Jennifer Palmieri

Part celebration, part memoir, and part proclamation going forward, this short, optimistic book is a kind of rallying cry for women—to march forward and be part of creating a new inclusive power system.

In the past women were wanting to be part of, or succeed in, the existing power system, which was created by white men for the benefit of white men, she says. We have been women trying to compete and succeed in a man’s world, our gains were hard-earned, and something to celebrate, but now we are done with that world. The current system is outdated, and we need to go beyond that world to imagine new possibilities.It’s a radical change of outlook, she proclaims (p.22-24). Palmieri goes on to talk about a variety of issues; such as, knowing one’s value, women helping women, women starting new businesses or reviving existing ones to create places of opportunity, but also providing advice for men who ask about “helping women” (although she notes it’s not enough to allow women into your game, without changing the underlying rules that determine who succeeds). She discusses using our strength and power for good, and how women get better with age.

And while the whole book did not wow me (I was not terribly intrigued by the 'proclamation' format), judging by the dog-eared pages left behind, I found plenty of nuggets I wanted to sit with. This small, short, accessible book offers a succinct look back and a nice pep talk for the working woman of today going forward. Her optimism, especially during this time, is refreshing.… (altro)

Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World by Jennifer Palmieri is an empowering voice for women. It's written as a letter to the future female President of the United States (if you couldn't figure that out from the title). To give some background, Palmieri served as the White House Director of Communications under President Obama and then afterwards as the Director of Communications for the Clinton presidential campaign in 2016. Therefore, the reader will not be surprised that a large chunk of this book is devoted to behind the scenes of that campaign and its aftermath on herself and the country (from her point-of-view). From this standpoint alone, the book is interesting as we are seeing an event through the eyes of someone who actually experienced it from the inside. The overarching purpose of this book is to give advice and encouragement to women in any and every type of environment. Palmieri seeks to embolden women to allow for vulnerability and use the strengths that have historically been seen as weaknesses to launch yourself to the top. She emphasizes the importance of sticking up for yourself so that your voice is heard especially when yours is the only female voice in the room. (Did I mention this is quite a pro-female book? It is and I love that.) Remember: We cannot play by the same rules as men and we shouldn't have to. Personally, despite its shortness I think this is a necessary book for all peoples to read regardless of gender (but ladies ya'll should really try to seek this one out). I especially liked the book recommendations scattered throughout. :-D A solid 8/10 for me.… (altro)

Dear Madam President is smart, sincere, and very readable. Palmieri shows the human side of politics; the physical and emotional demands - long hours, the angst when despite all out efforts people just don't get the candidate's message, the hurt when the candidate is disparaged for all the wrong reasons. And the ludicrous issues, mostly misconceptions, many men have with female candidates.

She wrote this book so that future women candidates for president will know how to prepare, and learn from her experience in The White House and on campaign trails. She benefitted from strong women she met while working that to get your voice heard women need to speak and participate with confidence. Being tentative, coy or shy will just make you invisiible.

This is a must read handbook for all women, not just those in politics as it teaches us how to step up our game whether we need to get a new job, a promotion, a pay raise, increase ability to influence outcomes at our current jobs, and even at home with our families. Being confident and hopeful helps with all aspects of life.… (altro)