Did you get The Memo?!
Title: The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know to Secure a Seat at the Table
Author: Minda Harts
Genre: nonfiction business feminism self help
Summary: The Memo = #BlackGirlMagic meets Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. The Memo is a self help guide for women of color working in corporate America. It covers topics from networking and office politics to hairstyles and self identity. IT WENT THERE!
Thoughts before finishing the book: In the first chapter of The Memo, Harts speaks about the disappointment she felt after reading Lean In. She didn’t have the same excitement after reading it as her white female colleagues. Harts was then motivated to write the professional development book that she would’ve wanted to read that touched on specific factors that she encourntered not only as a woman, but as a Black woman.
Years ago I actually listened to Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg on audiobook and remembered enjoying it. So knowing that The Memo would give me professional development through the lens of a black woman, for black women who aspire to climb up the ladder, I was hooked!
What I loved most about The Memo was Harts style of writing! I felt like we were chatting on the couch, sipping wine, talking about business and frequently referencing Yonce haha.
I also loved the thought provoking questions that I was left with and still think about often:
In what way can I fight systemic racism in a way that’s authentic to me?
Like on MySpace, who are in my top 8? Who is in my corner and a part of my squad professionally and personally?
How do I show up at workplace as my 100% authentic self?
If you’re saying yes to something, you are saying no to something else. What am I saying no to?
In what ways can I professionally invest in myself and build my skill set?
What is my career purpose statement and career goals?
What are ways that I can defeat imposter syndrome and insecurities?
The Memo was published back in 2019, but is still so relevant today! This is a 5-star in my book and can be helpful not only for black women, but for those who work with black women.
- Maya & The Spine Down
