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Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 907 ratings

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*Named a Best Business Book of 2020 by Fortune and Bloomberg*

Full of empowering wisdom from one of Silicon Valley's first female African American CEOs, this inspiring leadership book offers a blueprint for how to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Shellye Archambeau recounts how she overcame the challenges she faced as a young black woman, wife, and mother, managing her personal and professional responsibilities while climbing the ranks at IBM and subsequently in her roles as CEO. Through the busts and booms of Silicon Valley in the early 2000s, this bold and inspiring book details the risks she took and the strategies she engaged to steer her family, her career, and her company MetricStream toward success.

Through her journey, Shellye discovered that ambition alone is not enough to achieve success. Here, she shares the practical strategies, tools, and approaches readers can employ right now, including concrete steps to most effectively:
  • Dismantle impostor syndrome
  • Capitalize on the power of planning
  • Take risks
  • Developing financial literacy
  • Build your network
  • Establish your reputation
  • Take charge of your career
  • Integrate work, marriage, parenthood, and self-care
Each chapter lays out key takeaways and actions to increase the odds of achieving your personal and professional goals. With relatable personal stories that ground her advice in the real world and a foreword by leading venture capitalist and New York Times bestselling author Ben Horowitz, Unapologetically Ambitious invites readers to move beyond the solely supportive roles others expect them to fill, to learn how to carefully tread the thin line between assertive and aggressive, and to give themselves permission to strive for the top. Make no apologies for the height of your ambitions. Shellye Archambeau will show you how.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In a world that too often tells women, especially Black women, to stay small, keep quiet, and know their limits, this book says otherwise. It's a celebration of women knowing their power."―Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta and founder of LeanIn.Org and OptionB.Org

"Shellye has achieved amazing success through a clear strategy of setting goals, making plans, and intelligent risk-taking. In this book, she's now sharing these strategies with us: why to set an ambitious plan and how to achieve it. Highly recommended."―
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Start-Up of You

"Readers will be drawn into her narrative style and find her advice practical and easy to follow. The book of concrete career and life advice from an accomplished Black woman will appeal to women of all ages."―
Booklist, starred review

"Shellye's life story, and the lessons it carries, are powerful examples of focus and ambition that can shape your life for the better. If your goal is just to be famous, maybe this is not the story for you, but if your goal is to be a truly great leader of men and women, you have found your guide."―
Ben Horowitz, New York Times bestselling author of The Hard Thing about Hard Things

"
Unapologetically Ambitious is a treasure trove of strategic wisdom and practical tips, brought to life through amazing storytelling that will leave the reader inspired, empowered and appreciative. The book deals with the realities of setbacks, trade-offs and societal norms in an authentic way, while illustrating that strength and success often lie in mindset and the team you choose in life. The closing chapter serves as a master guide to navigating life, providing a penultimate takeaway for any reader early in their journey to put the wisdom and experience of the Archambeau's lessons learned into immediate action!"―Brad D.Smith, president of Marshall University and executive chairman of Intuit and Nordstrom

"Through a compelling story about her own journey, Shellye offers powerful tips for how to live life courageously and go after what you want. From investing in your financial health to integrating work, marriage, parenthood and self-care--each chapter lays out actionable strategies to help you achieve your goals. A must read for anyone looking for ways to grow and live their best life."―
Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA and former CEO of Chase Consumer Banking

"A successful career in any industry is always underpinned by a few important elements: focus, risk-awareness and drive. Shellye's book
Unapologetically Ambitious underscores the importance these elements can play in your career and showcases brilliant strategies and approaches through her own career pursuits. "
John Thompson, chairman of Microsoft

"Shellye Archambeau is one of the most intelligent, hard-working and focused women I have met in my 40+ years of business. I was very pleased to have her join the Verizon board in 2013 and have watched her rise within the board to now head the Corporate Governance Committee. Her experience as an African American women rising through the ranks of both large global businesses and technology startups gives her a unique perspective to share with those entering the business world especially those people of color. Grab a pen a paper as you read this book. It is full of the guidance that will put you on a path to career success."―
Lowell McAdam,Former CEO of Verizon

"There are lots of people who have the raw talent and ambition to be great successes, but lack a strategy and plan. That's what
Unapologetically Ambitious is about! It reveals Shellye Archambeau's formula for developing your own talent and getting what you want out of life both professionally and personally. It's the book I wish I had read when I was in my 20s."―Eric Schmidt, Google CEO and chairman from 2001 until2011, Google executive chairman from 2011 to 2015 and Alphabetexecutive chairman from 2015 to 2018

"Archambeau's winning voice and refusal to countenance failure make for an appealing account of one woman's path to success."―
Publishers Weekly

"Archambeau's book is essential reading for anyone seeking guidance on taking a strategic approach to increasing their odds for success in business and life. I especially recommend it to entrepreneurs and innovators who are early in their careers and focused on drawing down risk and achieving targeted milestones."―
Clare Leinweber, Executive Director of TsaiCenter for Innovative Thinking at Yale

"Shellye Archambeau's remarkable journey is one of tremendous grit and perseverance. Through honest storytelling,
Unapologetically Ambitious reveals a clear message-create your own luck."―Mellody Hobson, Presidentand co-CEO of Ariel Investments

"Shellye Archambeau is an extraordinary leader whose insight is only rivaled by her foresight. She takes us through her fascinating life's journey, which is marked by dogged persistence, bucking of norms, and repeated excellence. This deeply personal and engaging book is a must-read!"―
Tsedal Neeley,Harvard Business School Professor and Author of the Language of GlobalSuccess

About the Author

Shellye Archambeau is one of high tech's first female African American CEOs and has been featured frequently in Forbes, the New York Times, Business Insider, and more. Formerly an executive at IBM and President of Blockbuster.com, Archambeau was recruited to be the CEO of a then-struggling Silicon Valley startup, which is now MetricStream, a recognized global leader in governance, risk, and compliance software solutions. She currently serves as a Fortune 500 board member and holds board seats at Verizon, Nordstrom, Roper Technologies, and Okta.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084FYGDQJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (October 6, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 6, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 951 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 289 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 907 ratings

About the author

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Shellye Archambeau
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One of high tech's first female African American executives, Shellye Archambeau is an experienced CEO and Board Director with a track record of accomplishments building brands, high performance teams, and organizations. Ms. Archambeau currently serves on the boards of Verizon [NYSE:VZ], Nordstrom [NYSE: JWN], Roper Technologies [NYSE: ROP], and Okta [NASDAQ: OKTA]. She is also a strategic advisor to the Royal Bank of Canada, Capital Markets Group.

She is the former CEO of MetricStream, a Silicon Valley-based, governance, risk, and compliance software company that enables corporations to improve their business operations through better risk management across the enterprise. Ms. Archambeau built the company into a global market leader with over 1200 employees serving customers around the world. Under her leadership, MetricStream was recognized for growth and innovation over the years and was named in the top 10 of the “Deloitte Technology Fast 50” and named a global leader in GRC by leading independent analyst firms for 9 consecutive years.

Ms. Archambeau has over 30 years of experience in technology leading organizations focused on business-to-business, as well as business-to-consumer. She is a recognized expert in marketing and co-authored "Marketing That Works: How Entrepreneurial Marketing Can Add Sustainable Profits to Any Sized Company." She has held EVP of Sales and Chief Marketing Officer roles for two public companies and as President of Blockbuster.com, launched the entertainment retailer’s first online presence.

She was named the second most influential African American in IT by Business Insider in 2013. In 2015, she was ranked one of the “100 Most Influential Business Leaders in America” by Newsmax and that same year received the NCWIT Symons Innovator Award from The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).

She is the author of "Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers and Create Success on Your Own Terms" (Published by HBG Grand Central 10/2020), a book that will help professionals achieve their aspirations and create the life they want and which has received endorsements from luminaries including John Thompson (chairman of Microsoft), Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn), Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook), Thasunda Brown Duckett (CEO of Chase Consumer Banking) and more.

Shellye is also a sought-after speaker on governance, risk and compliance as well as marketing and entrepreneurship. She has guest lectured at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and The Wharton School of Business. She has been featured or referenced in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes and the Financial Times.

In her spare time Shellye enjoys exercising, the performing arts, entertaining and cooking.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
907 global ratings
A transformative read that will alter the trajectory of your life!
5 Stars
A transformative read that will alter the trajectory of your life!
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to take control of their life and achieve success. While it's primarily intended for women, it offers practical advice and guidance for anyone, regardless of their background or demographic. Whether you're just starting out or are at a later stage in life, this book is a must-read.No matter where you are in your journey, 'Unapologetically Ambitious' has something to offer. Shellye Archambeau's brilliance shines through as she shares her personal experiences of both defeat and triumph. Her words are authentic, and she holds nothing back.As an avid reader, I've devoured countless books, but few have had the impact of 'Unapologetically Ambitious.' I was captivated from the first page and couldn't put it down. I completed the book in just three short days. Shellye Archambeau is a gifted author whose insights have transformed my perception of life and contributed to my success. Yes, in three short days, I’ve already begun making transformative changes to my life.I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to achieve something, wants to learn how to conquer insurmountable obstacles and live their best life in tandem. This book serves as a blueprint for achievement, a guide that will inspire you to take risks and create achievement on your own terms. So don't wait - pick up 'Unapologetically Ambitious' today and start transforming your life!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to take control of their life and achieve success. While it's primarily intended for women, it offers practical advice and guidance for anyone, regardless of their background or demographic. Whether you're just starting out or are at a later stage in life, this book is a must-read.

No matter where you are in your journey, 'Unapologetically Ambitious' has something to offer. Shellye Archambeau's brilliance shines through as she shares her personal experiences of both defeat and triumph. Her words are authentic, and she holds nothing back.

As an avid reader, I've devoured countless books, but few have had the impact of 'Unapologetically Ambitious.' I was captivated from the first page and couldn't put it down. I completed the book in just three short days. Shellye Archambeau is a gifted author whose insights have transformed my perception of life and contributed to my success. Yes, in three short days, I’ve already begun making transformative changes to my life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to achieve something, wants to learn how to conquer insurmountable obstacles and live their best life in tandem. This book serves as a blueprint for achievement, a guide that will inspire you to take risks and create achievement on your own terms. So don't wait - pick up 'Unapologetically Ambitious' today and start transforming your life!
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5.0 out of 5 stars A transformative read that will alter the trajectory of your life!
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to take control of their life and achieve success. While it's primarily intended for women, it offers practical advice and guidance for anyone, regardless of their background or demographic. Whether you're just starting out or are at a later stage in life, this book is a must-read.

No matter where you are in your journey, 'Unapologetically Ambitious' has something to offer. Shellye Archambeau's brilliance shines through as she shares her personal experiences of both defeat and triumph. Her words are authentic, and she holds nothing back.

As an avid reader, I've devoured countless books, but few have had the impact of 'Unapologetically Ambitious.' I was captivated from the first page and couldn't put it down. I completed the book in just three short days. Shellye Archambeau is a gifted author whose insights have transformed my perception of life and contributed to my success. Yes, in three short days, I’ve already begun making transformative changes to my life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to achieve something, wants to learn how to conquer insurmountable obstacles and live their best life in tandem. This book serves as a blueprint for achievement, a guide that will inspire you to take risks and create achievement on your own terms. So don't wait - pick up 'Unapologetically Ambitious' today and start transforming your life!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
This book was an outstanding read that I will continue to visit and grasp gems from. It was interesting to learn about how intentional she was with her planning of her life and steadfast on her goals. A true aspiration to all black women who are interested in leadership.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Such a profound view on life!
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
This book was an outstanding read that I will continue to visit and grasp gems from. It was interesting to learn about how intentional she was with her planning of her life and steadfast on her goals. A true aspiration to all black women who are interested in leadership.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2022
To me, Unapologetically Ambitious is an extremely powerful biography of an amazing black woman, who utilized sheer grit, intelligence, courage, and strong values to make her own path to success. Shellye’s book is a detailed guide on how to lead yourself and others to success. In it she shares how she made calculated decisions, how she devised strategies for success, and how she managed work and family. Shellye’s storytelling is fresh, authentic, intense, and powerful.
This book is a gem for upcoming professionals, it is filled with strategies, tips, and steps to advance yourself. However, out of all of the ideas/concepts Shellye shared, my biggest takeaway is how well the book encapsulates the power of the nuclear family. Shellye details how the effective family lessons and strong core values her parents shared with her, shaped her to be an ambitious teenager; who later rose to become one of Silicon Valley’s first female African American CEOs. It was great to read about how she grew up and the environment she grew in.
Shellye then shares how she met her husband, managed a healthy and balanced relationship upon which she laid the foundation to build a family of her own. It was very insightful to read how she and her husband balanced work and family in a healthy, effective way. As a mom with children, this book truly demonstrates how parents impress values and skills on their children simply by leading via example; in other words, how parents act around their children. As a woman that finds herself in a similar position as Shellye was early in her career, I find the book uplifting and refreshing. It affirms to me that it is possible to effectively manage all of life’s demands - the small ones and the big ones too.
Thank you Shellye for sharing your story with us!
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023
Good book
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2024
70% of learning is on the job. While Shellye broaches several topics that are challenging in the business world such as: climbing the corporate ladder, being an outsider, overcoming fear to make numerous career pivots, and balancing the workload of an executive role while raising a family. She weaves in skillfully the many lessons learned with real life examples to drive her points home. Her steadfast determination to achieve her goals over an extended period of time provides a terrific role model of how to aspire to what you really want in life and career. This will be at the top of my list of recommended business leadership books indefinitely. An inspiration, especially for aspiring executives of underrepresented groups.
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2024
Shellye Archambeau is inspiring. I enjoyed reading her book and have recommended it to others. I highlighted many nuggets of advice and wisdom throughout the book. Her advice is great for all career stages, from early to mid-career, and beyond.
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024
Author Shellye Archambeau made career and life choices from a very young age. She set her goals, plans, and strategies and began her pursuit! Her story of her choices is in UNAPOLOGETICALLY AMBITIOUS. Not everyone will identify with her drive (I didn't), but it is her story that she generously shares (the logistics and emotions.) Into the second half of the book, more of her challenges emerged that dealt with family--and the impact that her choices had on her children and how she managed that. As she writes, her story is not your story. What she does offer is a "final chapter" called Personal Planning Guide. It is full of questions that people in any stage of life (student, career, volunteer) can consider to assess your direction. Thanks, Shellye for your insights.
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
I really like the story-telling format of this book. Shellye took the time to lay out her story of success in a way that you were able to pick up golden nuggets from her experiences throughout the book. Towards the end of the book, I also like how she summed up those high points of her strategy with career planning techniques and gave the readers real-life stories of how it has helped others.

Her book has helped propelled me to be fearless and strategic about my own career decisions. I’ve been affirmed to choose facts over fear and to not live with the consequences of fear all because I’m too afraid to take risks.

If you want to be inspired to live an ambitious life unapologetically, order this book today!
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Top reviews from other countries

Thessa R.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2023
This book has easily become a favorite of mine. Shellye offers practical advice for flourishing in life and attaining your goals. I deliberately paced myself while reading to savor its content. I plan to read it multiple times to fully incorporate the valuable advice into my life. Additionally, Shellye's captivating personality shines through her writing, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.
Sheetal Pratik
5.0 out of 5 stars great book and must read
Reviewed in India on January 18, 2022
Grounded real and powerful. Leadership , personal and shaker. Read it yourself to know more and explore and then u will know what you would have missed.
2 people found this helpful
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Mignon Wagner
2.0 out of 5 stars Heartless
Reviewed in the Netherlands on August 17, 2021
Her memoir starts off as a motivating story, telling the story of an ambitious, structured and disciplined girl and woman. As she gets older the quest to become CEO takes over and she neglects the quality of her life and that of her family. Dangerously smooth transition, if anything this Memoire is a guide on what not to do.
Cecilia Tejeda
5.0 out of 5 stars Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms
Reviewed in Germany on March 15, 2021
I enjoyed to read the book Unapologetically Ambitious from Shellye Archambeau. Sometimes I had the feeling it was a friend who was telling me her story and it was difficult to stop reading it. A great read!
Didier
5.0 out of 5 stars Lesson of life, courage and love
Reviewed in Italy on November 17, 2020
A wonderful love and life testimonial that I encourage everyone, especially young women, to read and find inspiration within it.
The take away is to never be afraid to BE exceptionally you.
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