I have read a # of books that have spoken to ladies as it pertains to elevation and preparing for next level; but nothing as poignant and candid as “Naked in the Boardroom.” I loved everything about this book: the thought which came on the heels of the author wanting to pen something for her daughter, to the outline of many of the naked truths to mishaps undertaken and trusting oneself.
The setup, backdrop (whether it was the onset of various wonderful movements to ones own awakening)....it all served to give notice that there area a multitude of things that every lady must take stock in: what we do or don’t do, how we enter or exit, whether we rise or fall, if we trust or don’t trust our gut....we come to the table with what we possess, we succeed with who we are, we risk when it’s worth it, we capitalize when we are prepared and it all happens we we accept the fact that business is personal.
I relished in the naked truths. I salivated when the author pointed out the ethics in decision making that cannot be ignored. The author owned her decisions...mistakes and all. I have been an Executive Director, and like the author, I could relate to the fact that elevation means many lonely nights...you must accept and understand that it comes with the territory. You must know your core values as well as the company’s; they can coexist but only if your voice is loud and clear (a lesson I am still learning and owning).
There was a paramount truth when she spoke of the fact that there are no secrets in business. Someone at the helm knows things and always shares. There are no small decisions to be made. All decisions are big decisions because they affect lives and will be your foundation of further decisions to come. Never approach decisions from the short perspective; if you do that you miss out on long-term rewards.
What a treat. Reading further about recovering from mistakes was the icing on the cake. Mistakes don’t define you....it’s what you do afterwards. As I reflect there is one area where I truly needed a mentor and that was in negotiating pay. Equity, parity or whatever we want to call it is an issue. Talking too much can be a stumbling block. Staying too long at one place can cripple you. Being too cocky, not looking out for the team and a plethora of other things can contribute to your demise.....but knowing that you are built for this will ready you for the road. 🙌🏽🙌🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽