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One White Face - HEELS
Hilary Corna knew exactly what she was supposed to do as an American college graduate with a business find a decent job, move to a city and settle down with the man she loved. But she was anything but a typical twenty-two-year-old college graduate. Against everyones advice, she purchased a one-way ticket to Singapore in hopes of starting her career in Asia. She left home with just one suitcase, a love for Asian culture, and a determination to succeed. What could have ended in failure turns into the greatest adventure of her life, complete with the challenges of working as the "one white face" of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific. Along with her new career came the thrills of traveling to exotic destinations, the pain of living twelve time zones away from loved ones, and the birth of new friendships across cultures. Over the next three years, Hilary studies kaizen, a business method and management style for problem solving, and applies it during her work with dealerships in the Philippines and India. She blossoms under the guidance of Japanese big bosses who develop from mentors into friends and father figures. With a conversational tone and brutal honesty, Hilary invites readers along on her journey of becoming a global citizen-a journey where she discovers the beauty of life and explores her own identity not as one white face, but as a member of humanity.
- GenresNonfiction
Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
About the author
Hilary Corna
2 books7 followersFollow on LINKEDIN and INSTAGRAM @HilaryCorna. Join the UNprofessionals community at www.HilaryCorna.com
Hilary Corna is a Host of the UNprofessional podcast, Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, and Founder of The Human Way. She is also the former Senior Executive Officer of Toyota Asia Pacific. Leading the UNprofessional community and podcast, she showcases unheard voices in business that #fuckthemold. Her clients have included State Farm Insurance, General Motors and the United Nations Foundation, to name a few. Her reputation as a powerful, energetic and unapologetic keynote speaker has taken her to over 20 countries and more than 1,000 events.
Hilary is on a mission to humanize business. This means highlighting the human and placing an emphasis on love, care and human connection. She believes that we will do our best work when we are able to be our full selves and create meaningful, personal relationships.
There’s more to Hilary than just her work, too. She is a matcha-drinking, emoji-speaking motorcycle driver. And, like every human, there are so many unique things about her that can’t be properly represented in just a few words.
Hilary has been featured in the New York Times, Fortune, Forbes Woman, The Wall Street Journal, NBC and dozens of other publications. Her new book UNprofessional: A Manifesto will be released in September 2021.
Hilary Corna is a Host of the UNprofessional podcast, Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, and Founder of The Human Way. She is also the former Senior Executive Officer of Toyota Asia Pacific. Leading the UNprofessional community and podcast, she showcases unheard voices in business that #fuckthemold. Her clients have included State Farm Insurance, General Motors and the United Nations Foundation, to name a few. Her reputation as a powerful, energetic and unapologetic keynote speaker has taken her to over 20 countries and more than 1,000 events.
Hilary is on a mission to humanize business. This means highlighting the human and placing an emphasis on love, care and human connection. She believes that we will do our best work when we are able to be our full selves and create meaningful, personal relationships.
There’s more to Hilary than just her work, too. She is a matcha-drinking, emoji-speaking motorcycle driver. And, like every human, there are so many unique things about her that can’t be properly represented in just a few words.
Hilary has been featured in the New York Times, Fortune, Forbes Woman, The Wall Street Journal, NBC and dozens of other publications. Her new book UNprofessional: A Manifesto will be released in September 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 7, 2017
***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***
I really wanted to like this book; the author moved to Singapore upon graduation in hopes of getting a job. She lived there for 3 years working for Toyota and experiencing life as a minority. Very interesting! It's well written, but...it's just way too self congratulatory. Too much white privilege. I found myself getting very frustrated at her hypocrisy (ex: ranting against men who move to Asia and date Asian women...while she herself was dating an Asian man). I wouldn't recommend this one, unfortunately.
I really wanted to like this book; the author moved to Singapore upon graduation in hopes of getting a job. She lived there for 3 years working for Toyota and experiencing life as a minority. Very interesting! It's well written, but...it's just way too self congratulatory. Too much white privilege. I found myself getting very frustrated at her hypocrisy (ex: ranting against men who move to Asia and date Asian women...while she herself was dating an Asian man). I wouldn't recommend this one, unfortunately.
Read
January 24, 2017I first read the original version of this book almost four years ago. When learning of the re-release, I could NOT wait to see the next edition. It has been amazing to revisit Hilary's journey. Since the first time that I read this book, I also dared myself to travel to the places that I have always wanted to go, even when family and friends said not to. Reading the new version at this point in my life, post travel, has made this book one that I will always keep on my shelf and re-read at life's various chapters. Cannot recommend enough!
February 5, 2012
Wow. I couldn't put this one down. What Hilary did took a lot of guts, and she obviously grew a ton during the process (I'm not sure I could do now what she did at 21, 22). Kudos to her for touching so many lives in the process, and best of luck to her in the next stage!
July 29, 2025
I really liked this story despite its many mistakes. I got this book for free from a leadership camp I attended in college. I’m very grateful to have received it. However, the writing was not good.
There was a lot of grammar mistakes, usually words that don’t fit the sentence. She also used the wrong grammar tense. These mistakes were hard to get through and they’re all over the place in the first 100 pages. Punctuation isn’t always correctly placed either.
These issues continue throughout the book- wrong words, wrong word tense, punctuation, etc. This really irked me but maybe they’re there because Hilary’s dominant language isn’t English anymore. She’s surrounded by Asian languages. Or she has a terrible editor 🤷🏻♀️
But I really enjoyed her story. I kept wanting to know what happened next. Her lifestyle is lavish and privileged. Like something from a dream. It made me wonder if she fully realizes how lucky she is.
I learned a bit about Toyota’s philosophy and organization. It wasn’t so much about cars but kaizen- a business method and management style for problem solving. Very different from what I had expected.
I couldn’t do what Hilary did. She’s an inspiration. But she’s a terrible writer. Her story is intriguing and empowering. I’m glad I finished the book.
There was a lot of grammar mistakes, usually words that don’t fit the sentence. She also used the wrong grammar tense. These mistakes were hard to get through and they’re all over the place in the first 100 pages. Punctuation isn’t always correctly placed either.
These issues continue throughout the book- wrong words, wrong word tense, punctuation, etc. This really irked me but maybe they’re there because Hilary’s dominant language isn’t English anymore. She’s surrounded by Asian languages. Or she has a terrible editor 🤷🏻♀️
But I really enjoyed her story. I kept wanting to know what happened next. Her lifestyle is lavish and privileged. Like something from a dream. It made me wonder if she fully realizes how lucky she is.
I learned a bit about Toyota’s philosophy and organization. It wasn’t so much about cars but kaizen- a business method and management style for problem solving. Very different from what I had expected.
I couldn’t do what Hilary did. She’s an inspiration. But she’s a terrible writer. Her story is intriguing and empowering. I’m glad I finished the book.
May 1, 2018
I received this book via goodreads, and received a signed note from the author.
This book was very interesting read, to see how this young college graduate moves to
a foreign country, and tries and eventually finds work and a career.
I think it is wonderful to see a young person go after their dreams and travel.
I only wish I had the confidence to do that when I was in my 20's.
I seem to find the asian culture interesting, and to see how she missed home, but
still managed to be successful was amazing to me!
Currently I am not reading memoirs of a geisha, ironically.
I would definitely read this if you are thinking of moving to another country, and
starting a career there. Even if you are not and curious about this woman's story
it is a great read!
This book was very interesting read, to see how this young college graduate moves to
a foreign country, and tries and eventually finds work and a career.
I think it is wonderful to see a young person go after their dreams and travel.
I only wish I had the confidence to do that when I was in my 20's.
I seem to find the asian culture interesting, and to see how she missed home, but
still managed to be successful was amazing to me!
Currently I am not reading memoirs of a geisha, ironically.
I would definitely read this if you are thinking of moving to another country, and
starting a career there. Even if you are not and curious about this woman's story
it is a great read!
December 30, 2024
Too long. Didn't finish
March 11, 2017
"It's amazing how different our world is from place to place, and I love it."
If you like travel, culture, international business, then pick up a copy of "One White Face."
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
If you like travel, culture, international business, then pick up a copy of "One White Face."
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
July 4, 2018
Amazing book! I highly recommend this whether you are traveling abroad, on a self discovery journey, or just interested in hearing a detailed encounter of someone going on a journey them self!
January 6, 2017
This Book is inspiring and has influenced me to take a journey personally and physically. Corna's adventure of living in Singapore captivates a true emotional and breathtaking experience.
February 23, 2017
Goodreads win.
This was an interesting read. I didn't love it, but I did like it. This book had its moments that many people could find rrlatabble. I really enjoyed reading a part of the authors journey. I think every person should give a book a try. Would recommend, but would say this book isn't for everyone.
This was an interesting read. I didn't love it, but I did like it. This book had its moments that many people could find rrlatabble. I really enjoyed reading a part of the authors journey. I think every person should give a book a try. Would recommend, but would say this book isn't for everyone.
December 20, 2016
What happens when you turn right instead of left? Hilary's story is testament to the extraordinary adventure of life that unfolds when you approach each crossroad as an explorer.
November 25, 2012
If you have yet to pursue your dreams, maybe this is the jump start you need.
How often do you read for pleasure? Me either. But on occasion I force myself, especially when the material offers a peek at something that interests me. Like Hilary Corna's "One White Face" touching on Kaizen.
I bought the Kindle version [which is now after many years of debate, my preferred platform] in part because I love the ability to 'share' from the app via twitter. I shared a number of highlights that meant something to me. I was a little concerned that I got to know the author a little more than I should, but having also wrote in the first person for my book, I know why it is an important approach for such material.
If you want to explore living abroad, read this book. Want to better appreciate the Toyota Production System [what is often called LEAN], read this book. Or if you just want a break from your life, read Hilary's. {grin}
How often do you read for pleasure? Me either. But on occasion I force myself, especially when the material offers a peek at something that interests me. Like Hilary Corna's "One White Face" touching on Kaizen.
I bought the Kindle version [which is now after many years of debate, my preferred platform] in part because I love the ability to 'share' from the app via twitter. I shared a number of highlights that meant something to me. I was a little concerned that I got to know the author a little more than I should, but having also wrote in the first person for my book, I know why it is an important approach for such material.
If you want to explore living abroad, read this book. Want to better appreciate the Toyota Production System [what is often called LEAN], read this book. Or if you just want a break from your life, read Hilary's. {grin}
October 7, 2012
Hilary Corna takes a leap of faith: sells her car, closes her bank account, breaks up with her boyfriend, and flies to Singapore, all based on a yearning to live and work in Asia, inspired by a semester abroad in Japan. She ends up working for Toyota, making an array of friend throughout the world, and learning a whole lot about herself. An excellent book for those approaching graduation from college who have not yet tested themselves or who have not found their passion. Favorite line, uttered by Ranju, a motivational speaker she encounters as she tries to figure out what to do with her life, "Without acknowledging what you've done in the past before moving on to the future, you will never be satisfied with your achievements."
July 10, 2012
Daring, personal yet global story of a young college graduate who follows a dream of working in Asia--buying a one-way plane ticket to do so. A genuine and true reflection of her challenges, growth and struggles to achieve this dream. Must-read for Gen Y and all who seek to learn and grow personally and professionally!
January 10, 2017
I received this book from one of the giveaways. While Hilary's dilemma of "what to do after college" is common. What She chose to do was bold. A very good read.
January 27, 2017
This was a Goodreads GiveAway Book--Thank you!
I really wanted to like this book. I am drawn to stories of women who dare to push traditional expectations and boundaries of our society. The book started off okay; a young woman graduating from college takes an alternative track out of school. She risked much, learned much and prospered much. Though the experience was evolving and changing, the writing became repetitive and stale. The author, in trying to celebrate her daring and adventuresome spirit, often came out as arrogant and bold, in a culture that that values community and humility. I found myself skimming the last 100 pages, as it became too laborious to read.
I really wanted to like this book. I am drawn to stories of women who dare to push traditional expectations and boundaries of our society. The book started off okay; a young woman graduating from college takes an alternative track out of school. She risked much, learned much and prospered much. Though the experience was evolving and changing, the writing became repetitive and stale. The author, in trying to celebrate her daring and adventuresome spirit, often came out as arrogant and bold, in a culture that that values community and humility. I found myself skimming the last 100 pages, as it became too laborious to read.
Read
September 23, 2017I didn't really finish this book, but there is no "Stopped Reading" option to choose. I wanted to really like it but became less enthused about picking it up the farther I went through the book. So I can't effectively give it a star rating. Just not for me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews