Unapologetically Ambitious

July 13, 2020
Archambeau (coauthor, Marketing That Works) delivers an invigorating account of her trailblazing career as an African American woman who has held powerful roles in the tech industry. Her stories of an upbringing being moved from place to place (there was a running joke at IBM, where her father worked, that the company name stood for “I’m Being Moved”) and dealing with racial tensions (she entered first grade in Los Angeles not long after the riots in 1992) show the same strength and drive that brought her to Wharton and to an internship, and then career, at IBM, followed by other positions in tech until she became CEO of Zaplet, which handles software applications for financial-service companies, while also winning a seat on the Verizon board. Unlike most women of her generation, she was able to prioritize her career above her husband’s; twice her age when they met, he quickly realized that she was the family powerhouse. Though more of a memoir than a business guide, this account includes tips for aspiring leaders: to meet imposter syndrome head-on, “find your cheerleaders,” identify one’s priorities, consciously nurture a sense of self-assurance, and so on. Archambeau’s winning voice and refusal to countenance failure make for an appealing account of one woman’s path to success. Agent: Jim Levine, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary.

Starred review from October 1, 2020
Archambeau, Silicon Valley's first female African American CEO, reflects on her career and life in her new book. As a young, Black woman, mother, and wife, she worked her way up the ranks through IBM and other companies, always moving toward CEO, a position she then held for many years. She takes readers on a journey as she achieves personal and professional goals in chapters that cover early lessons and improving your odds. She shares advice, stories, and lessons learned so that anyone can create their own blueprint for success. Steps include the power of planning, taking risks, financial literacy, self-care, and more. She also describes how to find mentors and how to manage the trade-offs that come with having both a career and a family. Ever pragmatic, Archambeau notes, Every time you take a giant leap forward, you will land at the bottom of your next learning curve. That's okay. Readers will be drawn into her narrative style and find her advice practical and easy to follow. The book of concrete career and life advice from an accomplished Black woman will appeal to women of all ages.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)