The new Lean In, from the multi-award-winning Founder and CEO of national non-profit Girls Who Code and New York Times bestselling author Reshma Saujani.
Everything from this past election cycle to Beyoncs feminist anthem speaks to this problem: women are expected to be flawless.
Reshma Saujani was no different. She worked her way to top grades, stellar schools and blue chip firms only to realize that the path to perfect was making her miserable. So, she did something brave and risky. She quit her job and became the first Indian-American woman to run for Congress.
Fortunately, she failed epically.
It was that failure that set Reshma on a journey filled with setbacks, but ultimately, immense rewards. In 2012, she founded the non-profit Girls Who Code, with the goal of teaching 1 million girls to code by 2020 and closing the gender gap in technology. While working closely with young girls and meeting inspiring women through her widening network, she came to understand that there is a fundamental difference between how our culture socialises girls and boys. Namely, boys are taught to be brave to take risks, speak up, play rough and fall down trying while girls learn that the road to achievement is paved with diligence and caution. Some may argue that inherent biological traits encode this difference, but the truth is that the directive comes from the outside in.
In 2016, Reshmas TED talk Teach girls bravery, not perfection struck a chord around the world, with over 3 million views. Her book, BRAVE, NOT PERFECT, will be a manifesto that enables women to see the roots of this problem and rewire themselves and future generations of women for bravery.
Unlock Your Potential: Embrace Bravery, Not Perfection with Reshma Saujani's Groundbreaking Guide Are you tired of striving for an unattainable ideal of perfection? Do you feel held back by the fear of failure? In *Brave, Not Perfect*, Reshma Saujani, the acclaimed founder and CEO of Girls Who Code and bestselling author, challenges the societal pressures that condition women to prioritize flawlessness over courage. This isn't just another self-help book; it's a revolutionary manifesto that empowers you to redefine success on your own terms. Saujani, drawing from her own experiences and the stories of countless women, exposes the insidious ways in which girls are socialized differently than boys. While boys are encouraged to take risks, embrace challenges, and learn from their mistakes, girls are often taught to prioritize caution, avoid errors, and strive for an impossible standard of perfection. This cultural conditioning can lead to crippling self-doubt, missed opportunities, and a pervasive feeling of inadequacy. The book delves into the roots of this problem, exploring how societal expectations, media portrayals, and even well-intentioned parenting can contribute to the "perfection trap." Saujani expertly weaves together personal anecdotes, research-backed insights, and inspiring examples to illuminate the damaging effects of perfectionism on women's careers, relationships, and overall well-being. But *Brave, Not Perfect* is more than just a diagnosis of the problem; it's a practical guide to breaking free from the shackles of perfectionism and cultivating bravery in your own life. Saujani offers concrete strategies and actionable steps to help you: * **Reframe Failure:** Learn to view setbacks as learning opportunities and essential stepping stones to growth. * **Embrace Imperfection:** Accept that mistakes are inevitable and that true progress comes from embracing your flaws. * **Take Calculated Risks:** Step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and pursue your goals with confidence. * **Speak Up and Advocate for Yourself:** Find your voice, express your opinions, and demand what you deserve. * **Support and Empower Other Women:** Create a community of brave women who encourage and uplift each other. Inspired by her viral TED Talk, "Teach girls bravery, not perfection" (which has garnered millions of views), Saujani's book expands on this powerful message, providing a roadmap for women to rewire their thinking, break free from limiting beliefs, and unleash their full potential. *Brave, Not Perfect* is more than just a book; it's a movement, a call to action, and a powerful tool for creating a more equitable and empowering world for women of all ages. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to challenge the status quo, embrace imperfection, and live a life filled with courage, authenticity, and purpose. Reshma Saujani's powerful message has resonated with audiences worldwide. As the founder of Girls Who Code, she's dedicated her life to closing the gender gap in technology and empowering young women to pursue their dreams. Her work has been featured in leading publications such as *The New York Times*, *The Wall Street Journal*, and *Forbes*, and she's been recognized as one of the most influential women in technology. *Brave, Not Perfect* encapsulates her insights and lived experience, making it an invaluable resource for women seeking to break free from the pursuit of perfection and embrace a life of courage and fulfillment. With its compelling narrative, practical advice, and empowering message, *Brave, Not Perfect* is set to become a modern classic, inspiring women to rewrite the rules, challenge the status quo, and create a more equitable and fulfilling world for themselves and future generations. This hardcover edition, published by HQ Non Fiction GB, is the perfect gift for yourself or any woman in your life who deserves to embrace her bravery and live life to the fullest. With 208 pages of wisdom, this book is a transformative guide designed to encourage and empower you to become the bravest version of yourself.
