Book Review: The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table by Minda Harts
I've read a lot of career books during my life, and yet I always felt like something was missing. There have been countless times that I thought I couldn't relate to a lot of the information I was reading. I would take the advice with a grain of salt. I recently stumbled on a new career book targeted at WOC called The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table by Minda Harts.
If I had to summarize, let's say this book is a game-changer! I wish it were around during the first five years of my career. Nonetheless, I think any WOC will benefit from this book no matter where they are at in their career. Minda covers everything from mentorship and navigating office politics to negotiating your salary and investing in yourself by continuing to level up the skills you will need to succeed. Minda also talks about some of the hardships she experienced throughout her career, like racism.
So many times, Minda's white counterparts just stood by and watched. This book also serves as an educational resource for non-WOC on the mistreatment of us in corporate America and how they can help us get those seats at the table. I've been in positions where I was the only black person on the team or in the company. It's easy to feel lonely, and like no one has your back.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Minda in person at a couple of panel discussions here in NYC. She is the sweetest, most humble person ever; it was inspiring to hear from her how this book came to be. I look forward to putting her solutions to the test in my career journey. Happy reading!