Troublemaker: A Memoir of Sexism, Retaliation, and the Fight They Didn't See Coming

by Lisa Cornwell, Hillary Rodham Clinton (Foreword), Tucker Booth (Primary Contributor)

Lisa Cornwell never shied away from standing up to bullies. 

When she was a freshman in college, she saw a man hit a woman in the face with a closed fist while a paralyzed crowd stood by and watched. Seconds later, she took matters into her own hands—with a 3-iron from her golf bag.

This impulse crystallized years later when Cornwell publicly spoke out against the misogynistic culture she and others experienced at the hands of their employer, Golf Channel/NBCUniversal. Throughout her time at the network, she challenged the toxic environment and was quickly branded a “troublemaker"—a label that often accompanies women who refuse to play by an antiquated set of rules.

In this authentic and unreserved memoir, which includes a powerful foreword from Hillary Rodham Clinton, Cornwell takes readers inside the boys’ club of sports media and reveals the way powerful corporations cover up wrongdoings. For her, what began with retaliation exploded into a public smear campaign and, ultimately, her dismissal. She also shares the unlikely yet formative touchstones of her a close friendship with Tiger Woods when both were nationally ranked junior golfers; her cousin, Bill Clinton, being elected President of the United States; and the private demons she battled as a young adult that almost cost her everything.

Candid and compulsively readable,  Troublemaker  serves as a reminder of the ability we possess to stand up to Goliath...and the virtue in finding one’s own path.

Genres: Sports, Womens, Memoir, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 2023

Reviews

[NICK GREEN]

Troublemaker is a captivating and eye-opening memoir that delves into Lisa Cornwell's experiences as a successful college player, on-air talent at the Golf Channel, and her personal relationships with famous figures like Tiger Woods and her cousin, Bill Clinton. The book also sheds light on the sexism that exists within the NBC and Golf Channel organizations and reveals some inside stories about the world of golf that are sure to be fascinating for readers. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in the sport of golf or the behind-the-scenes workings of the media industry.

[Anne Hartley Pfohl]

I thought this would be an interesting book. The story about smacking a guy with a three iron after he punched a woman was a great way to start. It was all down hill from there.
First, the book is not well written and very boring. It was a monotone. Every story was told in exactly the same way. Everything she did was understandable. Everything others did was reprehensible.
I'm not blaming the victim here. If you fall down, of course you fight and claw your way back up. Sexual harassment is real. Prejudice is difficult. And the harm that results is painful. I believe she was harassed and mistreated in her workplace. The all too prevalent and ongoing sexism and racism in workplaces can be demoralizing and negatively impacts performance and outcomes.
This is simply not the book to raise the alarm and make a call to arms. Her animosity and loss of respect for for the people who wronged her is the story here. It feels like a list of grievances rather than a story of someone's experience of sexual harassment and sexism in a toxic workplace.
Almost every woman has experienced sexism and discrimination at work. Many have experienced sexual harassment as well. I know I have numerous times. I believe Lisa Cornwell. I simply can't relate to her story as she presents it here. It left me feeling empty and detached, and I didn't finish.

[Victoria]

This was really interesting! I received a copy of the audiobook and I enjoyed it. Lisa is the narrator of the audiobook and does a fantastic job! This is written well and I didn't get bored. Overall, I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Lisa Cornwell,  Highbridge Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a complimentary copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen]

I think Lisa was very brave to open up about her personal and workplace struggles. No woman should have to work in such a hostile sexism environment.
Those struggles turned into triumphs. Very well written book.

[Doug Wauneka]

Excellent!

[Maria]

Insightful and appalling what Lisa Cornwell had to endure during her time at The Golf Channel and the ensuing fight with the EEOC. I’d love to say that it’s not commonplace and that I’ve never experienced it but I think we all have (although not quite to the degree she has). Her perseverance in light of all the injustices is commendable and her contribution to the fight (though not always credited) is inspiring and appreciated. Highly recommended for those who love strong women fighting for what they believe in even if you’re not fans of golf. I am not a golf watcher or player but still found this fascinating.

I received a copy from #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an honest review.

[D Sandvick]

While the story of enduring discrimination and retaliation at the golf channel is an important story to tell, the writing and the flow made it less enjoyable to read. It seems an odd choice to assume that readers would know the various golf pros that she mentions, considering that there’s an audience here who’s interested in the story of discrimination, despite it being set in the golf world. The book reads more as a series of vignettes that don’t all connect well to each other.

[Dennis Marr]

Very eye opening book

This book shows what is going on in the business world everywhere. It shows in plain language the wrongs against women being perpetuated every day. I will NEVER watch another segment that involves Brandel Chamblee again. He represents all that's wrong with men in the business world.

[Anne]

It was okay, but often read like the complaints of a disgruntled employee. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, though. I don't think it achieved Cornwell's goal of making her case to me. A lot of it just sounded like miscommunication and an employee who's too sensitive. Some of it, though, was definitely problematic. Sorry she had to deal with that.

[Jane Dennish]

If you like memoirs about female empowerment, you will love this book. If you like golf, you will have a love/hate relationship with the book. You don’t have to like golf to like the book. But if you do like golf, you might end up hating parts of the industry even more. It will make you angry. I can guarantee that. But her pertinacity and attitude will leave you feeling empowered. What she went through and how she was treated is terrible. I applaud her for speaking up and for not backing down.

Thank you so much to Triumph Books for sending me a gifted copy!