Mikaela Kiner - Female Firebrands: Stories and Techniques to Ignite Change, Take Control, and Succeed in the Workplace

Kiner advocates practicing inclusion in the workplace, saying goodbye to outdated norms where women are often sidelined and excluded, and instead turning everyonewomen and men bothinto advocates and allies. Kiner argues that the old ways of corporate Americaone seat at the table, double standards for women, and motherhood penaltieshave prevented women from thriving for far too long. Her practical advice, illustrated by candid stories of her own and of the thirteen female firebrands she interviewed, shows readers a new way to create workplaces where everyone has a sense of belonging.

CARA BRENNAN ALLAMANO AND ROBBY PETERS, Founders, PeopleTech Partners

As a seasoned HR veteran, Mikaela Kiner has seen it all. She and the women she interviewed share candid stories about what professional women face every day and how they persevere. Kiner does not hesitate to tackle complex issues of privilege and race. Though these topics will certainly make for some discomfort among readers, the womens unflagging spirit and resiliency are that much more admirable given the hard truths about how far we still are from attaining equality.

STELLA ASHAOLU, Founder & CEO, WeSolv

Female Firebrands is a beautiful expression of the desire to be better, to strive for more. This book is a positive disruption for any individual or organization looking to create a new way of being. Mikaela offers a meaningful acknowledgment of systemic barriers while pointing out the negative thought patterns and biased practices that keep us from belonging. Through effective storytelling and expert guidance, she pushes us to think bigger and imagine an equitable future where everyone can thrive. Consider this a powerful call to action and a tangible tool for every leader looking to make a change in the world.

MICHAELA AYERS, Founder, Nourish

If you want to be inspired by other womens stories, look no further than Female Firebrands. This candid, modern, practical, and user-friendly book is a great illustration of the obstacles women face and how to overcome them. Few dispute that inclusion and belonging matter, so why does creating environments that include women continue to elude many companies? This much-needed book offers answers, specific tools, and tips on how to advocate for yourself and other women in ways that count.

ELIZABETH BASTONI, Independent Director and Consultant

Mikaela Kiner brilliantly tackles one of the most critical issues in todays society: gender diversity in the workplace. Through an account of her own experience as a longtime Amazon executive and the stories of the women alike, Kiner offers a refreshing and uniquely honest perspective on what it means to be a female in the modern-day workplace. Female Firebrands will inspire readers to think critically about the ways in which gender impacts their daily lives and will provide the tools necessary to be advocates for change.

ANISH BATLAW, Operating Partner, General Atlantic

Female Firebrands is a wonderful book that honors the spirit, passion, and commitment women bring to work, the workplace, and leadership. The stories are inspirational and educational for everyone, and I highly recommend this book for men and women in business.

JOSH BERSIN, Global Industry Analyst in Leadership and HR

A smartly written book that puts womens stories at the center of the narrative and will help women (and men) effect positive change in the workplace. I couldnt get enough of these real-life stories told by women from an incredibly diverse set of industries and backgrounds. Their advice and ideas are remarkably easy to understand and put into action. I plan on giving this book to the potential female firebrands I know, and the men that want to be great advocates.

CHRIS CAPOSSELA, Chief Marketing Officer, Microsoft

I have spent the past 20 years working as a senior human resource leader in the technology industry. Mikaelas story and the stories of the female firebrands she spotlights are my story and the story of millions of women across the world. These stories provide insight, guidance, and support and are a must-read if you are a woman working in business today, a young woman beginning her career, or anyone who supports women in the workplace. This book will warm your heart, ignite your passion, and foster belief in yourself. Thank you, Mikaela, for sharing these stories and supporting women everywhere.

REBECCA CLEMENTS, VP of HR at Moz

Mikaela provides a thought-provoking examination of inequities through tangible, relatable stories that challenge the status quo. Reading this book, I often found myself nodding in agreement and then pausing to question my own privilege and way of thinking.

AHMAD CORNER, Founder and Community Builder, Young Professionals Organization

As a Latina and founder of a Circle of Latinas in Seattle, I constantly hear heartbreaking stories about how women of color are discriminated against in the workplace and society. Having someone like Mikaela bringing light to these sorties makes my heart pound faster. So many women who were interviewed for this book have not only been ferocious allies and womens advocates, but also good friends that I admire. I couldnt be prouder to see their voices represented in this book. Mikaela is on a mission of seeing more women breaking the glass ceiling, and this book is all about bringing awareness and more allies to make this happen. This book is a must for everyone who wants to get inspired and desires to understand more about the reality that women face in this society.

LAURA ESPRIU, Founder of Latinas in Seattle and Laura Espriu Coaching & Consulting

What I loved about this book was the marriage of deeply personal stories from a diverse group of women with actionable advice for not just women but also male advocates, HR, and business leaders. Without an integrated approach to tackling inequities in the workplace, nothing will improve. Mikaela Kiner makes a call for all of us to examine and check our own privileges and then to use those same privileges to help create a more equitable workplace for everyone.

LYDIA FRANK, VP of Content Strategy, PayScale

In her new book, Mikaela Kiner provides a fresh, concise, and authoritative account of the challenges women leaders face in todays corporate and entrepreneurial work environments. She weaves together the stories of 13 inspiring women, who provide unique perspectives on how the modern workplace must evolve to become a more balanced, inclusive, and empowering place. Male managers like me who aspire to be more conscious, curious, and thoughtful about our roles, biases, and team cultures will find practical advice in Kiners work for becoming stronger advocates for women and better leaders. Kiners interviews are peppered with insightful commentary and data, as well as checklists at the end of each chapter to help put wisdom into action. Kiners work is a welcome addition to the literature on women in the workplace and a fun, fascinating read!

DAVEY FRIEDMAN, Consumer Sales Manager, WeWork

Women in recent decades have become more powerful and effective advocatesfor themselves and for other women. Advocacy takes confidence, commitment, and yes, the attitude of a firebrandsomeone who sets off sparks that kindle change. Female Firebrands adds something essential to the conversation because it not only profiles women who fearlessly push for change, but it also offers clear and actionable tactics that every woman can use to more powerfully advocate for what she and others need. Womens engagement will be a key resource for creating a workplace that works for everyone.