A Love Letter to the Underestimated
I knew I had to read the book It's About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage! This isn't a how-to about entrepreneurship or VC's. (There is an informative FAQs section at the end.) To me it is a love letter to the underestimated as they are called in the book. It is for those who know what it is like to walk into a room you've worked to be in, but instantly realize you are the only person like yourself represented. Arlan speaks of experiences that the underestimated can relate to. Why? She's a queer Black woman doing the work to get woman like her funding for their businesses.
In the book, she uses those life experiences to uplift and give advice on how to keep pursuing your dream. You don't need a degree in business to read this book. This is more of a go-to for when you need someone to say keep going, you got this. There is even a playlist to help you through those moments like stage fright when your fear is louder than your confidence. Also, who doesn't love a curated playlist?
Arlan's story is a true example of understanding the importance of gaining knowledge, having expertise in an area that is specific to your experience, building relationships, and knowing your value can get you even beyond the dream headline you want written about you years from now. And don't forget to bring people along the journey with you because no one is really self-made. It is a quick read, full of insight that will have you highlighting page after page.
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