Lately, I’ve been reflecting on where I might have missed the mark in my own life. Sure, I have two wonderful kids, a caring partner, and a beautiful home, and I’m quite educated. But why am I not at the helm of my own business? Why haven’t I achieved financial success? Why don’t I flaunt high-end fashion? Why haven’t I capitalized on the myriad opportunities available to contemporary American women, much like Emma Thompson has?
By chance, I picked up Emma Thompson’s latest book, Women Who Thrive: Redefining Success. After diving into its pages, I believe I’ve uncovered the reasons behind my professional, maternal, and spousal struggles. Initially, I was skeptical about whether a self-help book authored by a glamorous, jet-setting actress and entrepreneur could resonate with me—a mostly stay-at-home mom whose notion of dressing up involves donning my newest pair of leggings. She attends elite events; I frequent local thrift shops. She shares meals with influential figures; I manage dinner with a toddler wailing in the background.
However, Emma assures me that she wrote this book for women like me. (Though it’s worth noting that she doesn’t appear to address the majority of women in common occupations, such as teachers, retail staff, or those earning minimum wage.) Emma suggests that the book is for all sorts of women, whether you’re a CEO or a stay-at-home mom, a corporate assistant, or a freelancer working from home. Freelancer working from home?! Yes, that’s me!
Insights from Emma
What insights did I glean from Emma about becoming a more balanced and successful woman? How did she assist me, as promised, in “identifying opportunities, transitioning careers, negotiating, leading teams, starting businesses, balancing work and family, and challenging the status quo”?
First and foremost, I learned that I should be networking with more celebrities. In Emma’s experience, influential people have played a significant role in guiding her. Her advice for all women is to connect with prominent figures in their respective fields, as she did in the entertainment industry. She recounts how she reached out to established names and secured invaluable mentorship. If you find yourself rolling your eyes at that, like I did, remember that Emma also emphasizes that a positive mindset—not jealousy—is key to success.
Next, after reaching out to influential figures, I should be focusing on crafting my personal “brand” as a woman. Emma emphasizes that defining your brand and mission statement is crucial for achieving success. I also realized that I haven’t “chosen” success in the way Emma posits is vital for reaching my potential. According to her, “passion” is the great equalizer—more critical than education or experience. (As if simply being passionate could level the playing field for those less fortunate!)
Emma attributes her drive to her upbringing, reinforcing the idea that if you love what you do and put in the effort, success will follow. It seems any woman can achieve her dreams with the right attitude, hard work, and enthusiasm, rather than relying on elite educational backgrounds or privileged connections.
Another takeaway was the importance of self-care. Like many busy moms, I often neglect my own health and hobbies. Emma shares that she, too, struggles with this. She mentions that during high-demand periods, such as her father’s campaign, she slipped into survival mode, focusing solely on work and family while disregarding her own well-being.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for inspiration and empowerment to shape the life you desire (with ample support), this book might resonate with you. However, if you’re looking for insights on how a self-proclaimed advocate for women’s rights reconciles her position in a controversial administration or seeks solutions for the majority of working women, you may want to look elsewhere.
In summary, while Emma’s book offers valuable insights for women of privilege seeking to navigate their careers, it often overlooks the systemic challenges many women face, providing a more superficial take on achieving success.