10 Books To Motivate & Inspire Your Career Glow-Up
As much as we all love a good Netflix binge, diving into a great book never gets old. Many of us are stuck dealing with the unique issues that come with managing a remote team, trying to virtually impress a boss who holds the keys to your job's future, conducting meetings while needy kids, pets, (and even hubbies) play the background, and doing magic with bank accounts that are literally on their last legs.
Sis, we all need to take a moment of silence and get our read on. Here are 10 career advancement, job hunting, leadership and motivational books to help you tap into a bit of calm and upgrade your boss moves, one step at a time.
The Negotiation Workbook: Don't Leave Money on the Table by Jacqueline Twillie
The Negotiation Workbook: Don't Leave Money on the Table by Jacqueline Twillie
This is the perfect companion to the Twillie's best-selling guide, Don't Leave Money on The Table: Negotiation Strategies for Women Leaders in Male-Dominated Industries. It's one thing to just read something that offers strategy and what-you-need-to-be-doing directives, but being able to put words into action is the key to real growth.
Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders
Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders
Whether you're a person of Christian faith or not, the insights in this book on servant leadership are amazing and can apply to any industry. This read breaks down the foundational aspects of leadership that many successful people embody---faith-based or not---and it's an easy read where you can reflect via questions at the end of each chapter.
Little Black Book: A Toolkit for Working Women by Otegha Uwagba
Little Black Book: A Toolkit for Working Women by Otegha Uwagba
The great thing about this book is it includes direct, no-nonsense tone of advice on subjects including productivity, time management, creativity processes, and entrepreneurship. It's basic, foundational insights packaged very conveniently in a read that can easily be completed on a road trip or while waiting for your last load of laundry to finish.
After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle
Amazon
After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle
This book is clearly a manifestation of the peaceful yet definitively impactful self-care vibe of her online platform. (Sis has more than 900,000 followers on IG who are blessed with a healthy daily dose of hope and positivity.) Alex Elle shares super-relatable stories from both her personal and professional life---all eloquently illustrating how to overcome issues that challenge self-confidence, abundance and self-love.
The Leader You Want to Be: Five Principles for Bringing Out Your Best Self -- Every Day by Amy Jen Su
The Leader You Want to Be: Five Principles for Bringing Out Your Best Self -- Every Day by Amy Jen Su
It's never a bad idea to strengthen your foundational thinking on what dynamic leadership actually entails. Su, a successful executive coach and business leader in her own right, shares insider tips from her work with high-earning and high-achievement investment industry professionals. She also includes specific leadership scenarios, case examples and processes you can analyze and learn from.
From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein
Amazon
From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein
Dorey-Stein's story of her time as a millennial stenographer working at the White House during the Obama administration continues with more intrigue: She got the gig after answering a Craigslist ad. She further writes about traveling on Air Force One, recording and transcribing the former president's speeches, and navigating the culture on the Hill. It's a humorous, inspiring ride that will remind you that anything is possible.
The Memo: What Black Women Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts
Amazon
The Memo: What Black Women Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts
Harts offers a roadmap to success that does not glaze over challenges black women continue to face in corporate America---the microaggressions, workplace snafus and disrespect and the complications of office politics. It's strategy you can actually use and take to the bank from someone who has the experience and maturity to back up her words.
How to Lead: Wisdom From the World's Greatest CEOs, Founders and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein
Goodreads
How to Lead: Wisdom From the World's Greatest CEOs, Founders and Game Changers by David M. Rubenstein
This book includes Q&A interviews with people who have reached the top of their industries and have impacted generations across the globe. The conversations go beyond the usual encyclopedia vibes of some leadership books that profile successful CEOs, and there are takeaways for budding bosses who have diverse interests and leadership styles.
From Ball Girl to CMO by Melissa M. Proctor
Proctor,
From Ball Girl to CMO by Melissa M. Proctor
Proctor's journey from being a team attendant AKA "ball girl" for the Miami Heat to chief marketing officer for the Atlanta Hawks was creative and out of the box. She provides yet another started-from-the-bottom-now-we're-here success story to remind anyone that progress is inevitable when you throw comparison to the wind, embrace your uniqueness, work hard, and enjoy the ride.
Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene
Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene
The authors---best friends of Nigerian descent who grew up in the UK---include interviews with dozens of female powerhouses, offering insights that will ensure you won't play small in whatever you choose to do. Adegoke and Uviebinene press a few buttons with this one, highlighting the relationship between culture, education, upward mobility, and discrimination that might trigger a few sighs, side-eyes, mmm-hmmms, or grimaces, but if you need a swift kick in the butt to elevate and push harder---or at least a great book for your next debate on leadership and career advancement---give this read a try.
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Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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I love working in media; more specifically, I love being a writer and editor in the media space. It allows me to use my skills to tell riveting and relatable stories that can be useful for readers. Working at xoNecole has allowed me the freedom to tell those stories on a grander scale, and seeing the response from our readers gives me the greatest pleasure, and it lets me know that we are doing something right.
It’s been 11 years since I embarked on a career in journalism. I’ve worked at a variety of outlets, some freelance and some full-time, and have discovered so many facets of the industry. So, would you be surprised if I told you that I never saw this career in the cards for me?
When I recall my years in school, there were two subjects I always loved: History and English. History because I just loved learning about different cultures, religions, and the world before I arrived and English because I loved to write. I enjoyed writing assignments, and my teachers would always tell me how good of a writer I was. In my spare time, I enjoyed reading magazines and began writing poetry and songs about love and heartbreak (y’all remember how intense high school romances were).
I took journalism as an elective and was even on the Yearbook staff. However, when it came down to choosing my college major and a possible career, media/ journalism was nowhere on my radar. I loved writing, but was it a career? Could I make money from it?
Throughout my matriculation, I changed my major a few times. I mean, I knew I wanted to do something creative, but what? I finally settled on journalism only because I knew I enjoyed writing, and at that point, I needed to choose something and stick with it. But even with the fun class projects and internships, I still didn’t believe journalism would be my career path. However, I was good at it, and I was networking with others in the industry. So, after graduating, I worked other jobs but continued writing. Finally, I got my big break as an editor, and I haven’t looked back since.
Looking at my journey, you can say that being an editor was divine, and maybe I was running from it. A lot of us are taught to find a steady career that pays well, and baby, I always saw myself living large. But I was always a creative, and I knew that I wanted a career path that would allow me to express myself.
While you can have a lucrative career in media, a lot of people don’t, and with the current layoffs that started at the top of this year, it’s even scarier to think of the future of this industry. However, to not be obsolete, writers and editors must stay ahead of the curve and be open to change. No one should be able to tell you that you can’t turn your passion into your profession.
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