This audio is taken from a live virtual conversation that took place on April 29, 2020 with approx 100 in attendance.

After reading Lean In, Minda Harts realized that, while some of the advice was helpful, no one was writing about the obstacles women of color face to achieve success. So in 2019, she wrote The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table. Now, she speaks at corporate events to give actionable advice on how to make the workspace better for everyone.

I followed and studied Minda Harts’ work for a while before releasing my own book, It’s About Damn Time. In this episode, we talk about leaning in as Black women, calling on allies to show up, and sharing our truths with the people who need to hear it.

What did you like about this episode? Leave me a message at: https://anchor.fm/yfm/message

Highlights

6:42 What is the book about? 

10:09 She describes her experiences in predominantly white spaces, and her decision to start these conversations with allies (and non-allies)

13:24 Minda talks about why this book is for everyone

15:21 We discuss the importance of being seen and the lack of diversity in the publishing business

Q&A

20:40 You speak at a lot of corporate events. How does that go over when your book is critical of the corporate world?

22:31 What’s a good example of a takeaway from the book that someone could implement today?

24:21 Do you have a recommendation on books we can read to continue the conversation you established with The Memo?

26:37 Who are some other black women who inspire you? And what are you reading now?

29:23 If you could go back in time and give Arlan advice on writing her book, what would it be?

33:06 What is your take on the word 'feminist'?

34:16 How have you seen white women show up as allies since you put your book out?

35:57 How does this translate to our engagement with black men?

38:30 What advice do you have for anyone who wants to write a book?

41:05 Did anyone come back to you after reading this book and criticize what you said?

43:53 How has writing the book affected you?

Links

http://mindaharts.com