When I started reading, I started recognizing that this is exactly what was happening to me (you are arrogant, you play too smart, you are too creative, you have too many strategic ideas, there is room for improvement, you need to work on grey area and the list goes on..)! Feedback from my managers at previous jobs that didn't follow explanations, we're lacking specific examples and any sort of advice for improvement. This made the whole process of professional development extremely confusing. And this what happens if you sencirely believe what you are told. You are unique and capable of anything in the right environment. This book will showcase the stories of women who succeeded in their mission.

Female Firebrands effectively shares the stories of women trying to climb the corporate ladder and maintain their careers in mostly male-dominated environments.

The book offers what I call "mentorship from afar" because the stories discussing the conflicts and struggle these women encountered also provide examples of how to gracefully conduct yourself in the most challenging moments.

When I read the book, I found myself relating so much with many of these women's experiences and having cathartic moments relative to the MeToo movement.

I appreciate the author's efforts toward diversity and inclusion throughout the book. I encourage her to continue to delve into the issues of women of color because their challenges are often far more intense.

I also appreciate the discussion about the wage gap for women. I notice that women influence this gap by not asking for more. When this occurs, it doesn't just hurt the candidate; it hurts all women. I've had to tell a female job candidate: "you have every right to ask for what you deserve. I will do my best to make room for your request in the budget."

Some key takeaways from the book that I walked away with include:
"Meet the person where they are and communicate, so they can understand the message you want them to hear:" Create a script or talking points to prepare for challenging situations and practice for them. This way, you can respond with grace and feel empowered.
"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you:" Maintain your integrity and boundaries, and find a constructive way to promote a positive change.
Don't be afraid of giving or receiving constructive feedback.
Place yourself where opportunities exist, e.g., you might not be a high-powered executive, yet. However, if you surround yourself with high-powered executives and are open to learning, you will become one.
Create a personal strategic plan for the year and revisit it every month.
"We can help change the world through the stories we tell and the experiences we provide."

Well-written clarion call to all working women. Mikaela has skillfully researched and shared an authentic approach to highlighting the issues that women of all colors, races, and sexual orientations face in today's workplace, from the #metoo to the #momtoo movements. To complement each chapter and present actionable items, Mikaela provides a priceless end-of-chapter checklists with content for both women and HR/Business leaders.

If you enjoyed titles like Own It (Sallie Krawcheck) or Be Fierce (Gretchen Carlson), you will enjoy Female Firebrands!

Female Firebrands introduces us to 13 different industry professionals and their suggestions on how to combat common prejudices and harassment women face in the workplace.

From #Metoo to #Momtoo and everything in between, these women show how they and others have faced these issues and advocate for women.

I found this book to be rather underwhelming and not really what I expected it to be - although I'm unsure of what I expected . . . maybe something more about how these women came to be in a place of power within their workplaces or something. If that is what you're looking for, then this book isn't going to help you.

If what you are looking for is ways and means to combat whatever prejudice or harassment or issues that you are facing within your workplace. Whether that be from male or female colleagues (yes, women come with prejudices too), this book WILL empower you to do that.

Aside from my misplaced expectations, this is a good book, with good advice for women of all ages in any workplace.

This book presents brief bios of thirteen business women followed by a series of chapters addressing challenges women face in the workplace, such as privilege, #metoo, and #momtoo. Filled with anecdotes and an impressive lot of sources ranging from Twitter threads to academic papers, "Female Firebrands" offers a broad overview of women-in-the-workplace matters.

I've been reading this book this morning and it's amazing how there are little things, comments that have been made at work that I never took as or thought of as little indignities until I read this book. This are phrases like "you'd make a good wife," or "by the time you're done with this project we should get you a man," and I shrugged them off.
This is an ideal read for not only the woman but also the man in the workplace. It's vital that we create the space and time for other women as well. The greatest takeaway for me from reading this book is this: 'Trust yourself if something makes you feel uncomfortable, don't write it off."
Thanks netgalley for the eARC.