Build Your A-Game

An executive coach offers a motivational prescription for women who want to make their marks in business.

The continuing salary gap between the sexes has created an opportunity for books about contemporary women’s roles, such as Sheryl Sandberg’s best-selling Lean In (2013). In somewhat the same vein, this well-written, perceptive work by a female executive coach looks at what it takes to “be seen, be heard, and be remembered.” Using the well-worn technique of alliteration, Sacino discusses five “A’s”: awareness, authenticity, alliances, affluence and advocacy. In each section, she relates her own experiences as a businesswoman, draws on material from other authors and speakers, and offers an approach that generally revolves around self-empowerment and giving back to others. Although the ground she covers isn’t necessarily new, Sacino writes with passion, emotion and honesty, doling out sound advice for how to cope with workplace and lifestyle challenges. For example, she discusses the importance of networking, advising readers to “use whatever will help you get over the challenge with networking, since it’s a game changer in work and in life.” Sacino also helpfully differentiates between a “mentor” (“a valuable resource and role model”) and a “sponsor” (who “takes it to the next level and is willing to advocate on your behalf”). Sacino is strongest when addressing how women can compete in the male-dominated business world, particularly in management roles. Intriguingly, she writes that “[m]ost women I have worked with…that have been in the workforce for more than twenty-plus years were unaware of personally having been victims of gender discrimination.” Still, Sacino recognizes that the quest for equality is an uphill battle, so she offers such tools as 11 tips for “building resilience.” Her advice about leaving a legacy is particularly reflective and thoughtful. Overall, despite a penchant for repetition (and an overreliance on exclamation points), Sacino’s inspirational book has much to commend it.

An often insightful book that focuses on women’s challenges and celebrates the power of choice.