, including Cheddar News, Parents Magazine, Talk Nerdy Podcast and People Magazine.
Before the pandemic she spent much of her time looking out the window of airplanes, flying throughout the country and the world giving talks and running workshops on communications, career and workplace issues, and women’s empowerment.
The founder of The Actor's Workshop of Ithaca, Eliza is also a Cook House Fellow at Cornell University, an advisory board member of the Performing Arts for Social Change, and a member of Govern For America's League of Innovators, in addition to giving a well received TED talk. She’s also a parent of four fantastic humans - her nephew, two sons and her daughter, and is a proud sci fi nerd.
Her most exciting book launch moment was when Bookpal created a list of 10 Business Books by Star Wars Personas, and her book got Princess Leia, saying, "Leia is a woman in a man’s world, but she is confident in her place and commands attention, much like Eliza VanCort teaches in A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space. In the book, VanCort gives advice for asking for what you’re worth and owning your space without apology."
Eliza's writing has been featured national and internationally - including Forbes, Training Mag, The Education Report, and Booktrib. She has been featured in TV and print news media and dozens of popular podcasts, including Cheddar News, Parents Magazine, Talk Nerdy Podcast and People Magazine.
Before the pandemic she spent much of her time looking out the window of airplanes, flying throughout the country and the world giving talks and running workshops on communications, career and workplace issues, and women’s empowerment.
The founder of The Actor's Workshop of Ithaca, Eliza is also a Cook House Fellow at Cornell University, an advisory board member of the Performing Arts for Social Change, and a member of Govern For America's League of Innovators, in addition to giving a well received TED talk. She’s also a parent of four fantastic humans - her nephew, two sons and her daughter, and is a proud sci fi nerd.
Her most exciting book launch moment was when Bookpal created a list of 10 Business Books by Star Wars Personas, and her book got Princess Leia, saying, "Leia is a woman in a man’s world, but she is confident in her place and commands attention, much like Eliza VanCort teaches in A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space. In the book, VanCort gives advice for asking for what you’re worth and owning your space without apology."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 5, 2021
This book is marketed as revolutionary, and in so many ways it is. For me reading it, the critical message was one of an internal revolution inside me as an individual and as a woman, about flipping the script in my head - and then acting out in the real world in subtly but importantly different ways. I loved how this book gave concrete examples - “If you find yourself saying this a lot, say this instead.”
What was equally important to me, was that everything she suggests doing, is entirely appropriate for the workplace world. Despite the fact that she embraces the CFB label, following her script isn't likely to land you with a pink slip for crazy behavior (unless you have a completely old school misogynist for a boss, in which case long term you are better off) - in fact it's actually more likely to land you a promotion.
It's revolutionary, not because she is suggesting acting outside the overall norms of the workplace world - but because she is breaking down for us the secret code, the unwritten rules of power dynamics in professional relationships, so that we too can begin to claim our professional space.
The first half of the book gives lots of easy to understand, daily applicable, things that you can do to begin claiming your space in the world. As the book goes on, it tackles more complex, harder to grapple with issues. Things like anti-mentors and why the little white lies we tell harm us, as well as concrete ways to deal with dangers of the workplace from mansplaining and interruptions to harassment and bullying. And in the end it brings into focus intersectionality, and how we all need to be mindful of the extra layers of complexity that race, sexuality, and transgender identity can add to this, which is a sensitivity so important to the present professional environment.
Even for those lucky ones who already implement many of these techniques, seeing it all laid out in one place can help understand things that they already do but maybe don't fully understand how important that is or why it works. And for those frustrated as they find themselves passed over, pushed aside, or simply unnoticed, this is a revolutionary change to your life in the making. It's a great read for anyone trying to navigate the professional workplace - whether confident trail blazer or timid wallflower.
What was equally important to me, was that everything she suggests doing, is entirely appropriate for the workplace world. Despite the fact that she embraces the CFB label, following her script isn't likely to land you with a pink slip for crazy behavior (unless you have a completely old school misogynist for a boss, in which case long term you are better off) - in fact it's actually more likely to land you a promotion.
It's revolutionary, not because she is suggesting acting outside the overall norms of the workplace world - but because she is breaking down for us the secret code, the unwritten rules of power dynamics in professional relationships, so that we too can begin to claim our professional space.
The first half of the book gives lots of easy to understand, daily applicable, things that you can do to begin claiming your space in the world. As the book goes on, it tackles more complex, harder to grapple with issues. Things like anti-mentors and why the little white lies we tell harm us, as well as concrete ways to deal with dangers of the workplace from mansplaining and interruptions to harassment and bullying. And in the end it brings into focus intersectionality, and how we all need to be mindful of the extra layers of complexity that race, sexuality, and transgender identity can add to this, which is a sensitivity so important to the present professional environment.
Even for those lucky ones who already implement many of these techniques, seeing it all laid out in one place can help understand things that they already do but maybe don't fully understand how important that is or why it works. And for those frustrated as they find themselves passed over, pushed aside, or simply unnoticed, this is a revolutionary change to your life in the making. It's a great read for anyone trying to navigate the professional workplace - whether confident trail blazer or timid wallflower.
May 7, 2021
This book is for every woman done with being overlooked and ready to step into their power. I loved this book! I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy and enjoyed the journey. From body language to words to real concrete actions, this book is practical in every way. It's funny, vulnerable and powerful. There aren't very many people who'd be willing to give women practical advice about how to take a position of power, but in this book Eliza does just that. She also shares where she's failed and had to learn herself. Eliza is relatable and that makes the book like talking to a girlfriend. I highly recommend this book to any woman.
April 22, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book. Eliza brilliantly, honestly, and with great wit and humor details the issues and complexities of being a woman in the modern age, as well as the triumph and power potential that is inherent in every woman. But make no mistake, "A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space" is not just a book exclusively for women. To my fellow dudes out there, there is much for us to learn and be conscious of as we attempt to move towards a more equal and just future. This book enlightened me to aspects of femininity I had never thought of, or knew of quite frankly. If you want to be a better ally, a better boss, a better friend, son, father...read this book.
January 13, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book because I was asked to provide early feedback. I'm so grateful that I was included because it's a life changing and accessible piece of work that every single woman - and really, person of any gender - should read. There is so much to be gained from the advice and it can be put into practice immediately. As I'm a woman of color, I deeply appreciated that Eliza VanCort recognizes her own privilege and has very clearly outlined how White people can be allies and supporters, how "woke" is not the best term because it implies that anti-racist work is finished, and I loved how she included the voices of many women of color in her book. This is a MUST read.
April 27, 2021
This is the best book i've read in a while. It made me think, laugh, and cry my eyes out. It taught me and encouraged me in ways I didn't know I could be. I'm thankful for the index so I can revisit this book for particular topics in the future. I have already started recommending this book to women I know, and will continue to do so. Add this read to your list this year, claim your space, and more importantly, learn how you can empower other women.
May 3, 2021
Fabulous book written on topics that need to be discussed out in the open. Eliza describes stories that can be related and help understand the point she is referring to (without giving away to much of the book)! It is a must read not only for women, young women about to the leap away from home and into the workforce but also Men!
May 6, 2021
The COVID pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, but we women have been impacted in ways unique to our gender. Eliza Van Cort’s new book is a lifeline for all women who are seeking enhanced wellbeing and success during this tumultuous time. Van Cort’s meticulously crafted A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space was written in order to show individual women how to lift themselves up, quite literally (there is a lot of great information on heightening your posture and body language).
A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space was also written to inspire women to lift one another up. Ms. Van Cort employs anecdotes in a manner which demonstrates that the ability of each woman to claim space is tied to her ability to network with other women. If you are imaging a slick, corporate, self-help manual written by a corner office exec., then you will be delightfully surprised! Listening to Ms. Van Cort read her book is like discovering a new best friend. She is funny. She is uncompromising. She is nobody’s fool. A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space is part memoir, part manifesto. This writer’s goal is nothing short of starting a movement. A movement of white women reaching out to women of color. A movement of women of color propping up other women of color, rather than competing for the same spot at the (white men’s) table.
Ms. Van Cort has coached all sorts of people. Throughout her career she has been especially focused on empowering women of color. She has been brought in by Professors of color at top Universities to do workshops with young women of color pursuing STEM fields. She has worked with at least one CEO on an actual private island. But her well-organized, good-humored advice is always the same. Don’t make yourself small. Use your voice strategically. Claim one armrest the next time you fly. (Let someone else have the other armrest.) Learn how to claim space in a way that makes the world a better place for you—and a better place for all of us who identify as women and girls.
I encourage you to listen to this book! You will love it. You will grow in unexpected, beautiful ways. And you will claim space. I certainly did!
A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space was also written to inspire women to lift one another up. Ms. Van Cort employs anecdotes in a manner which demonstrates that the ability of each woman to claim space is tied to her ability to network with other women. If you are imaging a slick, corporate, self-help manual written by a corner office exec., then you will be delightfully surprised! Listening to Ms. Van Cort read her book is like discovering a new best friend. She is funny. She is uncompromising. She is nobody’s fool. A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space is part memoir, part manifesto. This writer’s goal is nothing short of starting a movement. A movement of white women reaching out to women of color. A movement of women of color propping up other women of color, rather than competing for the same spot at the (white men’s) table.
Ms. Van Cort has coached all sorts of people. Throughout her career she has been especially focused on empowering women of color. She has been brought in by Professors of color at top Universities to do workshops with young women of color pursuing STEM fields. She has worked with at least one CEO on an actual private island. But her well-organized, good-humored advice is always the same. Don’t make yourself small. Use your voice strategically. Claim one armrest the next time you fly. (Let someone else have the other armrest.) Learn how to claim space in a way that makes the world a better place for you—and a better place for all of us who identify as women and girls.
I encourage you to listen to this book! You will love it. You will grow in unexpected, beautiful ways. And you will claim space. I certainly did!
March 25, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Random House - Berrett-Koehler Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I learned a lot from this book but if I am being honest, at first I was turned off by the book because of the tone and language approach Eliza VanCourt chose for this book. However, as I read on and was reminded of the concept of this book, I found the brilliance in this book of the factors of empowerment that we seem to forget and not even factor. We think of empowerment by words, tone and actions but never body language and the importance of posture and VanCourt puts in the effort to communicate its importance very well. We have a community of strong women in our library and I can't wait to share this book with them and have an enlightening discussion.
We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I learned a lot from this book but if I am being honest, at first I was turned off by the book because of the tone and language approach Eliza VanCourt chose for this book. However, as I read on and was reminded of the concept of this book, I found the brilliance in this book of the factors of empowerment that we seem to forget and not even factor. We think of empowerment by words, tone and actions but never body language and the importance of posture and VanCourt puts in the effort to communicate its importance very well. We have a community of strong women in our library and I can't wait to share this book with them and have an enlightening discussion.
We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
April 22, 2021
I was given an advance copy of this book as part of a pre-release book club. I typically do not read books like this, but was blown away by how approachable and useful this book was. It is a must-read for any female and any male who loves a female. Eliza's writing is practical, relatable, humble, funny, sobering, and intelligent.
The book identifies challenges faced by many people, but particular females (of all backgrounds) and provides:
- real-life (and relatable!) stories of these challenges;
- practical tips on physical behavior, language, and verbal behavior you can use;
- factors to consider when determining how to react in a situation; and
- insight into experiences by people of different backgrounds.
"A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space" is not a lecture. It is intensely human and acknowledges that we all will say the wrong thing and do the wrong thing at times; what's important is moving forward with strength and humanity.
The book identifies challenges faced by many people, but particular females (of all backgrounds) and provides:
- real-life (and relatable!) stories of these challenges;
- practical tips on physical behavior, language, and verbal behavior you can use;
- factors to consider when determining how to react in a situation; and
- insight into experiences by people of different backgrounds.
"A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space" is not a lecture. It is intensely human and acknowledges that we all will say the wrong thing and do the wrong thing at times; what's important is moving forward with strength and humanity.
May 11, 2021
I was given an advanced copy of Claiming Space by Eliza VanCort and was asked for an honest review. I read it and it was eye opening! Have you ever felt like you were not being heard? Have you ever stated an idea only to watch someone else get the credit? Have you experienced these things and thought, "Did that just happen or am I crazy?" You're not crazy! Claiming Space identifies these problems, gives them a name and actually offers you solutions! I have read this book from cover to cover, re-read specific sections, and will keep it as a go to book to help me when I'm not being heard. We have the power within ourselves to change how we present ourselves to others and Claiming Space teaches women (or anyone who's not being heard) how to be strong, confident communicators and to be HEARD! This book just might start a revolution! Read it, you will never regret purchasing Claiming Space!
April 22, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It resonated with me on so many levels and I think it will have an amazing impact on so many people not just women. There are so many layers of the onion pulled back on the experience of women and the human experience as a whole and ways to be better and do better. This book is full of resources and actionable steps to becoming a strong confident super hero of a woman and ally to all women!
I will be buying this for all my dear friends and family! I wish I had this book earlier in life. I believe it would have helped me see the abusive relationship I was in and given me the tools and strength I needed to escape it sooner. I plan to write my daughter a letter inside the book and give it to her when she is older.
I will be buying this for all my dear friends and family! I wish I had this book earlier in life. I believe it would have helped me see the abusive relationship I was in and given me the tools and strength I needed to escape it sooner. I plan to write my daughter a letter inside the book and give it to her when she is older.
March 4, 2021
This is an INCREDIBLE book! Many times throughout listening to an advance copy of the audiobook I found myself thinking of so many people I know who would be inspired by it. I will be buying several copies as gifts. If the material is completely new to you it will be a revelation, prepare to have your world expanded. If its stuff you've already gathered through lived experience, it will be an affirmation and a celebration. Strong women make the world go around! Thank you Eliza VanCort for claiming your rightful space and showing the world how it's done!
April 1, 2021
Received a galley copy of this book as part of a book club. Read it, and have pre-ordered 5 copies to give to my nieces, cousins and friends. While the book is directed at women, I found parts of it directly applicable to my life and communication skills. Most importantly, it helped me recognize obstacles I don’t have to confront, what I was doing that was likely limiting open communication with coworkers, and taught me how to be a better ally.
Buy this book for the women in your life, and give them the tools to be the superheroes the deserve to be.
Buy this book for the women in your life, and give them the tools to be the superheroes the deserve to be.
May 5, 2021
I LOVE This BOOK ❤️ You should keep this book in your at work , In the trunk of your car ! Why ? In order to truly rise we must lift others. This book is the book that lifts us up as we bring along our daughters, sisters, best friends and mothers. Teaching us how to claim space through our communication and to also physically claim space.
“ The best part is when we claim space for over selves, we can turn around and see the other women struggling like we once did and reach out our hands to them, arms, outstretched " Eliza VanCort
This book will change you in the best possible way !
“ The best part is when we claim space for over selves, we can turn around and see the other women struggling like we once did and reach out our hands to them, arms, outstretched " Eliza VanCort
This book will change you in the best possible way !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book because I was asked to provide early feedback. Eliza’s candor and ability to pull from her life and experiences, then unpack them so the reader can connect and own them, will resonate with anyone claiming space, working to claim space, or supporting others to claim space. What is “Claiming Space?” Order this book and you will understand and not be disappointed!
May 5, 2021
So many helpful tips in this! I use several of them every single day now. And wow did it open my eyes to some of what goes on when I or other women are interacting with men in professional settings... geez. This book really presents these issues more insightfully than I've seen anywhere else, and the advice for dealing with them is so clear and achievable. Highly recommend for any woman whether you're a professional or just trying to buy a dang car.
February 5, 2021
I got an advance copy of this book and its awesome! Its a great guide for women who want to have real, concrete strategies for making progress in their career (and lives!). The book explains how, even if you spent a lot of time working to be invisible, you can still stand tall and claim space! Highly recommend!
May 5, 2021
I read this book and then I bought a copy for my wife, my daughter, my niece, my other niece, my mother, and all three of my sisters.
From posture in the boardroom to dealing with unhealthy behaviors in relationships Eliza VanCort lays it all out.
So if there is a woman in your life that needs a step by step guide to being a boss a$$ b!tch then look look no further.
From posture in the boardroom to dealing with unhealthy behaviors in relationships Eliza VanCort lays it all out.
So if there is a woman in your life that needs a step by step guide to being a boss a$$ b!tch then look look no further.
May 5, 2021
I highly recommend this book for anyone and everyone! Step outside of yourself and read this with an open mind. Then step back into yourself and read this with that open mind. Practical and clear, thought-provoking and smart, I am eager to read this again!
April 8, 2021
I highly recommend this book for you as well as your daughters, nieces or any other young women that you know.
April 23, 2021
This book is a must read for any woman who is interested in raising others up, including themselves. Eliza uses visuals, humor, and concrete methods to empower her readers.
April 23, 2021
This book is the read we ALL need in our current climate. Really great perspective, stories from experience and thought provocative calls to action. I'd put this on a must read list for everyone!
May 11, 2021
This is the kind of book that you read and say, "Yes! Yes! Yes!” and, “Why haven't I been able to put this into words myself?" Eliza VanCort articulates many of the feelings and experiences that women have known for ages, but distills them into keen insights while offering practical advice on how to overcome the social conditioning that keeps women from claiming power.
Moreover, VanCort does not limit her analysis to insights about gender; she discusses intersectionality and acknowledges the privilege that straight white women experience. She encourages the reader to self-examine and recognize these inequalities, and how to change one’s own behavior to be an ally who helps uplift all women.
This book delivers so much helpful advice in a humorous and relatable voice. Not only does it offer excellent insights, it is also a very entertaining read. I highly recommend it to everyone and anyone interested in gender dynamics and/or communication (or even those who aren’t—there is something to learn for everyone.)
I will certainly pass this book on to many others in my life. It provides indispensable advice for anyone who wants to change the world for the better. So empowering! Thank you, Eliza. I treasure this book!
Moreover, VanCort does not limit her analysis to insights about gender; she discusses intersectionality and acknowledges the privilege that straight white women experience. She encourages the reader to self-examine and recognize these inequalities, and how to change one’s own behavior to be an ally who helps uplift all women.
This book delivers so much helpful advice in a humorous and relatable voice. Not only does it offer excellent insights, it is also a very entertaining read. I highly recommend it to everyone and anyone interested in gender dynamics and/or communication (or even those who aren’t—there is something to learn for everyone.)
I will certainly pass this book on to many others in my life. It provides indispensable advice for anyone who wants to change the world for the better. So empowering! Thank you, Eliza. I treasure this book!
May 2, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book, and I feel very fortunate to have received the opportunity. This is a powerful book that helps to put feelings and situations, that many (all?) women face at different times in life, into words. The book gives concrete examples of how to approach these situations to come out the other side feeling strong and empowered. She will make you think about how you are approaching your life, in a very good way. I have pre-ordered a number of copies of the book to share with dear friends to continue this conversation. I finished this book feeling enlightened and ready for more from her! Book 2 please!
May 11, 2021
Heartfelt, gut-wrenchingly honest, and unabashedly authentic. A must-read for every woman and required reading for men. Eliza grapples with the difficulty of owning your voice when centuries of history have forced women to silence themselves and delivers actionable tips that make for better conversations and relationships. The best part? Eliza knows the best way to claim space is together. We're a community that is made to build each other up and rock the world, one crazy feminist bitch at a time.
May 13, 2021
This is a book for everyone although the stated audience is women. There are many writings about how things are unequal, but there are fewer practical guides for how to understand and master power dynamics. But this book is not only about a scarcity mindset, it also talks about abundance mentality and networking. Let's face it, a lot of life is how we act, and who better than an acting instructor to cut to the chase of what communication and techniques really command a room.
May 10, 2021
Loved this book. What a direct, clear and impassioned vision for women. Everyone should read it. I highly recommend!
December 27, 2023
While this book had some great tips, I personally felt it was overwritten. It seemed liked the author was still trying to sell the reader her book even though I was already reading it. There were lots of phrases like “this five minute trick changed the life of these women!” and I felt this was so unnecessary. It reads like the actual tips didn’t take too long to describe, so they threw in a lot of filler to turn this into a book.
Beyond that, the author is clearly writing from an urbanite upper middle-class perspective. To her credit, while she acknowledges the limitations of her own perspective on this topic, she also recommends women hire a speech coach! (This is in addition to pilates and a personal trainer.) Such advice just screams out of touch when the vast majority of women absolutely cannot afford all these “tips.”
There are certainly helpful tips in this book and it will serve women within the author’s own demographic well, but it unfortunately fell short of what I was hoping for in a book like this.
Beyond that, the author is clearly writing from an urbanite upper middle-class perspective. To her credit, while she acknowledges the limitations of her own perspective on this topic, she also recommends women hire a speech coach! (This is in addition to pilates and a personal trainer.) Such advice just screams out of touch when the vast majority of women absolutely cannot afford all these “tips.”
There are certainly helpful tips in this book and it will serve women within the author’s own demographic well, but it unfortunately fell short of what I was hoping for in a book like this.
February 21, 2024
I had this book on my shelves for months before in a massive life-altering reset (after having to restart my life, losing a service animal to renal failure, caretaking an elderly grandmother with dementia, and ending a relationship I was 'certain' was 'the one') my boss at work kindly reminded me that this book exists. We were having a discussion in our 1:1 about how I wasn't sure why I backslid into a regression of apologizing for existing. And wondering how I got here. This book was gently nudged again.
I finally picked it up. I'm so glad I did.
After laughing, learning, reassessing, rumbling, struggling, and yelling profound affirmations to no one but the cab of my car while listening to the recording (affirmations that sounded a lot like "F*** YA I'M A G**D*** LIVING SUPERHERO!") this book gave me both what I needed and what I had inside myself already, all along.
If there's any indication of how this book impacted me, I'll leave my review by stating only that I am now the proud owner of a shirt that reads 'Such a nasty woman" and "I'm that bitch" both in beautiful cursive across the chest.
Thank you, Eliza. You are so, so appreciated. ❤️
I finally picked it up. I'm so glad I did.
After laughing, learning, reassessing, rumbling, struggling, and yelling profound affirmations to no one but the cab of my car while listening to the recording (affirmations that sounded a lot like "F*** YA I'M A G**D*** LIVING SUPERHERO!") this book gave me both what I needed and what I had inside myself already, all along.
If there's any indication of how this book impacted me, I'll leave my review by stating only that I am now the proud owner of a shirt that reads 'Such a nasty woman" and "I'm that bitch" both in beautiful cursive across the chest.
Thank you, Eliza. You are so, so appreciated. ❤️
June 8, 2021
Great, practical advice. Like stepping into a lively, honest conversation with a “claim your space pro,” reading Eliza VanCort’s new book is what working women want and need. A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space is exactly what the title predicates, and readers will not be disappointed. The black and red lettering on the cover are proud commands: “Stand Tall. Raise Your Voice. Be Heard.” But they are essentially internal commands, coming from the woman reminding herself, giving herself permission to respond powerfully within a patriarchy that has yet to relinquish its grip on power.
VanCort’s book is a fast, easy, fun (there are cartoons and graphics!), and highly insightful read. When you are a working woman, you are likely juggling many responsibilities and demands on your time. This book is not one of the demands. Rather, it is an ally for women and people of color. In fact, Claiming Space offers many helpful suggestions for ways in which women can “forge connections” and “claim space collaboratively.” VanCort is not suggesting a you go in as a “one-woman army,” but, rather, she instructs how to “create a [work] space that is welcoming for all. A space where we can raise each other up.”
It is difficult not to recognize yourself in the scenarios VanCort relates in the process of demonstrating practical techniques for responding to inequalities—both sexist and racist—found in the workplace. If you didn’t know the terms and psychology behind the power dynamics before, VanCort helps you identify them, and you will be far better equipped to respond to the microaggressions you face.
You certainly can’t be a woman who works and not find VanCort’s guide helpful, even exactly what is needed. I will be passing Claiming Space along to other women who will likely share with their colleagues.
VanCort’s book is a fast, easy, fun (there are cartoons and graphics!), and highly insightful read. When you are a working woman, you are likely juggling many responsibilities and demands on your time. This book is not one of the demands. Rather, it is an ally for women and people of color. In fact, Claiming Space offers many helpful suggestions for ways in which women can “forge connections” and “claim space collaboratively.” VanCort is not suggesting a you go in as a “one-woman army,” but, rather, she instructs how to “create a [work] space that is welcoming for all. A space where we can raise each other up.”
It is difficult not to recognize yourself in the scenarios VanCort relates in the process of demonstrating practical techniques for responding to inequalities—both sexist and racist—found in the workplace. If you didn’t know the terms and psychology behind the power dynamics before, VanCort helps you identify them, and you will be far better equipped to respond to the microaggressions you face.
You certainly can’t be a woman who works and not find VanCort’s guide helpful, even exactly what is needed. I will be passing Claiming Space along to other women who will likely share with their colleagues.
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