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Take Back Your Power: 10 New Rules for Women at Work
You can't make the world fair, but you can take back your power. As a woman in Silicon Valley who worked her way to the top of the corporate ladder--she's a former VP at Facebook and the current president and CEO of Ancestry--Deborah Liu knows firsthand the challenges and obstacles in the workplace that keep the deck stacked against women in the workplace . . . and the ways to overcome them. For every woman who grew up competing on the uneven playing field, who is told she is too aggressive, assertive, dramatic, or emotional, this book is the battle cry you need to learn to thrive within the system that exists today, even if it's not the one we wish it were. Take Back Your Power presents both hard data and Liu's personal experiences from twenty years as a woman leader in the male-dominated tech industry to help You have the power to change the future of work for yourself--and for women everywhere.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
172 people are currently reading
5781 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 27, 2022
I could not resist a quick peek at the early copy of Deb Liu's book that appeared in my email ... and reluctantly closed it 3 chapters in. Deb's story mirrors mine - the expectations I've consciously and unconsciously adopted my whole life as a woman in the workplace. Most of all it stoked a burning need to change.
I'm excited to share it with other women and men. Heated and necessary discussion to follow. So I'm taking a different approach to this review. I'm sharing the ways in which reading this book is leading me to question my life and career in the hopes it sparks a new way of thinking for you too.
1. Have you ever been edged out due to your gender (or other part of your identity)? What are good ways you’ve seen this behavior be called out and/or changed?
2. Studies show children start to bias which gender they perceive to be a leader around age 5-6. What causes this? How do we counter this bias with our kids?
3. What biases are are the heart of the unequal system we are all in (both male and female)? We often take Genesis 2:18 that God created a helper for Adam way too literally!
4. What are some of the reasons women don’t get offered or take that critical first role as a manager? What can we each do to address these?
5. Women are expected to conform and fit the mold of what success looks like. What is success? How do you choose what to change and what not to in order to be effective?
6. How do we address the maternal bias penalty?
7. What is a “free pass?” You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take per Carol Isozaki a Silicon Valley executive coach and trainer. How many times have we not asked for what we wanted then wondered why we didn’t get it? If you aren’t hearing no often enough, you aren’t asking enough. What can you do to make every interaction count?
8. What worked up to this point in college (delivering silently/invisibly) no longer did. What does speaking up and speaking out look like? Being present means being heard.
9. When you are different from those around you, your point of view will often seem out of step with others. This is a strength not a liability. It helps us build better products at work. Talk about a time when you’ve shut down your voice/difference to fit in.
10. What is your dream? What non-linear path may you need to take? Success is now defined by crafting something unique and new.
*My honest review made possible by an advanced copy shared by Deb and her team at Ancestry.
I'm excited to share it with other women and men. Heated and necessary discussion to follow. So I'm taking a different approach to this review. I'm sharing the ways in which reading this book is leading me to question my life and career in the hopes it sparks a new way of thinking for you too.
1. Have you ever been edged out due to your gender (or other part of your identity)? What are good ways you’ve seen this behavior be called out and/or changed?
2. Studies show children start to bias which gender they perceive to be a leader around age 5-6. What causes this? How do we counter this bias with our kids?
3. What biases are are the heart of the unequal system we are all in (both male and female)? We often take Genesis 2:18 that God created a helper for Adam way too literally!
4. What are some of the reasons women don’t get offered or take that critical first role as a manager? What can we each do to address these?
5. Women are expected to conform and fit the mold of what success looks like. What is success? How do you choose what to change and what not to in order to be effective?
6. How do we address the maternal bias penalty?
7. What is a “free pass?” You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take per Carol Isozaki a Silicon Valley executive coach and trainer. How many times have we not asked for what we wanted then wondered why we didn’t get it? If you aren’t hearing no often enough, you aren’t asking enough. What can you do to make every interaction count?
8. What worked up to this point in college (delivering silently/invisibly) no longer did. What does speaking up and speaking out look like? Being present means being heard.
9. When you are different from those around you, your point of view will often seem out of step with others. This is a strength not a liability. It helps us build better products at work. Talk about a time when you’ve shut down your voice/difference to fit in.
10. What is your dream? What non-linear path may you need to take? Success is now defined by crafting something unique and new.
*My honest review made possible by an advanced copy shared by Deb and her team at Ancestry.
August 13, 2022
This would be a great read for women early in their careers; that point when you know that something isn’t right, but you aren’t sure how to articulate it and what you can do within the realm of your own agency.
As someone who has been reading, thinking, and attempting to deal with all of this for a decade, I didn’t find that this book offered anything new: speak up, find strength in other women, find your voice and your superpower, and so on. I’d love to have a conversation with the author to go deeper - she has certainly had a tremendous career and surely has a lot of wisdom.
As someone who has been reading, thinking, and attempting to deal with all of this for a decade, I didn’t find that this book offered anything new: speak up, find strength in other women, find your voice and your superpower, and so on. I’d love to have a conversation with the author to go deeper - she has certainly had a tremendous career and surely has a lot of wisdom.
September 28, 2023
The title and premise of this book are misaligned with the content. In the afterword, Liu states that she wishes she could write a book about how we should work together to fix the broken system [that biases workplaces against women]. I argue that this book is more about that than it is a guide for taking back your power.
Throughout the book, Liu provides anecdotes from her own life (and those of other women in the tech industry). For her own there is an enduring theme: an inability to speak up for herself. Consistently, she related stories that spanned her career from early experiences to being the CEO of a major company; and in all of them, when she was diminished by a man, she didn’t know what to do. She always relied on her male allies to speak up for her.
How is that taking back your power?
I paused the book about 3/4 the way through, asking myself how someone could achieve such professional success while simultaneously not learning to self-advocate. I realized the answer is in this book. She’s relied on her mentors and champions to not only open doors for her but to then convince her to walk through them. It’s as if no level of achievement provides her confidence.
How is that taking back your power?
For me, the takeaway from this book is to speak up for women when they can’t (or won’t) speak up for themselves. Strength in numbers. Use your power to uplift those without power. And women, for the love of all that’s beautiful in the world, believe in yourselves. Have confidence, especially when you’re in a high-level position. You’ve earned it!
If you’re being diminished and don’t know how to respond, ask a question. If you’re a CEO in a meeting with another CEO who’s pitching his company for a potential acquisition, and he only addresses your male colleague, ask him a question related to that. You hold the power in that meeting. Feigning dumbness and letting your male colleague explain you’re the CEO is ceding your power.
A couple nitpicks about the audiobook: First, a professional narrator would have been good. Liu often pauses mid-sentence, perhaps finding her place after a line return. She also often mumbles through some words, as if she’s started to say the wrong word and sort of trips over herself in the correction. These were frequent.
Second, this is the first audiobook (of very many) where I’ve heard an narrator say “quote [whatever was said] unquote” for everything between quotation marks. This book is FULL of quotes. Not just famous ones, but Liu recounts conversations from years prior and quotes them as if reading a transcript, which is itself odd. As a result, “quote” and “unquote” are likely the two most frequently appearing words in the audiobook. I found this very distracting.
Overall, this book doesn’t offer anything new. It’s previously published data, ideas, and anecdotes presented intertwined with the author’s own experiences. That’s it. It doesn’t deliver on the promise of the title.
Throughout the book, Liu provides anecdotes from her own life (and those of other women in the tech industry). For her own there is an enduring theme: an inability to speak up for herself. Consistently, she related stories that spanned her career from early experiences to being the CEO of a major company; and in all of them, when she was diminished by a man, she didn’t know what to do. She always relied on her male allies to speak up for her.
How is that taking back your power?
I paused the book about 3/4 the way through, asking myself how someone could achieve such professional success while simultaneously not learning to self-advocate. I realized the answer is in this book. She’s relied on her mentors and champions to not only open doors for her but to then convince her to walk through them. It’s as if no level of achievement provides her confidence.
How is that taking back your power?
For me, the takeaway from this book is to speak up for women when they can’t (or won’t) speak up for themselves. Strength in numbers. Use your power to uplift those without power. And women, for the love of all that’s beautiful in the world, believe in yourselves. Have confidence, especially when you’re in a high-level position. You’ve earned it!
If you’re being diminished and don’t know how to respond, ask a question. If you’re a CEO in a meeting with another CEO who’s pitching his company for a potential acquisition, and he only addresses your male colleague, ask him a question related to that. You hold the power in that meeting. Feigning dumbness and letting your male colleague explain you’re the CEO is ceding your power.
A couple nitpicks about the audiobook: First, a professional narrator would have been good. Liu often pauses mid-sentence, perhaps finding her place after a line return. She also often mumbles through some words, as if she’s started to say the wrong word and sort of trips over herself in the correction. These were frequent.
Second, this is the first audiobook (of very many) where I’ve heard an narrator say “quote [whatever was said] unquote” for everything between quotation marks. This book is FULL of quotes. Not just famous ones, but Liu recounts conversations from years prior and quotes them as if reading a transcript, which is itself odd. As a result, “quote” and “unquote” are likely the two most frequently appearing words in the audiobook. I found this very distracting.
Overall, this book doesn’t offer anything new. It’s previously published data, ideas, and anecdotes presented intertwined with the author’s own experiences. That’s it. It doesn’t deliver on the promise of the title.
September 28, 2022
There were no surprises here for me, so I can't say that I took anything away from this one that I haven't already been exposed to. This book is full of great examples of strong women from different areas of life who have lived into these "new rules" and overcome great obstacles. Nothing wrong with that - it just wasn't quite what I expected, and I found myself becoming a little "immune" to the stories strung together without application reminders.
Like others who have reviewed this, I would suggest this is better suited for women just starting out in their careers even though the topic of later-in-life changes is addressed near the end of the book.
Like others who have reviewed this, I would suggest this is better suited for women just starting out in their careers even though the topic of later-in-life changes is addressed near the end of the book.
May 30, 2022
Loved this book! It opened my eyes to hurdles women go through in the workplace that I did not realize. This book also helps navigate through those hurdles.
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this and it’s one of the best women empowerment/women in the workforce books I’ve read in a long time. I don’t know if it’s something I will refer back to incredibly often (hence the four stars) but I loved the many stories of women in tech and business Liu brought it and definitely recommend it to all my career girlies!!
November 1, 2022
I found this book an incredibly valuable read for three main reasons.
1) There is a lot of practical advice
2) It really displays why one should always ask for opportunities instead of choosing to let them go
And if nothing else, the main reason I feel everyone should read this book
3) It describes and gives the personal stories of many successful women within the tech and other male dominated industries. Typically, one hears the success of male CEOs in these fields, but this book really shines a light on the women who carved a path for themselves within these fields.
1) There is a lot of practical advice
2) It really displays why one should always ask for opportunities instead of choosing to let them go
And if nothing else, the main reason I feel everyone should read this book
3) It describes and gives the personal stories of many successful women within the tech and other male dominated industries. Typically, one hears the success of male CEOs in these fields, but this book really shines a light on the women who carved a path for themselves within these fields.
August 28, 2022
Its fine. Maybe better suited to those just starting out in their professional careers, but for someone who has been reading and seeking our this type of insight for years - i haven’t learned anything new. The stories in the book pull extensively from her PayPal and Facebook network so they’re a bit insular but those were cool to read.
July 16, 2023
not a solution for long term societal change but useful and encouraging for young women starting out in the workforce
January 23, 2023
This book isn't just about how unfair the workplace is (although facts in the book could make the argument). But a reminder through inspirational stories that while you can't change everything, you have more power than you think. We all have a unique voice, a story, and a path to craft. A powerful path 👏
March 26, 2023
It feels like the book is more aimed at junior employees as the author talks about speaking up in meetings and finding one’s own voice. Some issues women face in the workplace are also only talked about superficially.
February 7, 2023
Makes you dislike men even more
November 16, 2023
3.5 - Work book group #1. Listened to it rather than read (probably wouldn’t have finished it if I read). Loved the anecdotes
March 12, 2023
Still a good reminder of things you probably already know. May be better for those earlier in their careers. I especially like Rule #10!
August 18, 2022
3.5 rounded up for this one. I loved Lean In when it came out several years ago and this is a great refresher to continue to empower women in the workforce. I appreciated the brevity but thoroughness Liu uses to make her points. I was a little turned off by the, seemingly, continued promotion of how great a company Facebook is but I understood the examples she was using to support her points. Overall, this is a good reminder that there's still a lot more work to do!
Thanks to Librofm and Harper Audio for access to this audiobook. My thoughts are my own.
My reviews can also be seen at www.instagram.com/justonemoorebook.
Thanks to Librofm and Harper Audio for access to this audiobook. My thoughts are my own.
My reviews can also be seen at www.instagram.com/justonemoorebook.
March 15, 2023
I finished this book in 2 days and thoroughly enjoyed it (smooth read). What sets this book apart from "Lean In" is that there are so many ways to take back your power and there are actionable items and anecdotes to prove the possibility. For me, power could be within the house, could be in the workplace or anywhere you want to be in control as the driver of your life. I truly loved the conflict drama between Deborah and Andrew Boz, as well as her love stories/marriage life with David Liu. Deborah overcame quite a lot of challenges in her life (Chinese immigrant in the South, as well as an introvert in tech) and I am very happy to kinda know her as well (she follows my LinkedIn newsletter if that counts? lol).
June 10, 2023
Challenges of women in workplace is an uncomfortable topic for me. As a software engineer, I've not felt like I've been treated unfairly (not too seriously, at least). So, it's always difficult to relate to books that talk about how corporate life is more difficult for women. And this book is pretty recent, hence reflective of current time, hence had to be checked out.
The premise of this book is very promising. Here is a woman with great accolades, comes from a hard working immigrant background and above all is a leader in her field, she must really know something. And yes, she does but was it helpful? I'm still in two minds about that.
She makes a lot of observations about what is it like to be a women in the industry, that seem quite plausible. Girls are bossy and boys are praised as leaders. Women are seen as leaders if they are competent and warm. Because of the whole diversity angle, women are made to believe they got an opportunity only because of their gender which puts extra pressure to prove oneself. There's an expectation from mothers which is not there for fathers. Men get more direct feedback, women are called emotional or abrasive.
Some things I'd take back - treating speaking up as a learned skill (keeping count of how many time I speak in meetings/classes), forgiveness at workplace (write your story on a paper and then tear it up - I am very skeptical about this, but am curious to try). I really liked the part about having an open discussions about your responsibilities with your partner rather than falling into assumed roles.
Each chapter is immersed with stories of brilliant women who have done great in their respective fields. Reading these was great for motivation they weren't really relatable. Women with great academic backgrounds, working as VCs and CEOs who were driven to do great things. I didn't relate to that as a person in the initial years of my career. I failed to see what motivated them and how did they push themselves despite the odds. I wish this were a memoir and not a self help book, I would've appreciated it more.
So in conclusion, I applaud the Deborah's career trajectory, but given I am not in that stage in my career I probably was not the right audience for this book. After reading this book, I understand the challenges women face in workplace on a personal front (when they start a family) and it's great to have this foresight. But I don't have very strong takeaways in terms dealing with issues you would face as a women in the workplace.
(I was inclined to rate this 2 but out of respect for all the amazing women stories that were worth reading in there I went with a 3 instead)
The premise of this book is very promising. Here is a woman with great accolades, comes from a hard working immigrant background and above all is a leader in her field, she must really know something. And yes, she does but was it helpful? I'm still in two minds about that.
She makes a lot of observations about what is it like to be a women in the industry, that seem quite plausible. Girls are bossy and boys are praised as leaders. Women are seen as leaders if they are competent and warm. Because of the whole diversity angle, women are made to believe they got an opportunity only because of their gender which puts extra pressure to prove oneself. There's an expectation from mothers which is not there for fathers. Men get more direct feedback, women are called emotional or abrasive.
Some things I'd take back - treating speaking up as a learned skill (keeping count of how many time I speak in meetings/classes), forgiveness at workplace (write your story on a paper and then tear it up - I am very skeptical about this, but am curious to try). I really liked the part about having an open discussions about your responsibilities with your partner rather than falling into assumed roles.
Each chapter is immersed with stories of brilliant women who have done great in their respective fields. Reading these was great for motivation they weren't really relatable. Women with great academic backgrounds, working as VCs and CEOs who were driven to do great things. I didn't relate to that as a person in the initial years of my career. I failed to see what motivated them and how did they push themselves despite the odds. I wish this were a memoir and not a self help book, I would've appreciated it more.
So in conclusion, I applaud the Deborah's career trajectory, but given I am not in that stage in my career I probably was not the right audience for this book. After reading this book, I understand the challenges women face in workplace on a personal front (when they start a family) and it's great to have this foresight. But I don't have very strong takeaways in terms dealing with issues you would face as a women in the workplace.
(I was inclined to rate this 2 but out of respect for all the amazing women stories that were worth reading in there I went with a 3 instead)
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March 21, 2025This book is mistitled, but it does have some powerful anecdotes and stories that give us food for thought. It's essentially a memoir of key decision points in the author's professional life including her decision to marry her husband and the way they manage that relationship from a practical standpoint of household management. I found it interesting and she has a lot to share, but something about the way it's packaged is just a little off. There's not a lot of power taking and there aren't a lot of new rules. However it does give a lot of insight into lessons for emerging in Future Leaders especially women in male-dominated fields. It's probably of interest to men leaders as well. She doesn't give perfect examples like you often have in these type of business leadership books, in one case she describing a long-term relationship with a colleague/boss that was quite fraught, but the ways in which they found resolution seem really realistic and encouraging. She's been part of a lot of incredible companies and is actually humble about the fact that she must be very smart to be able to dive in repeatedly two areas where she lacks expertise and find her way. I also think I understand better the importance of product strategy/management, previously I'd read a wonderful book by Martina Lauchengko about product marketing called Loved, and I really wonder if there could be a sort of collab mini MBA book of women leaders with a chapter for each key area like operations, human resources marketing, product management, Finance Etc
She also has a lot of practical advice on how to set goals, be a builder take on risk, develop extrovert skills for leadership with intention, develop relationships with mentors sponsors, teams and circles. She defines each and their role in "taking back your power", and advancing in career growth and promotion. She's clearly practiced in these relationships and it would have been great to hear more about how to find mentors/sponsors since she admits that ideally you are chosen/tapped or referred.
Turning a mentor into a sponsor..
I think her advice on marriage is helpful for young people in new relationships.
My one caveat is that there is a lot of her Christian viewpoints that seeps through. It's in positive ways and she is not without criticism, but if you are uncomfortable with bible quotes etc. be warned.
She also has a lot of practical advice on how to set goals, be a builder take on risk, develop extrovert skills for leadership with intention, develop relationships with mentors sponsors, teams and circles. She defines each and their role in "taking back your power", and advancing in career growth and promotion. She's clearly practiced in these relationships and it would have been great to hear more about how to find mentors/sponsors since she admits that ideally you are chosen/tapped or referred.
Turning a mentor into a sponsor..
I think her advice on marriage is helpful for young people in new relationships.
My one caveat is that there is a lot of her Christian viewpoints that seeps through. It's in positive ways and she is not without criticism, but if you are uncomfortable with bible quotes etc. be warned.
December 18, 2022
As a woman who joined the technology sector about six months ago, I thought it would be good for me to read a non-fiction book about work by a woman in tech. I heard Deborah Liu on a couple of podcasts, and her story struck me as one that I might learn quite a bit from about women in tech, the private sector, and the corporate world more generally.
I enjoyed the examples specific to tech and Liu's views on product development and taking calculated risks, as well as her personal story as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry. But, here's my problem with this book: I didn't feel like the 10 rules she explored here were "new" by any means. Finding your voice, moving around instead of up, mentors vs. sponsors, finding balance at home and the struggles of the "second shift" for women -- these are all things that people have been talking about for years. Most of what is in this book as far as advice is concerned was all something that I had read before, just perhaps not from the tech sector lens.
If you haven't read other books like this and/or if you're really early in your career in general - not necessarily within corporate or tech - then I think there is a lot of value here. But if you have read this type of book a handful of times before, I'm not sure you'll find anything new here. In any case, it was still good to have yet another strong, smart, brave woman in my ears for a handful of hours.
I enjoyed the examples specific to tech and Liu's views on product development and taking calculated risks, as well as her personal story as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry. But, here's my problem with this book: I didn't feel like the 10 rules she explored here were "new" by any means. Finding your voice, moving around instead of up, mentors vs. sponsors, finding balance at home and the struggles of the "second shift" for women -- these are all things that people have been talking about for years. Most of what is in this book as far as advice is concerned was all something that I had read before, just perhaps not from the tech sector lens.
If you haven't read other books like this and/or if you're really early in your career in general - not necessarily within corporate or tech - then I think there is a lot of value here. But if you have read this type of book a handful of times before, I'm not sure you'll find anything new here. In any case, it was still good to have yet another strong, smart, brave woman in my ears for a handful of hours.
January 6, 2023
I wish this book existed a long time ago! Though written for women at work, I think anyone who feels marginalized or stuck in their career will find the 10 rules to take back your power valuable. It's a great book for allies to read too and think about how you might sponsor others to be successful. The book is filled with captivating stories from Deb's perspective at Paypal and at Meta, with a few from her current role as CEO at Ancestry as well.
This book touched me deeply because the challenges faced by Deb were more like ones faced by me and my other women friends in tech, emerging from a low to middle class background, trying to balance work and family and forging ahead where you aren't like any one else and you don't always feel like you fit in or belong. Over time, I have seen many friends leave tech - when they were unable to balance work and family commitments or when they found themselves passed over once again for opportunity or promotion. Good friends have turned bitter over how hard they worked to get ahead only to hit a brick wall as they got nearer to the C suite. This book provides some new tools that would have helped my friends and myself have a less frustrating and more impactful time in tech and I believe this book is a gift for the future. With a daughter also working in tech, I'm glad this book exists. (In fact, my daughter recommended this book to me.)
This book touched me deeply because the challenges faced by Deb were more like ones faced by me and my other women friends in tech, emerging from a low to middle class background, trying to balance work and family and forging ahead where you aren't like any one else and you don't always feel like you fit in or belong. Over time, I have seen many friends leave tech - when they were unable to balance work and family commitments or when they found themselves passed over once again for opportunity or promotion. Good friends have turned bitter over how hard they worked to get ahead only to hit a brick wall as they got nearer to the C suite. This book provides some new tools that would have helped my friends and myself have a less frustrating and more impactful time in tech and I believe this book is a gift for the future. With a daughter also working in tech, I'm glad this book exists. (In fact, my daughter recommended this book to me.)
June 20, 2023
Deborah starts the book by telling how the workforce is not a level field for women and lays out some hard truths. In the remaining chapters she gives advice on how can we tackle the biases as a working woman, especially in tech.
I really liked some hard hitting truths she mentioned - for example how your manager will be biased towards you if you look like them and think like them, and thus emphasizes the importance of diversity.
I loved the many, many examples of struggles, successes and failures of women in workforce, including Deborah's own story. It is inspiring to read about people like Dr Ellen Ochoa (first Latin woman to go in space), Abigail Wen (author of Loveboat, Taipei), Dr CC Lee (developed bili-ruler).
I would say the book is focussed a lot on tech women (lots of stories about her time at Ebay and Facebook), if that is not you - I'm not sure you will be able to relate a lot with the instances mentioned in the book.
Being a working woman in tech, I did take few learnings about this book. If nothing else, it is definitely a reminder to not give myself a free pass. A reminder that my opinions matter, a reminder to ask myself - "why not me?"
I really liked some hard hitting truths she mentioned - for example how your manager will be biased towards you if you look like them and think like them, and thus emphasizes the importance of diversity.
I loved the many, many examples of struggles, successes and failures of women in workforce, including Deborah's own story. It is inspiring to read about people like Dr Ellen Ochoa (first Latin woman to go in space), Abigail Wen (author of Loveboat, Taipei), Dr CC Lee (developed bili-ruler).
I would say the book is focussed a lot on tech women (lots of stories about her time at Ebay and Facebook), if that is not you - I'm not sure you will be able to relate a lot with the instances mentioned in the book.
Being a working woman in tech, I did take few learnings about this book. If nothing else, it is definitely a reminder to not give myself a free pass. A reminder that my opinions matter, a reminder to ask myself - "why not me?"
February 15, 2025
This was very motivating as a women in a male dominated career and who is someone constantly questioned by customers about product knowledge simply because of gender. Not only were the rules helpful in establishing yourself in your field but I really loved the stories of other women climbing the ladder and kicking ass.
1. Know your playing field- be aware of unspoken rules and dynamics in your workplace.
2. Don't give yourself a free pass- avoid excuses
3. Chart your own course- define your goals
4. Amplify your superpower- utilize your unique skills.
5. Build your tribe- surround yourself with mentors and peers that support your growth.
6. Learn to ask- don't be afraid to ask for help and advocate for yourself.
7. Find your voice- be confident in communicating your ideas.
8. Refine "power"- understand that power is not about dominance but about influence.
9. Embrace feedback- be open to constructive criticism.
10. Create balance- Prioritize personal life while pursuing professional goals.
1. Know your playing field- be aware of unspoken rules and dynamics in your workplace.
2. Don't give yourself a free pass- avoid excuses
3. Chart your own course- define your goals
4. Amplify your superpower- utilize your unique skills.
5. Build your tribe- surround yourself with mentors and peers that support your growth.
6. Learn to ask- don't be afraid to ask for help and advocate for yourself.
7. Find your voice- be confident in communicating your ideas.
8. Refine "power"- understand that power is not about dominance but about influence.
9. Embrace feedback- be open to constructive criticism.
10. Create balance- Prioritize personal life while pursuing professional goals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
The author did a talk at work and had good general career advice and how to participate in meetings, so I decided to read the book. All the examples in the book were of highly capable people, VPs and other CEOs. It’s not a book for the average person. Still the examples of the author’s struggles were interesting enough for me to keep reading. She lost project ownership and felt stuck in her career like I do, just many ranks above.
The learn to forgive chapter is unique among all the career books I’ve read. Although her own example isn’t about resolving conflict, but having her enemy on her team changed their dynamics, the topic is still thought provoking.
The learn to forgive chapter is unique among all the career books I’ve read. Although her own example isn’t about resolving conflict, but having her enemy on her team changed their dynamics, the topic is still thought provoking.
May 29, 2023
This book was just okay. The writing itself is disjointed, the examples too brief or too irrelevant or too much a stretch for the points she was trying to get across. Just a lot of inspirational quotes put together. I think Deb has done really cool things, but she comes off weak in this book. Like, she didn’t talk in meetings because people kept interrupting her so she just didn’t until someone asked her why…it felt like so many lessons happened TO her not because she did anything directly. I went to a talk by her though and she sounded much stronger and more direct, and I was much more impressed. Wish that came through more in the book.
November 22, 2022
I listened to this book on audible and enjoyed hearing the author read her own work. This is a great reminder for women in the workplace to own their own destiny and not give away their power to others. It reminded me of the power of advocates when I am not in the room and about empowering fellow women. So much has changed over the years but we still have a long way to to. I liked how vulnerable the author was in sharing some of the struggles in her own career. I will give it a few years and listen again.
January 8, 2023
It pains me to give this 3 stars because of the level of respect I have for Deb Liu in her career and her voice. As a reader of her blog "Perspectives," I was excited to learn more from this book. Unfortunately, it reads as a second edition of "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg with a different set of anecdotes from individuals in the tech industry. Probably good for someone early in their career, and glad to see an Asian American leader writing so openly about her expriences, but I didn't feel like I gained many new insights from this.
May 22, 2023
Reading this book could not have come at a better time for me. The satisfaction of reading this book felt like having an impactful conversation with a good mentor. I really appreciate Deborah’s vulnerability and authenticity throughout this. I am ranking this as 4 stars because some chapters felts like echos of previous chapters. Additionally, no concepts in here were transformative nor revolutionary… rather it’s a summary of the formula what’s worked for Deborah. I especially appreciated the last chapter - that hit home for me and made me really feel akin to her.
August 10, 2022
loved all the pearls of wisdom!
I have been following Deb & her writings (Perspectives) for sometime & have always been a fan of her writing. Really enjoyed Reading this book, her story, story of other strong women & pearls of wisdom throughout the book. Recommend it to every women professional who is aiming to have a more content, powerful, successful career & life with no/minimum regrets!
I have been following Deb & her writings (Perspectives) for sometime & have always been a fan of her writing. Really enjoyed Reading this book, her story, story of other strong women & pearls of wisdom throughout the book. Recommend it to every women professional who is aiming to have a more content, powerful, successful career & life with no/minimum regrets!
October 25, 2022
If you have worked as a women in tech within the last couple of decades, every chapter in the book would resonate strongly with you. Deb Liu’s honest and vulnerable portrayals of the issues highlights genuine problems for women in the workplace, and she provides actionable insights that we can start applying right away. My favorite part of the book was the stories of amazing women who shattered the glass ceilings in the context of every lesson! Great job Deb!
February 28, 2023
[2.5*]
Well, I feel like this books didn't need to happen. Or maybe I'm too aware and well-educated to find anything new in it. As one of the reviewers noted, it's quite difficult to believe that someone who's achieved so much would still be unable to advocate for herself and rely on others to do that for her. This also makes the title misleading and I'm not entirely sure that it gives good advice.
Well, I feel like this books didn't need to happen. Or maybe I'm too aware and well-educated to find anything new in it. As one of the reviewers noted, it's quite difficult to believe that someone who's achieved so much would still be unable to advocate for herself and rely on others to do that for her. This also makes the title misleading and I'm not entirely sure that it gives good advice.
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