We are so fortunate that Linda González took the time to collect and curate the wisdom from her decades-long coaching practice into this small and powerful volume. With clarity and precision, González names the many challenges facing women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) who live and work under the systemic oppression of racism, sexism, homophobia, capitalism and white supremacy. With great compassion, she invites and encourages women and BIPOC to live with purpose as they come to know and learn to break through their own glass ceilings. She emphasizes this is the “critical internal work to be able to challenge these external barriers.” Breaking Through Your Own Glass Ceiling is career guidance with a self-care program that acknowledges the internalized ideas and behaviors that are created and perpetuated by oppressive systems, structures, and institutions. Linda’s uniquely valuable approach to embracing a full-hearted life is the hammer we need to break through.

It is extremely difficult to find self-help/leadership books specifically for people of color and this book is a welcome addition. Linda goes much deeper than the typical work harder/take more risks/listen to your gut type of advice and takes into account the inequities, prejudices, and exhaustion that people of color are constantly experiencing as they try to live full lives. Every part of her book reflects this – but without getting mired down in the hopelessness of it. She offers clear, actionable advice and exercises that anyone can do, and you’ll come out with more clarity about yourself, feeling more grounded in what you want, and inspired to keep going. It’s written in a friendly, conversational style and it’s pretty short (130 pgs). This is a big plus for people who want something user-friendly. It’s also easy to use as a group or with a friend.

As I read your book, I wondered why I didn’t start sooner. It’s so me and my situation. I don’t have to translate my experience as I do with other motivation/self-help books. It is healing the “now” and the “then” together. It helps so much to have this book to guide me.

Linda Gonzalez’ book offers sound and practical advice on how to live our best life. Each chapter provides inspiration and opportunities to explore how our multiple identities affect how we are treated, and how we treat others. Faking it ’til we make it or learning to lean in aren’t likely the strategies that best serve us as BIPOC. Breaking Through Your Own Glass Ceiling will help you create a roadmap for a career and a personal life that is rewarding and joyful.

“Breaking Through Your Own Glass Ceiling” confirms that Linda González is to women of color what Brene Brown is to everyone else. With keen insights into personal habits as well as societal and racial roadblocks that hinder professional growth, this book helps the reader to set a new course. It is as practical and accessible as it is challenging and thought-provoking. Although anyone and everyone looking for personal and professional growth should read this book, it is not comprised of clichés and generalizations. There is something personal, unique, and thought-provoking about each chapter, setting it apart from traditional self-help books. The fact that it often speaks specifically to the personal and professional needs of women of color is an absolute game changer!