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Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change Kindle Edition

4.8 out of 5 stars 6,001

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Lead from the Outside is a necessary guide to harnessing the strengths of being an outsider by Stacey Abrams, one of the most prominent black female politicians in the U.S.

Leadership is hard. Convincing others—and often yourself—that you possess the answers and are capable of world-affecting change requires confidence, insight, and sheer bravado. Stacey Abrams's
Lead from the Outside is the handbook for outsiders, written with the awareness of the experiences and challenges that hinder anyone who exists beyond the structure of traditional white male power—women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and millennials ready to make a difference.

In
Lead from the Outside, Stacey Abrams argues that knowing your own passion is the key to success, regardless of the scale or target. From launching a company, to starting a day care center for homeless teen moms, to running a successful political campaign, finding what you want to fight for is as critical as knowing how to turn thought into action. Stacey uses her experience and hard-won insights to break down how ambition, fear, money, and failure function in leadership, while offering personal stories that illuminate practical strategies.

Stacey includes exercises to help you hone your skills and realize your aspirations. She discusses candidly what she has learned over the course of her impressive career: that differences in race, gender, and class are surmountable. With direction and dedication, being in the minority actually provides unique and vital strength, which we can employ to rise to the top and make real change.

Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR LEAD FROM THE OUTSIDE
(Previously published as MINORITY LEADER)

"Like
Lean In for people who didn’t start with any power." ―Rebecca Traister, New York Magazine

"Abrams's own grit, coupled with her descriptions of much stumbling and self-doubt, will make
Minority Leader touch you in a way few books by politicians can. In fact, the last one to manage it―biracial, the child of divorce, raised with little money by a single mother―became our 44th president." The New York Times Book Review

"Stacey Abrams writes about her personal cocktail of grit and gumption."
Glamour

“Stacey didn’t write
Minority Leader simply to help people in the minority; she wrote it because she believes people in the minority can help us all.” Teen Vogue

“Stacey Abrams has everything you want in a candidate: a good legal mind, experience in governance, and a deep knowledge of poverty and hard work. If you read
Minority Leader, you will discover she also has the superpowers of inspiring trust and knowing how to organize. You will have her as a friend, and you will want her as a governor.” Gloria Steinem

Minority Leader is a special book with a special mission: to push ALL people to know that their greatness and worthiness is a birthright. Stacey’s story is not just uplifting, but instructional as well. I am part of a long line of people who have admired Stacey for a long time. Read this book, and you will understand why.” Wes Moore, bestselling author of The Other Wes Moore and The Work, CEO, Robin Hood

“Stacey Abrams displays competence, confidence, and compassion in her assessment of the attributes and actions needed to deliver impact in today’s complicated world. Her commentary is as real as her commitment is remarkable.
Minority Leader is both a motivational and a mechanical manual, offering an intense focus on opportunities and an unyielding path to mitigate obstacles. I enthusiastically commend this book as a resource for those who want to grow personally and professionally, as well as for those who seek to help guide that same growth.” Lisa M. Borders, WNBA President

"Stacey understands what it is like to try and balance the everyday obligations of work and family, and Minority Leader offers a practical guide to pursuing meaningful work while acknowledging the myths of 'juggling it all.' All kinds of people face these challenges, but it can be more acute for women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and others with 'outsider' status. This book is for anyone who has faced challenges while pursuing their passion, and helps people who are left out of traditional ladders to success build one for themselves." Sherilyn Wright, Assistant to the International President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

"Here, [Stacey Abrams] shows readers from any marginalized population how to become their own advocates, proactively using their otherness while recognizing their fears. Not just local appeal; there are audiences out there that could really, really benefit from this book."
Library Journal

"Although there are many books on networking and achieving political and entrepreneurial success, Abrams' is geared toward helping those who are on the fringes, especially African American women, find pathways to success and power...this is an excellent guide that addresses setbacks and pitfalls and identifies strategies to overcome them."
Booklist

PRAISE FOR STACEY ABRAMS
"In a time when too many folks are focused simply on how to win an election, Stacey’s somebody who cares about something more important: why we should. That’s the kind of politics we should practice. That’s why I’m proud to give Stacey Abrams my support."
―President Barack Obama

“[Stacey Abrams will] serve the underserved of the state of Georgia.”
―Oprah

"[Abrams] is a phenomenal candidate and person and she can make history by becoming the first ever Black Woman elected Governor in America.”
―Common

“Stacey Abrams is a bold leader who . . . understands hard work and is committed to finding solutions for the families who come home after a long day of work struggling to get by.”
―Vice President Joe Biden

"Stacey Abrams' experience, vision, and proven track record of building consensus across party lines are beyond compare."
―President Jimmy Carter

“Stacey Abrams is [a] leader with integrity and a commitment to fairness for all.”
―Dan Cantor, National Chair of the Working Families Party

“Stacey. . . .sees racial justice, economic justice, climate justice, and social justice as complementary―not contradictory. . . .her vision is the type of future we should be envisioning nationwide.”
―Ilya Sheyman, Executive Director of MoveOn.org Political Action

“Stacey has proven herself to be an absolute tour-de-force in a state that has never before elected a woman or person of color as governor. . . .Stacey Abrams has always been a trailblazer
.” ―Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List

“Stacey Abrams is a deeply compassionate and thoughtful leader who is always committed to fighting for justice for the Georgians she serves...Throughout her career, I have watched her work tirelessly to build coalitions to protect the poor and middle class, fight voter suppression, and register hundreds of thousands of people to vote. Stacey Abrams is the only leader in the race who has the experience and an ambitious vision to uplift all families in our state. Georgia must seize the opportunity to be a model for our nation by electing this transformative leader, who strives to empower the people she will serve.”
Congressman John Lewis

“Leaders like Stacey are the ones saying yes. America is changing, but there is no reason to fear the future.” Jason Kander, former Missouri Secretary of State and President of Let America Vote

About the Author

Stacey Abrams is an author, serial entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO and political leader. After eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Minority Leader, Abrams became the 2018 Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia, where she won more votes than any other Democrat in the state’s history. She has founded multiple organizations devoted to voting rights, training and hiring young people of color, and tackling social issues at both the state and national levels; and she is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Abrams is the 2012 recipient of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award and the first black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0763SXC4V
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co. (April 24, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 24, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5258 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1250191297
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 6,001

About the author

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Stacey Abrams
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Stacey Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO and political leader. After serving for eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Democratic Leader. In 2018, Abrams became the Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia, winning more votes than any other Democrat in the state’s history. Abrams was the first black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States, and she was the first black woman and first Georgian to deliver a Response to the State of the Union.

In the wake of the 2018 election, Abrams launched Fair Fight Action and Fair Fight 2020 to defend voting rights. She also launched Fair Count to ensure accuracy in the 2020 Census and greater participation in civic engagement, and the Southern Economic Advancement Project, a public policy initiative to broaden economic power and build equity in the South. She previously founded the New Georgia Project, which has helped register hundreds of thousands of Georgians.

Abrams is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, where she serves on the Subcommittee on Diversity. She has been a featured speaker at the Aspen Ministers Forum, the Kerry Initiative-Yale Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, the National Security Action Forum and the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a contributor to Foreign Affairs Magazine.

She is a recipient of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award and a current member of the Board of Directors for the Center for American Progress and Priorities USA. Abrams has also written eight romantic suspense novels under the pen name Selena Montgomery, in addition to Lead from the Outside, formerly Minority Leader, a guidebook on making real change in the civic sector, politics or the private sector.

Abrams is an avid fan of television and movies, with a penchant for sci-fi, car chases and heists. A bibliophile, her recent favorites range from Colson Whitehead, Robert Caro and Nora Roberts to N.K. Jemison, Rebecca Roanhorse and Haruki Marukami.

Abrams received degrees from Spelman College, the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas and Yale Law School. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, she and her five siblings grew up Mississippi and Georgia.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
6,001 global ratings
Look Out, Ambitious Black Woman in Politics!
5 Stars
Look Out, Ambitious Black Woman in Politics!
This is a short read, page-wise, but it is so thick with great, and extremely relevant content, it's not a fast read. I found that I kept highlighting and highlighting all the insights.Yes, Abrams is a politically ambitious Black woman. The horror! "Minority fears have distinct branches that get tangled up: stereotypes intermingle with authenticity and achievement. Will I get a shot because of who I am? If I fail, do I bring down everyone who looks like me? If I’m too successful, will my people celebrate me or shun me? How do I integrate into the world where I am an outsider, yet not move too far away from the places that make me who I am?"She states the problems, clearly, but also gives the answers. "I confronted the expected stereotypes by knowing what they were and building an alternate narrative about myself."The insights she presents apply to Black women, but also, to women of every color, to men of color, to non-binary and to LGBTQ people. To all those who are outsiders, in some way, whether in politics or other careers."We are, by our natures, often required to manufacture our own breaks, identify new openings even before others know they exist. The best hack is to know this is the case, accept it, and move on, prepared to take full advantage. And then do it all over again."Although she ended up prevented from claiming the Georgia Governorship, the very act of her running for it made a difference. "...one of the aspects of holding power is understanding the long game—that battles add up over time and create space for others to feel emboldened to act."If you are NOT a cisgender, straight, white, middle class+ man, you will get a lot out of this book. You might get a lot out of it even if you are.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2021
I'm writing this review before the book has even arrived because I started reading it through the NYPL app. I had put off reading this book for a while because I had apprehensions and bias notions about reading anything written by a politician...The description however, kept calling me to the book so I decided to give it a try through the library first.

I wasn't too impressed with the intro, but something told me to keep going...So thankful I did. I had to "return" the book to the library before I was finished reading it, so I only made it up to chapter 5, but from what I read, it spoke to every part of me. All of the questions I've been struggling with as a black woman about self worth in the work place, networking, mentors, student loan repayments...She covered it all. My review can't do the book justice, but I will say, whether I had finished reading the book in the library or not, I knew I needed to purchase it, because this book is highlighter worthy!
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
This was an inspiring read and actionable advise. Importantly, it prioritizes the African American experience in the context of a broader engagement.
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2019
Stacey Abrams is one of those remarkable people with a wide array of talents. In this book she shares her story, acknowledges the things that get in her way, and includes questions and workbook activities to help readers focus on their own goals. As a teacher, I have to read a lot of "motivational" books that make me roll my eyes, but this one was different. Not only is Ms. Abrams a great writer, she breaks down her advice in practical and doable tasks and goal setting that doesn't feel gimmicky. I was particularly stunned to read that she considers herself an introvert. As a fellow introvert, I realize I have to stop letting myself off the hook from doing the things that seem scary.
I bought a copy for my sister who has a new leadership position, and will be sharing my copy with my mother and others, but I'm going to want it back so I can mark it up and save the pages I need to re-read to light a fire under my goals. Someday I'll be voting for this woman for president.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2020
I am a white American citizen. Voter suppression turns my stomach and the atrocities and injustices that have occurred in our county, the USA, are shameful in our country's history, and at present. Early 2020, I googled "history of Voter suppression in America" and am so very glad I found a reference to this book. I ordered it, read it cover to cover. Twice. It is so tragic that our "democracy" is still not a true democracy. Where is the accountability for this outcome? Abrams research and intelligent discussion of the history of methods used to suppress the vote in our country is very depressing. Yet Abrams is not depressed, or a victim; she is a very positive, brilliant and tireless leader who has dedicated her life to empowering others to recognize and fight against the egregious intimidation and suppression of voters in our country. I cannot thank her enough for taking the time to record these shameful histories. Voter suppression must first be identified, acknowledged, and prevented if we are to be a democracy. I would like now to know more about 1) the penalties for voter suppression and 2) accountability of those who are guilty. I pray for a better America where every voter is engaged, informed, empowered and able to vote. And where leaders AND citizens support those efforts, rather than thwart them.
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2020
This is a short read, page-wise, but it is so thick with great, and extremely relevant content, it's not a fast read. I found that I kept highlighting and highlighting all the insights.

Yes, Abrams is a politically ambitious Black woman. The horror! "Minority fears have distinct branches that get tangled up: stereotypes intermingle with authenticity and achievement. Will I get a shot because of who I am? If I fail, do I bring down everyone who looks like me? If I’m too successful, will my people celebrate me or shun me? How do I integrate into the world where I am an outsider, yet not move too far away from the places that make me who I am?"

She states the problems, clearly, but also gives the answers. "I confronted the expected stereotypes by knowing what they were and building an alternate narrative about myself."

The insights she presents apply to Black women, but also, to women of every color, to men of color, to non-binary and to LGBTQ people. To all those who are outsiders, in some way, whether in politics or other careers.

"We are, by our natures, often required to manufacture our own breaks, identify new openings even before others know they exist. The best hack is to know this is the case, accept it, and move on, prepared to take full advantage. And then do it all over again."

Although she ended up prevented from claiming the Georgia Governorship, the very act of her running for it made a difference. "...one of the aspects of holding power is understanding the long game—that battles add up over time and create space for others to feel emboldened to act."

If you are NOT a cisgender, straight, white, middle class+ man, you will get a lot out of this book. You might get a lot out of it even if you are.
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Look Out, Ambitious Black Woman in Politics!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2020
This is a short read, page-wise, but it is so thick with great, and extremely relevant content, it's not a fast read. I found that I kept highlighting and highlighting all the insights.

Yes, Abrams is a politically ambitious Black woman. The horror! "Minority fears have distinct branches that get tangled up: stereotypes intermingle with authenticity and achievement. Will I get a shot because of who I am? If I fail, do I bring down everyone who looks like me? If I’m too successful, will my people celebrate me or shun me? How do I integrate into the world where I am an outsider, yet not move too far away from the places that make me who I am?"

She states the problems, clearly, but also gives the answers. "I confronted the expected stereotypes by knowing what they were and building an alternate narrative about myself."

The insights she presents apply to Black women, but also, to women of every color, to men of color, to non-binary and to LGBTQ people. To all those who are outsiders, in some way, whether in politics or other careers.

"We are, by our natures, often required to manufacture our own breaks, identify new openings even before others know they exist. The best hack is to know this is the case, accept it, and move on, prepared to take full advantage. And then do it all over again."

Although she ended up prevented from claiming the Georgia Governorship, the very act of her running for it made a difference. "...one of the aspects of holding power is understanding the long game—that battles add up over time and create space for others to feel emboldened to act."

If you are NOT a cisgender, straight, white, middle class+ man, you will get a lot out of this book. You might get a lot out of it even if you are.
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31 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2022
I originally read this book as part of a book club assignment and I got so much out of it Stacie has a way of making things very succinct and simple but direct. There are so many key points for all minorities and so many were direct impact on me and my views. I saw myself in many of her characters both the good and the bad, the successful and the failures. This book can be a quick read however I suggest taking your time and absorbing her points. You will get so much from this.
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021
Very good book. The way the author interject her personal life to the context is rather refreshing. Taking the reader through the process as she ran for governor of Georgia opened my eyes to 'how a system works.' Even when the system is designed to keep you out; you have to endure the pains or accept the system as it is or become a change agent to make the system better. Stacey Abrams is a dynamic leader who has shown proof of her commitment to the state of Georgia. Check out her stellar work during the 2020 elections.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Foster
5.0 out of 5 stars Like it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2023
Ordered and ret. Thanks
Lyn
5.0 out of 5 stars Abrams “Lead From the Outside” is a must read!
Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2020
Great book. It talks about the benefits of recognizing your own goals and doing long range planning to get them accomplished! It is a great booster for women or minorities who have been disadvantaged, but really everyone can benefit from reading it.
Raquel
5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary. Very good.
Reviewed in Brazil on August 21, 2019
Just what I needed to read in order to keep going. Straightforward and at the same time kind, hopefull. All should give it a try.
C. Martens
5.0 out of 5 stars Motivating!
Reviewed in Canada on January 4, 2021
Sometimes with non-fiction I have to read it in short bites because my head tries to digest or I get bored. This book is actually hard to put down, it's interesting, inspiring and easy to read.
Ms. E. Graham
5.0 out of 5 stars As Black people you need to add this resource to your Survival kit.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2021
The book only arrived yesterday. As a Black woman l have already added the resource to my survival kit.
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