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Inspiration comes from many avenues. In our WISE Bookshelf feature, members share some of the titles that have encouraged them to think outside of the box, try a new approach or dig down deep for the confidence they needed to make that big decision, or simply allowed them a reprieve from the daily grind. Happy reading!

Book

Own It: The Power of Women at Work

Author: Sallie Krawcheck

Genre: Career/Business

Comments

You might think a book written by a former CEO of Smith Barney, former head of Merrilll Lynch Wealth Management and previously one of the top women on Wall Street is going to be all about finance. It is not. There are chapters focused on finance, but this is a book that celebrates our strengths as women and how we can embrace our skills and qualities to not only make a positive impact on our careers, but also in out workplaces and the economy. Being a women in the business world is not something to overcome or hide, explains Sallie Krawcheck. 

From the beginning of her career, Krawcheck felt it was important to question the status quo and do the right thing. One of the first stories she shares is about a time she fought to reimburse clients for some of their investment losses; she took ownership of the fact the company had misread the risk of the investment. Ultimately, she won a partial reimbursement for the clients, but it required her to go around her boss and the CEO and cost Krawcheck her job. other stories tackle sexism, public setbacks and personal traumas, yet her character and strength really come through, and you're fighting right alongside her and left feeling empowered to put her advice into action.

Some of my favorite tips from the book include:

• Risk Awareness: No matter your role in an organization, calling out risks you see doesn't make you a stick in the mud, a chicken or not a team player. On the contrary, it can be the most valuable service you offer your employer or workplace.
• Defining Success: At every stage of your career, ask yourself what success means. What does it take for people to see me as successful? Are these the same? Do they make sense, and are they in reach?
• Importance of Investing Your Money: It is easier for women to talk about sex than money. Women lose $100/day on average by not investing now. If you have a hole in your purse and had $100 falling out each day, how many days would it take you to fix your purse? Probably not a decade, which is how long it takes for women to start investing.

I have read this book twice now, and each time, I take away different pieces that I want to put into action. There is so much excellent information. If you've ever wondered what to do with your career or how to make more of an impact at work, then there is something for you in this book.

Submitted by: Christie Lenox, National, 6-15 years professional experience

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