CULTIVATING CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

A professional life coach blends her story with tips for others seeking self-improvement.

As an author of multiple self-help books, regional vice president for the U.S. Coalition of Black Women Businesses, self-made entrepreneur, and scientist, Russell is clearly very successful. In this book, she blends memoir with self-help as she guides others toward achieving their own dreams. With an emphasis on “vertically digging” within oneself (as opposed to “horizontally” amassing a list of “résumé-defined experiences” and qualifications that may not even lead to self-fulfillment), Russell’s signature “SOAR” concept encourages readers to “Step Out and Redesign” their lives on their own terms. Autobiographical sections range from inspirational, e.g., she describes her successful career in leadership, research, and development for a major pharmaceutical company, to relatable, such as when she faced financial difficulties that threatened to cut short her daughter’s senior year of college. As a devout Christian, the author’s personal story and advice lean heavily on the importance of faith and prayer. She cites God’s direct intervention in her own life, and Bible verses and inspirational quotes from religious figures occur throughout. Written during the 2020 protests against racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s death, the book does not shy away from issues of racism. The author notes her own experiences with prejudice and her resistance to corporate and societal “back-of-the-line expectations” that threatened to turn her into a “powerless, unrecognizable version” of herself. While not ignoring harsh realities of life in America, Russell is relentlessly optimistic about herself, God, and her readers, and she writes in a relatable, motivational tone indicative of a seasoned life coach. Charts, tables, and catchy acronyms abound and reinforce her strategies to “nurture, grow, and empower your life.” While self-empowerment rhetoric may be a bit heavy-handed for some, and the fervent Christian messages may alienate others, no one can deny the inspiration led by example in Russell’s own life.

A detailed, uplifting, if idealistic, approach toward finding fulfillment in life.