The Only Career Advice Book You Need
Changing careers is hard. Making the change as a woman of color is even harder. You might feel like it’s damn near impossible. Unequal pay, greater financial responsibilities, and negative self-talk are just some of the heightened obstacles we face. Luckily, this career textbook is the blueprint, roadmap, counselor, and friend you need as you courageously embark on this journey.
Imagine if you could…
Rediscover the confidence that comes with knowing what you want from your career;
Learn how to capitalize on your strengths and bring your authentic self to your work; and
Create a concrete action plan for a successful career change.
Don’t Stay in Your Lane is thousands of dollars’ worth of Cynthia’s career coaching boiled down into the most effective and impactful strategies. This book will get you through your career transition WAY faster than if you were to attempt it on your own. Whether you’re changing careers at 30, 40, or post-retirement, this book will help you navigate how to change careers as a woman of color.
Because here’s the thing: as women of color, we’re already doing ten jobs. We don’t have time and energy to waste.
What we need is career advice that actually works for us – that takes into account the unique landscape we face in the professional world – and that gets right to the point. This book is it.
“Like one of Cynthia’s coaching sessions on steroids.”
Nicole Espina, Photographer & Visual Artist
What will you get from this book?
A Concrete Action Plan
to follow for a successful career change with tools to find your way forward through uncertainty (and overcome financial anxiety)
Greater Confidence
as you stop negative self-talk, think through your strengths and how you can capitalize on them
Deeper Self Knowledge
regarding what you want from your career, and how you can bring your authentic self to your work
A Compelling Story
as Cynthia shares from her own career triumphs and setbacks
What’s inside the book?
Strategic advice from an expert career coach for women of color as you walk through your career change — from that first lightbulb moment of realization to actually transforming your career
Practical exercises and interactive elements to help you gain clarity and move forward with confidence
Eight special sections to help you address damaging thought patterns common among women of color
Additional appendices designed to help you with everyday wellness, optimizing your work life, interviewing, and negotiation
And Cynthia’s own personal story from public defender to career coach and entrepreneur
Testimonials
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“I'm a HUGE fan of this book because it specifically speaks from the point of view of women of color and the specific trials we contend with. This book helps the reader step back and practically consider the risks of shifting careers and separate it from the irrational fears and beliefs we've been compelled to believe. I've purchased several copies for friends and clients alike.”
Aiko Bethea, Esq., PCC, Equity Consultant, Executive Leadership Coach, and Forbes Top 7 Anti-Racist Educator
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“If you’re a woman of color who’s thinking of changing careers, you need this book in your life! This book reminds you that you are worth the change you envision for your career. You’re not unreasonable to want change, you just need support. Cynthia’s conversational writing style makes you feel like she is right there by your side, cheering you on as you navigate your professional career moves.”
Fanny García, Award-winning Oral Historian and Educator
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“Part memoir, part workbook, Don’t Stay in Your Lane offers practical tools to level up – whatever that means for your exact needs and situation. It’s like one of Cynthia’s coaching sessions on steroids. I know so many women of color will find this book invaluable.”
– Nicole Espina, Photographer and Visual Artist
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“This is the most authentic career advice book I’ve ever read. It’s vulnerable, transparent, and cuts right to the heart of what it’s like to change careers as a woman of color. Don’t Stay in Your Lane is full of practical advice, very specific tips and tools, and not at all surface or irrelevant. I love that it centers the experiences of being a woman of color – I’ll be recommending it to my friends!”
Jennifer Swayne Njuguna, Esq., Nonprofit Attorney and Strategist
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“I’m so glad Cynthia was the pivot point for my bravery years ago when I was going through a career transition. She gave me the tools and validation I needed.”
Ana Vargas, Principal, Consultant & Educator
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“Through her words and colourful images, Pong articulates the effect that intersecting [race, gender, sexual orientation] identities have on one’s career prospects. The author’s validation of this systemic reality is refreshing and missing from mainstream career change material.”
Kimberly John-Morgan, Book Reviewer
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“This is literally an amazing book!!! I have never seen anything quite like this. I am blown away by the quality and thoughtfulness of each page.”
Nia Lewis, Business Coach and Entrepreneur
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“This book is like having a career coach in your back pocket! I got quickly sucked in by how self-reflective and honest Cynthia is. I found her journey so helpful and felt really inspired by how she doesn’t sugarcoat her coaching strategies. I never thought switching careers could be fun, easy, or enlightening, but this book makes it all of the above. 1/3 therapy, 1/3 step-by-step guide, and 1/3 smart friend = your empowering dream job.”
Melissa Koh, Writer and Writing Coach
More of what readers are saying about DSIYL on social:
About Cynthia
Cynthia Pong, JD, is a career coach, speaker, and hype woman for women of color. A LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she is frequently sought out to provide highly relevant, super applicable, easy-to-understand career advice specifically for women of color.
When it comes to career strategy, she breaks it down for you and always keeps it real.
Buy the Book
For those who prefer a digital version of Don’t Stay in Your Lane, it’s also available in Fillable PDF and EPUB.