Sonya Barlow - Unprepared to Entrepreneur: A Method to the Madness of Starting Your Own Business

Frank, solidly researched and packed with fascinating insights about the reality of building a career around your personal brand this is the sort of book I wish had been around when I started my career. Sonya Barlow is an exciting voice shaking up the world of entrepreneurship and telling it like it is.

ANDREA THOMPSON, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, MARIE CLAIRE

An informative guide for anyone looking to become an entrepreneur. Setting off on your entrepreneurial journey can be daunting, but Sonya Barlow breaks everything down clearly to help you on your way to success.

ANNA JONES AND DEBBIE WOSSKOW OBE, CO-FOUNDERS, ALLBRIGHT

The book every entrepreneur needs. Reading through this toolkit, it had everything included that would make you feel inspired, prepared and ready to tackle the business world. Unprepared to Entrepreneur truly is a must-read with so many real stories from real people. Sonya Barlow has really hit the nail on the head here.

ANNA FLOCKETT, CEO, STARTUPS MAGAZINE

Unprepared to Entrepreneur is a book for any entrepreneur that has a side hustle or passion project and wants to take it to the next level. Not only does it give advice and simple exercises to build their business, but it also provides a truthful glimpse into what being an entrepreneur is.

CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS, FOUNDER, SEVENSIX AGENCY

An honest and real approach to entrepreneurship. I am an entrepreneur myself and have loved reading her journey and can resonate with her experiences. As a South Asian woman I was glad to read the story about a great South Asian entrepreneur that hasnt let setbacks make her quit. A fantastic read for anyone looking to join the entrepreneurial journey.

EBBA QURESHI, FOUNDER AND CEO, FEMGAMES

This is a very personal journey and Sonya Barlows route to success is full of useful advice. Her voice is clear and her understanding of the modern business environment is insightful. She may not have learnt how to complete a tax return at her business school but she has learnt to research, to write and to reflect. This is a fascinating book and invaluable to anyone thinking of starting their own business today.

IAN DANIEL, BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT LECTURER, BAYES BUSINESS SCHOOL

Unprepared to Entrepreneur is the real deal, filled with hard-earned lessons, practical advice and relatable stories from Sonya Barlows professional journey. Its inspirational, but also brings entrepreneurship down to earth: this book reminds us that it isnt reserved for a rare few, but a path any of us can follow.

KATIE CARROLL, HEAD OF NEWS, NORTH AMERICA AND UK, LINKEDIN

What an inspirational and useful toolkit. I work with small business owners daily who would really benefit from reading this book. I will be recommending it to all my contacts!

LAUREN MALONE, HEAD OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ENTERPRISE NATION

Sonya Barlow provides us with a great combination of her own experience and practical guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to follow her lead. She has a wonderful insight into the sorts of hurdles that entrepreneurs encounter and the best ways to surmount them.

MARTIN RICH, SENIOR LECTURER, BAYES BUSINESS SCHOOL

As a slightly unmanageable, self-made entrepreneur with fingers in many pies I found this book very reassuring, with its relatable anecdotes and optimistic approach. Sonya Barlows accessibility, inclusivity and refreshing innovation makes me certain that any starting entrepreneur should own a copy.

MIKA SIMMONS, ACTRESS, FILMMAKER AND HOST OF THE HAPPY VAGINA PODCAST

Unprepared to Entrepreneur is the perfect toolkit for recent graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs. It is jam-packed with great advice, practical steps you can take and diverse case studies which challenge the idea of entrepreneurs as big, successful, tech innovators.

OLIVIA HANLON, FOUNDER AND CEO, GIRLS IN MARKETING

A delightful read, full of experiences and advice for those who want to get out of their comfort zone and understand the journey of being unprepared to be an entrepreneur. It paints a clear picture that you dont need to be rich or prepared to start something; its all within you and the way you react to surroundings.

RITESH JAIN, CO-FOUNDER, INFYNIT

Sonya Barlow is an impressive entrepreneur who offers valuable advice on how to overcome the failures and the doubts that many founders have to take an idea and turn it into a successful business. There is more to be learned from leaders like Barlow who have the ability to transform adversity into an opportunity to help other entrepreneurs.

RUSS SHAW CBE, FOUNDER, TECH LONDON ADVOCATES AND GLOBAL TECH ADVOCATES

An entrepreneurship book packed with honest reflection, refreshing ideas and truly inspiring stories about success and failure. I recommend it to students, educators and professionals who are eager to learn more about the sometimes not-so-glamorous reality of starting a business.

SABRINA VIETH, PRINCIPAL LECTURER IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION, COVENTRY UNIVERSITY

Sonya Barlows journey helps her bring to life some vital lessons for any budding entrepreneur. The case studies add further lessons and validation of key points. The reflection areas help entrepreneurs think about how they might put lessons learned into practice. A mini MBA.

DR SANDEEP BANSAL, INNOVATION FACULTY, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL AND FOUNDER, MEDIA CREATIONS

For many people, the adventures of self-employment and entrepreneurship never begin because they dont know where to start. This is especially true for potential founders who are hindered by their social background, the inherent injustice of todays economic system, or simply the daily grind of earning a living instead of following your dreams. Sonya Barlow specializes in helping someone like that maybe someone like you? to help them make it anyway.

SEBASTIAN ESSER, CO-FOUNDER, STEADY

In these turbulent times its so important to forge your own path. Sonya Barlow has done just that and her book is a great combination of advice, life stories and practical steps anyone can take to bring their idea to life. Happy reading and good luck!

TABITHA GOLDSTAUB, FOUNDER, COGX AND CHAIR OF THE UK GOVERNMENTS AI COUNCIL

A must-read book on the realities of entrepreneurship. One I wish had existed before I took the plunge. Anyone reading this will be a better founder and operator because of it.

TOM MCGILLYCUDDY, TICKR

This book is a must-read for every budding entrepreneur. Not only does it provide sound advice, but it also covers the journeys of so many others that changed careers to become entrepreneurs.

VANESSA VALLELY, FOUNDER, WEARETHECITY

I wish I had had this book when I started my business. The inspiring stories of challenges, hurdles and failures will resonate with many, especially with aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, who will identify with Sonya Barlows story and will now have practical advice to rely on.

ZAHRA KHAN, FOUNDER, FEYA CAF

Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, the founder of the @LMFnetwork, a diversity business coach and a motivational speaker. Her efforts are focused on bridging the skills gap and creating inclusive cultures. She has delivered two TEDx talks and is an international keynote speaker. Sonya has had her articles published in