Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In the realm of STEM, where the gender gap is as persistent as it is perplexing, Lauren Neal’s “Valued at Work” emerges as a beacon of hope and a pragmatic guide. Neal, an award-winning chartered engineer, delves into the intricate web of biases that often go unnoticed yet significantly hinder the progress and retention of women in STEM fields.

The book is structured in a way that feels both personal and universal. Neal’s narrative is interwoven with real-life stories that resonate with authenticity and urgency. She doesn’t just highlight the problems; she offers a toolbox of solutions that are both innovative and practical. Her approach is not one of blame but of understanding and action.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to speak to a wide audience. Whether you’re a male ally, a female professional in STEM, or a leader looking to foster a more inclusive environment, there’s something in this book for you. Neal’s writing is accessible, avoiding jargon that might alienate non-specialists, yet it’s detailed enough to provide valuable insights to those well-versed in the subject.

“Valued at Work” is a roadmap for change. It challenges organizations to look beyond mere statistics and focus on creating a culture where women are not just present but are truly valued. Neal’s top tips and case studies provide a clear direction for those ready to embark on this necessary journey.

Neal’s work is a compelling blend of personal experience, rigorous research, and actionable advice. It’s a must-read for anyone committed to bridging the gender gap in STEM and creating a workplace where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.

Book for the important topic that affects me, a woman in STEM, and yet I find myself going back and forward between 3 and 4 stars, because the content is 4, yet the execution is 3.

So here are the plusses and problems I have with the book.
Plusses:
- Relevant and important topics right now, because boys' clubs and "sausage parties" are trying to hold their ground hiding behind "traditions" they themself came up with.
- Summaries of discussions with call-to-action points and advice for a company and for women.
- Actually useful and working suggestions.
- Protagonists are men, so maybe at least this will make men hear out about women's experiences.

Problems:
- We shouldn't need men as main characters with them expressing their thoughts about the topic, that somehow still outshine women's voices.
- I would rather see facts and numbers on the topic and points than hear feedback from or interviews with women that seem more like hearsay. Those are true experiences and true hurts, yet it gives more of just "action needed" and not "action taken affects...".
- It's not really a problem specifically with this book, but seems like the book is encouraging it as well - a lot of talking and a little doing, just like working with men, honestly.
- Not much new for women, and even if this book is thought to be more for men, I'm not sure the style of presentation of information will be perceived by men as anything other than another woman's feedback at work (Do men even think and talk like how it's shown in the book? Will it make the points made in the book heard by men?).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Valued at Work raises several very important and relevant points about the challenges that women in STEM careers face. As a female senior leader in STEM, many of the points raised resonated with me. I liked how at the end of each chapter there were specific suggestions of what managers can do and what women can do. This approach of emphasizing the role of the manager is spot on.

The book is structured as a series of discussion between senior male leaders, Marcus and Steve, at two different organizations. Both Marcus and Steve have several blind spots on biases in the workplace. Through a series of discussions on many important topics with relevant examples, they learn from each other. I found this approach to be distracting. I would still encourage males and females to read this insightful book with the caveat that the dialogues dilute some of the important points.

Thank you to NetGalley and Practical Inspiration Publication for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.