Fearless and Free: How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch Their Careers
I cannot say enough good thing about this book. When I was asked if I would like to review Fearless and Free: How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch Their Careers by Wendy Sachs I answered with an enthusiastic, ” Yes!” I started working at 16 and now as a 45 year-old stay at home mom and part-time blogger I have seen the workplace change over the years. I was curious to see what advice was being offered and how I would be able to relate it to my current situation. I found it to be an inspiration read! (And an important one!)
About Fearless and Free:
We are in the midst of a wild job market. Technology has disrupted nearly every industry, blowing up many careers, but creating millions more. Many women feel forced to pivot to stay relevant, while others choose to pivot to keep engaged. Or we may be struggling to get back into the workforce after taking time off to raise kids.We hear words like hustle and grit and are told we need to think strategically, cultivate our own brands, and sell ourselves. But how do we do that? How do we pivot or radically relaunch our careers? How do we become unapologetically bold and badass–the boss of our own future?Getting ahead today requires the action-first, fake-it-’til-you-make-it ethos celebrated in the tech world. It’s the tech industry that’s redefined our culture, and perhaps not surprisingly, it’s those Silicon Valley lessons that can help all women in all stages of their careers succeed.This mindset is not typically a female one. Women tend to be cautious. We over think our next moves. We might be safer . . . but we’re also stuck. What if women embraced the startup spirit? What if we had the confidence to take chances, even if we knew we may fail first? What if instead of agonizing over which step to take, we leapt forward quickly? Fearless and Free empowers women, showing us how to lean into our strengths, increase our confidence, and follow successful lessons from Silicon Valley that can help us pivot in any career–and unlock a world of possibilities.Author Wendy Sachs talked to a wide range of women who faced down fears, roadblocks, and failures to reinvent themselves. The book weaves their insights and experiences together with current research and actionable advice. You’ll learn how to:Capitalize on your skills and expand them – Grow comfortable with being uncomfortable – Boost your confidence – Sell your story – Engineer serendipity – Nurture your network – Shake off setbacks – Brand yourself–without bragging – Build momentum – Compete with digital natives – Reposition yourself if you’re reentering the workforce – And moreWhether you want out of a shrinking industry or into a business of your own creation, Fearless and Free helps you dream big–and act now.
My Thoughts:
Wendy Sachs knocks it out of the park with this read! I felt inspired the minute I began reading it. I was able to relate to many if not all of the things she was saying.
Here are some take aways off the top of my head:
- Stop saying “sorry” all the time. Be unapologetic and direct. You don’t need to make yourself smaller in order to make others more comfortable.
- Get out there! Networking is important. We all have things that get in the way. Just do it!
- Never apologize for taking time off to be with your family. Personally I know that by being a stay at home mom I have learned many new skills I didn’t know I had or wanted!
- Do not be afraid to fail. That’s how we learn.
Final Thoughts: This is a must read! I’m adding this book to my list of books to purchase as gifts for young women entering the workforce when graduating college/high school, professional women looking to change or relaunch their careers, and stay at home moms looking to re-enter the workplace. Plus, I would consider this for a book club read since the research and anecdotes offer much to be discussed.
Ashley S says
Sounds like a great read. After seeing some of your take aways, I’ll have to check this out. Thanks!
Reesa Lewandowski says
This sounds like a wonderful book and I look forward to reading it!
Alicia Taylor says
Stop apologizing. This cannot be emphasized enough. Why should we be apologetic for taking care of things we need to do. Love that she emphasizes that.
Heather Lawrence says
LOL, love how you mentioned to “stop saying sorry all the time”, as a Canadian it’s almost second nature and it’s out there before I realize it half the time. LOL!!
Scott says
In all honesty, these are good suggestions for anyone – not just women. But I will be looking to pick up a copy for my daughters!
Cristine says
I think everyone needs to find passion in what they do. I have changed careers and found great satisfaction and life balance.
Liz Mays says
This sounds like a really helpful book and it sounds like Wendy has a lot of experience. I think this should be an awesome read!
carissa garabedian says
I am still working on not saying sorry , it comes out of my mouth and I think, wait- stop! This book sounds great and like I will learn some good skills. I love learning and am not afraid to fail!
Cynthia says
Sounds like a great book. I agree with the statement about not saying “sorry”. I think women are really bad at that. I will have to look for this book
keikilani says
This sounds like a really inspirational book! My sister and I have been talking about how we want to change our mindset in our careers, this book sounds like exactly what we need.
Alicia Taylor says
I love the emphasis on limiting apologies to things we actually need to apologize for. We should not be apologizing for being adults and taking care of adult needs.
Jasmine says
Sounds like its a good book! With all that experience theres should a ton to learn from her!
Deborah Anderson says
Great review of the the Fearless and Free book. It sounds like the author nailed it. There are so many talents and skills we women have (and I am from the Los Angeles version of Silicon Valley, in the Tech field), but many times we get lost in areas where we don’t need to be, like of lack of confidence. It doesn’t have to be that way. We know we can do it, right? I’m going to go get this book! Thanks for the review 😉 -Deborah