“The Lifespan Movement" is an inspiring and empowering account of one woman's personal progression to finding purpose, happiness, and financial freedom. Life brings challenges, adversity, and numerous obstacles. Who we are, how we are, and who we become, is the product of how we respond to adversity and overcome hardships. Get ready to follow along in Nayana Williams' compelling story of self-actualization and transformation.
It was during one of the most challenging times in her life that Nayana told herself things had to be different, that there was more for her than what was being offered at that time. Since then, all the steps, failures, decisions, and choices that she has experienced propelled her towards her many outcomes. It kindled a flame, a deep desire that led Nayana to harness every fiber of her being, strength, and absolutely everything she could pull from inside and channel it towards evolving, to becoming the version of herself that would pave the way for what she was about to build – her legacy.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The author has endured a series of life-changing events, but it's clear that she still fought hard to come out on top and ultimately became a successful entrepreneur. Those looking for inspiration and motivation will find this story beneficial, as the author embarks upon her quest for success.
Prose: Well-paced and organized, the story is easy to follow with its casual tone. Well-structured and organized, the author covers a lot of ground in just a few chapters of this text.
Originality: Some entrepreneurs have a straight path to their success story; this author endured larger battles before finding the strength to fight her way to her success. Her growth as a person is evident throughout the story.
Character Development/Execution: Inspiring and well-written, the author tells her success story in three parts: growing up, early adulthood while childbearing, and her business story. The first two sections read like a memoir with plenty of ups and downs, while the last part is more about getting the business off the ground and the trials encountered along the way.
Date Submitted: January 25, 2022
“There are times when I have felt beaten and bruised, but I get up the very next morning and I go on, because I have no other choice,” Williams writes. She offers welcome insight into each step of building a business from the ground up, the hurdles entrepreneurs face, and finding multiple ways to overcome them. Williams explains the many practical difficulties they faced securing use of the land for their water source, the lessons they learned in finding trustworthy contractors, retailers, and employees, and the surprising number of nay-sayers who doubted her vision.
For Williams, business challenges have often crossed over into personal challenges as a woman and CEO. She ‘s frank about how difficult it was to be in meetings where other attendees only addressed her husband and the frustrating choice she made to not respond, knowing they would only judge her negatively for speaking out. Meanwhile, she has struggled with often being away from her children, a situation made worse when other women have shamed her rather than offer support. Williams tells this story of perseverance and success with clarity and power.
Takeaway: This memoir of a woman’s journey from hardship to being CEO of a company she created will inspire women to follow their dreams.
Great for fans of: Indra Nooyi’s My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future, Ursula M. Burns’s Where You Are Is Not Who You Are.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B
