The Other: How to Own Your Power at Work as a Woman of Color

Description

You know that feeling of not belonging when you have so much to say at a work meeting? For women of color and children of immigrants, being the "the other" at work fuels an unyielding need to fit in. This false feeling of inadequacy in traditional workplaces causes you to adapt and develop "a keep your head down" or "stay in your lane" mentality in order to hold on to the job you've worked so hard to attain. Sometimes that "yes" girl mentality can get you a seat at the table, but can lead to being overwhelmed, overworked, and overlooked when bigger roles come around. Bestselling author and MSNBC reporter Daniela-Pierre Bravo spent many years undocumented and in the shadows as an immigrant from Chile, working odd jobs to pay her way through school. Like many other women of color, immigrants, and children of immigrants she became an expert shape shifter in order to chameleon her way around professional environments that felt out of reach. When Daniela became a DACA recipient, she finally felt that she'd made it, rising through the ranks in her career. But she quickly realized that no matter how much success she achieved, she always felt she had to prove her worth as "the other." In The Other, Daniela shares her journey and those of other women to help you recognize your power through your own eyes instead of the traditional white gaze in the workplace. She drives you to reshape the way you think about career advancement without losing your sense of identity and how to use your differences as an advantage. Smart, revealing, and loaded with practical steps, The Other is a framework for how to effectively advocate for yourself, become your biggest believer, claim the spaces in your career that are rightfully yours, and create your own vision of success.

Daniela Pierre-Bravo is a NBCUniversal producer who works on MSNBC's Morning Joe and the bestselling co-author of Earn It!, with Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski. She lives in New York City.

"An inspirational professional guidebook for women of color...The author's conversational tone and hard-won experience lend her voice a compassion and clarity that readers will find both useful and comforting, and her advice is practical and well-reasoned."--Kirkus "I could not put this book down! Daniela Pierre-Bravo has written an energizing, eye-opening manifesto for women of color to own our power, urging us to recognize how our hurdles can be channeled to become our superpower. Pierre-Bravo's story of her incredible rise from an undocumented immigrant to one of the most recognizable faces on television is riveting. Even more so, how this book creates a playbook and community for everyone who has felt like the "other" to embrace, not shun what sets us apart. Read it again and buy copies for all the aspiring leaders in your life!"--Ruchika Tulshyan, author of Inclusion on Purpose "Reading The Other by Daniela Pierre-Bravo was like turning the camera on and watching my own life experiences be reflected back at me. A poignant manifesto on how to close the door on imposter syndrome and advocate for yourself and your successes. At times harrowing, but hopeful, The Other is a book that should be gifted to anyone who wants to work in a corporate space and should be required reading for people managers, especially those who manage BIPOC people."--Saraciea J. Fennell, editor of Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed "A powerful, compelling read. In these pages, Daniela is the guide and mentor that many women look for and need when facing challenges at work. She mobilizes women to embrace their power, negotiate for more, and to possess their own space, not just to succeed but to be successful. I could not be prouder of her journey and achievements."--Mika Brzezinski, Co-Host of Morning Joe and New York Times bestselling author "A question that readers often ask me is, 'What can women of color do to combat the unique challenges we face in the workplace?' Here at last, Daniela Pierre-Bravo provides some real answers. Generously sharing her own extraordinary journey from undocumented intern to world-class television journalist, Pierre-Bravo reminds us that, despite the outside forces working against us, there are always elements in our stories that we can and must dictate for ourselves. Eye-opening and infectiously enthusiastic, Pierre-Bravo deserves praise for her honesty and desire to help others succeed." --Ruby Hamad, author of White Tears/Brown Scars "The Other is an honest account of what it's like to feel marginalized in a traditional American workplace. Pierre-Bravo's story of rising the ranks in her career is engaging, useful, and--perhaps best of all--validating. Its underlying message of community and support left me feeling hopeful about the future of work.--Kristin Wong, author of Get Money "The Other expands the view and dialogue on the realities of women of color in the workplace. Daniela Pierre-Bravo takes the experiences of women who feel othered out of the margins and places them squarely in the center to be underscored, understood, and unhidden." --Tammy Lewis Wilborn, PhD, author of Playing A New Game "If I'd had this book earlier in my career, I probably would have spent less time crying alone in the office bathroom. Essential advice from someone who has navigated these traps and hurdles with agility and grace."--Alicia Menendez, author of The Likeability Trap "The Other is a love letter to every women of color who has sacrificed her authentic voice and talents for a false sense of safety. No longer do we have to be reactive to our work environment. It's time to rise up and go after what we deserve!"--Minda Harts, author of The Memo and Right Within "The Other so beautifully encapsulates the challenges and opportunities for those with marginalized identities in the workplace. Danielaprovides a triumphant path forward for success." --Stefanie K. Johnson, bestselling author of Inclusify "Equal parts head and heart, The Other not only welcomes women of color to the table, but tells us how to confidently take ownership of that all-important seat. Compelling and full of advice that works, this book should be a staple in workplaces across the nation for women of color." --Bola Sokunbi, author of Clever Girl Finance