Book Review: Careers advice for ambitious women

Dr. Heather McGregor is well known in the UK as the writer of the Financial Times’ weekly column, Mrs. Moneypenny; she is also a small-business owner, TV show host, wife and mother of three. Toni Hargis has read her book and gives us the rundown on why we should be reading it too.

Although this book seems, at first, to be aimed at women climbing the corporate ladder, eyes fixed firmly on the top jobs, there is much in it that is invaluable to working women everywhere. As the author says, “The only qualification is that you have to want to go places in your career.“ Her advice is aimed at women of all ages and at all stages in their careers, including the self-employed. She is passionate about giving other women the tools for success at work, and this comes through in every sentence.  The book is packed with examples and anecdotes from her own life and from other successful women.

Careers Advice for Ambitious Women contains ten chapters each with a single, clearly stated message that we can all relate to. At the end of each chapter there is homework, usually in the form of a mental checklist to help keep yourself on track. Chapters 1 and 2 discuss human capital (what you know) and social capital (who you know). You need both a stellar CV and a solid network to be successful.
“Your CV is your own personal balance sheet…making the decision to invest in yourself is never wasted. ….. Your connections are as valuable as your qualifications and experience.” She also addresses women who are planning to take a break to have children, giving them ideas on how to keep their CV current, eg. teaching finance instead of doing it.

Chapters 3 and 4 contain advice that we should probably all heed – “It’s never too late”, and “Just say NO”. Women put up hurdles to their careers more than men do; we expect success to come to young and beautiful people, but look at Susan Boyle! Being able to say no effectively is an important skill women need. You need to measure requests against your priorities, and obviously, to know what your priorities are. Possibly my favourite tip is – Make sure you actually use the word “no” and don’t leave the door open for a repeat request.

Mrs. Moneypenny requests that if you only read one chapter in this book, it’s Chapter 5, entitled “You Can’t Have it All”. If you’re being pulled in too many directions, make sure you know your priorities and strive for them. If you do too much it might look like you’re not committed to any of them. Focus is really important. She makes an interesting point in observing that staying too long in one company can actually depress your earnings. Men move from company to company a lot more than women, and usually for a higher salary each time. This might be one reason for the wage gap.  The homework questions in this chapter address mother’s guilt and are well worth a ponder.

Briefly, the remaining chapters cover delegating responsibilities, calling for back-up, being financially literate, (a MUST according to the author), having a “third dimension” – something other than work and family, doing your own PR, which should be about five per cent of your time, and building a team around you. Every chapter, in my opinion, contains nuggets we can all use.

This book is highly appealing because of the author’s clear message and tone of voice. She comes across not as “Look at me, learn from me” but as a woman with a great sense of self-deprecating humour, a passion for helping others and an impressive track record to give credibility to her message. Her final words are –

“When you get to the top….remember to turn round and reach back to help the generation of women behind you”.

Toni Hargis (alias Expat Mum) is a Brit who’s lived in the USA for over twenty years. She is mother to three Yankee Brits, wife to one 100% American, author of “Rules, Britannia; An Insider’s Guide to Life in the United Kingdom“.  Blogger and featured columnist at the BBC America web site. Toni also runs a charity to fund a school in Ghana, and is working on her next book. She is lucky enough to visit home every year and has been a regular presence at BritMums Live since its inception. Read more on Expat Mum