Lately, I’ve been contemplating my life choices. While I’m blessed with two wonderful kids, a supportive partner, and a cozy home, I can’t help but question my career trajectory. Why am I not the CEO of my own business? Why haven’t I accumulated wealth or a designer wardrobe? Why haven’t I seized the myriad opportunities available to modern career women, like Claire Evans?
After some serendipitous browsing, I stumbled upon Claire’s latest book, Women Who Thrive: Redefining Success for the Modern Woman. Intrigued, I dove in, hoping to uncover what I might be missing in my journey as a professional, mother, and partner.
Initially, I wasn’t certain how a self-help guide penned by a successful entrepreneur could resonate with my life. Claire is a poised, globe-trotting former model with her own fashion line, while I’m a mostly stay-at-home mom whose idea of dressing up means donning my newer yoga pants. She attends high-profile events; I frequent local flea markets. She dines with influential figures; I often find myself eating leftovers with my toddler in the chaos of our kitchen. But Claire reassures readers that she’s writing for today’s women navigating similar challenges—though she seems to overlook those in the most common, lower-wage positions.
She identifies her target audience as a mix of women: whether you’re a company founder, a stay-at-home mom, or a part-time freelancer, there’s something for everyone. Wait, a freelancer? That’s me!
Lessons from Claire’s Book
So, what pearls of wisdom did I gather from Claire’s book to help me achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life? How did she guide me in areas like identifying opportunities, managing work-life balance, and leading teams?
One of the first lessons is the importance of networking with influential figures. Claire’s life has been shaped by interactions with key players in her industry. She encourages women to reach out to mentors in their fields. For example, she shares her experiences meeting renowned figures such as Jane Smith and Lisa Johnson. (If you’re raising an eyebrow at this, Claire emphasizes that a positive mindset trumps envy.)
Next, there’s the idea of crafting your personal brand. Claire emphasizes the significance of establishing a personal mission statement and brand identity to navigate the path to success.
I also realized that I may not have “chosen” success the way Claire suggests is essential. According to her, sheer passion is the driving force behind achievement. She asserts that love for what you do, coupled with hard work, is the ultimate recipe for success—completely disregarding the role of inherited wealth. If only everyone could muster that same level of enthusiasm!
Claire attributes her drive to her upbringing, stating that her father instilled in her the belief that passion and hard work lead to success. Her approach suggests that any woman can achieve her dreams with the right mindset, rather than relying on prestigious education or connections.
Another lesson I learned is the significance of taking time for self-reflection. Claire outlines how she regularly dedicates time to strategize and define her goals. This brings me to the next point: if I want to find that reflection time, I might need a supporting team! Claire’s access to nannies and assistants is apparent throughout her narrative, demonstrating how having help can enhance productivity.
Self-care is another vital theme in Women Who Thrive. Like many mothers, I often neglect my own health and well-being. Claire acknowledges that prioritizing self-care can be challenging, especially during busy periods such as her father’s campaign. She humorously admits to surviving on minimal self-care, even skipping meditation—something that would be a luxury for me!
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a guide aimed at empowering privileged women to shape their ideal lives, this book might be a good fit. However, if you’re looking for insights on how a supposed advocate for women’s rights reconciles her position in a controversial administration, or tangible solutions for the majority of working women, you may want to look elsewhere.
For more thoughts on this topic, you can check out another one of our blog posts here.
In summary, Claire Evans’ book offers insights that may resonate with women navigating the complexities of modern life, particularly those in fortunate circumstances. However, it lacks deeper engagement with the broader struggles faced by many working women today.