Garcia’s direct style is refreshingly honest, and she acknowledges early on that it’s not easy to lead, urging readers to “experience the relief that will come from getting real with the people you serve.” Her own personal catharsis—which she admits was a long overdue turning point in her life—served as a springboard, leading her to develop an “authenticity map,” outlined in the guide, to help readers “navigate through the mess” that comes with life’s ups and downs. Garcia also forays into handling rejection and rightly describes the harmful effects sexism, discrimination, and out-of-control egos can have on organizations and the individuals working for them.

The bulk of the guide draws from Garcia’s personal experiences, with several eye-opening statistics sprinkled throughout, building a somewhat intimate framework that allows her to explore weighty topics in a companionable manner. She addresses the idea of “quiet quitting,” includes self-assessment sections at the end of each chapter, and shares her personal recipe for resolving the shame (“remove the secrecy, silence, and judgment”) that can accompany failure. “You will never not be messy,” Garcia writes, but that’s part of the journey—one that, once undertaken, deserves celebrating.

Takeaway: Uplifting guide to mastering—and celebrating—life’s messy moments.

Comparable Titles: Paula Caligiuri and Andy Palmer’s Live for a Living, Karla McLaren’s The Power of Emotions at Work.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A