Recently, I’ve found myself pondering where things might have veered off course for me. Sure, I’m blessed with two delightful children, a supportive partner, and a charming home. I also have a solid education. But why am I not at the helm of my own company? Why haven’t I amassed wealth and success? Why don’t I sport designer outfits? Why haven’t I seized more of the numerous opportunities that modern American women, like Ivanka Trump, seem to effortlessly grasp?
As fate would have it, I stumbled upon Women Who Work: Rewriting the Rules for Success, the latest book by Ivanka Trump. After diving into its pages, I believe I’ve uncovered the reasons behind my struggles as a professional, mother, and wife.
Initially, I was skeptical about how relevant a self-help book authored by someone like Ivanka could be to my life. After all, she’s a polished, high-heeled, globe-trotting former model who owns a luxury fashion line, with a father who happens to be the 45th president of the United States. In contrast, I’m primarily a stay-at-home mom in the suburbs, where “dressing up” for work means donning my freshest yoga pants. She attends glamorous events; I navigate garage sales. She dines with global leaders; I settle for last night’s leftovers, often while a toddler demands my attention. You catch my drift.
However, Ivanka promptly reassures me that her book targets today’s American women. (Well, except for the many women in prevalent jobs, such as receptionists, teachers, retail workers, and waitstaff, who make up a significant portion of the workforce. These women, it seems, simply aren’t proactive or positive enough to ascend to leadership roles.) She states her audience might include anyone from “the founder of your own company or a stay-at-home mom to an assistant in a larger corporation or a part-time freelancer working from home.” A freelancer working from home?! That’s me!
Valuable Lessons from Ivanka
What valuable lessons did Ivanka impart on achieving a balanced, successful, and fulfilling life as a woman in the workforce? How did she guide me in the realms of “identifying opportunities, shifting careers, negotiating, and balancing work and family”?
First, I discovered that I should be networking with more celebrities. In Ivanka’s world, well-known individuals play a significant role in mentoring and guiding her. Her advice is clear: connect with influential figures in your field, just as she did in the fashion world. She shares anecdotes about meeting icons such as Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren, and even mentions receiving a job offer from fashion mogul Anna Wintour while still in college. (If you find yourself rolling your eyes, as I did, remember that Ivanka also emphasizes the importance of positive thinking over envy for achieving success.)
Next, after reaching out to influential figures for mentorship, I should have developed a distinct “brand” as a woman. Ivanka insists that crafting a personal brand, complete with a mission statement, is crucial for attaining success.
Moreover, I realized that I haven’t fully “chosen” success as Ivanka suggests is vital for reaching my potential. For her, the cornerstone of success is “passion.” She asserts it’s significantly more important than education or experience in achieving your personal definition of success. (Of course, inheriting wealth doesn’t factor into this equation!) She credits her father’s teachings, which emphasize that if you love what you do and work diligently, success will follow. In her view, any woman can achieve what she desires with the right mindset and effort. Notably, Ivanka spends little time reflecting on her own advantages.
Ivanka’s commitment to developing passion is evident; she regularly strategizes and sets personal and professional goals. This leads me to another crucial takeaway: I really need a full-time support staff to carve out time for reflection, thus enhancing my productivity in cultivating my passions. It’s clear from her narrative that success is attainable for women with ample connections, but they often require nannies and extensive support systems (as acknowledged in her thank-yous to her nannies for assisting with raising her children).
The Importance of Self-Care
Another major theme in Women Who Work is the significance of self-care. Like many mothers, I often neglect my own sleep, fitness, and hobbies. Ivanka admits to struggling with this too, noting that during her father’s campaign, she had to enter “survival mode.” While she worked tirelessly and spent time with family, she also lamented her lack of personal care during that hectic period.
If you’re seeking a guide to inspire and empower privileged women to create the lives they desire (with ample assistance), this book may resonate with you. However, if you’re searching for insights into how Ivanka reconciles her position in the White House, especially in light of her father’s controversial remarks regarding women, or for policy solutions benefiting the majority of working women (like her childcare policy favoring wealthy families), you might be disappointed.
Conclusion
In summary, Ivanka Trump’s book offers a perspective on success that emphasizes networking, personal branding, and passion, while also showcasing the privileges that accompany her version of “having it all.” It raises important questions about the gap between the experiences of women like her and those facing more significant challenges in the workforce.