Ellen Pao's memoir 'Reset' chronicles her fight against gender discrimination in Silicon Valley, highlighting the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry. The book is a mix of personal narrative, self-help, and activism, offering insights into the struggles of professional women.
Ellen Pao's 'Reset' is a compelling account of her journey through the male-dominated world of Silicon Valley, culminating in her lawsuit against Kleiner Perkins for gender discrimination. The memoir is a blend of personal storytelling, self-help advice, and activist manifesto, providing a raw and honest look at the challenges faced by women in professional settings. Pao's experiences reveal the fine line women must tread between being assertive and being perceived as difficult or aggressive. The book is somewhat repetitive but offers valuable insights into the systemic issues within the tech industry. It's a powerful read for anyone interested in issues of inclusion and lasting change.
Quick quotes
Is it possible that I am really too ambitious while being too quiet while being too aggressive while being unlikable? Are my elbows too sharp?
If you talk, you talk too much. If you don’t talk, you’re too quiet. You don’t own the room. If you want to protect your work, you’re not a team player. Your elbows are too sharp.
I’d been instructed by my lawyers not to respond to comments like that, because it might open me up to more criticism — jurors could find me difficult or aggressive.