Take Back Your Power: 10 New Rules for Women at Work

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 175 ratings

Price: 16.28

Last update: 01-04-2025


About this item

Read by the author.

You can't make the world fair, but you can take back your power.

As a woman in Silicon Valley who worked her way to the top of the corporate ladder—she's a former VP at Facebook and the current president and CEO of Ancestry—Deborah Liu knows firsthand the challenges and obstacles in the workplace that keep the deck stacked against women in the workplace . . . and the ways to overcome them.

For every woman who grew up competing on the uneven playing field, who is told she is too aggressive, assertive, dramatic, or emotional, this book is the battle cry you need to learn to thrive within the system that exists today, even if it's not the one we wish it were.

Take Back Your Power presents both hard data and Liu's personal experiences from twenty years as a woman leader in the male-dominated tech industry to help you:

  • Find your voice, learn how to ask, and achieve what you want in a system that isn't fair and wasn't created for you
  • Debunk the negative connotations of "power" and harness it for your own success
  • Discover how to be heard, seen, and taken more seriously at work by getting out of your own way
  • Overcome the lie that success is only achieved alone by finding the four types of allies you need to reach your goals
  • Become a great leader without losing yourself in the process

You have the power to change the future of work for yourself—and for women everywhere.

An accompanying diagram is included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Lisa Kostova
    5.0 out of 5 stars Much needed inspiration, hope and practical advice from one of the top role models of women in tech
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2022
    I consumed Deb's book in a single sitting. I held my breath as I read, nodding vigorously as I recognized myself in her stories - the times when she was physically edged away to the periphery of the conversation, when she didn't speak up in a meeting, when someone erroneously attributes her ideas to a man in the room.

    Deb is raw, honest and real, and yet a class act through and through. What's more is that she strikes the perfect balance between being too broad and general and being overly prescriptive. What you get with "Take Back Your Power" is a perfect blend of context, data, examples and ideas for implementation in your own life and career. It reads like a buffet bar of possibilities with vivid stories of role models - the women are fantastic and their stories, so skillfully taught by Deb are easy to recall. I definitely envision myself applying their lessons and strategies in multiple aspects of my life.

    This book is incredibly relatable without being depressing. Every woman who's been interrupted, talked over, passed over for promotion, told she is "too bossy" and "too quiet" in the same sentence, will relate to the stories of Deb and the women she profiles. But thankfully Deb goes one step further - she shows you how the uneven playing field can be navigated, with persistence, courage and skill. She acknowledges it's not easy, but somehow manages to not only show us the way around daunting obstacles, but to actually inspire us and give us hope.

    You feel Deb Liu taking you by the hand and acknowledging your feelings of cognitive dissonance and inferiority as you start on the journey together. You feel a connection and your relationship with Deb deepens as you read on. She's a coach who is is talking directly to you with words of wisdom that hit home.

    I was surprised how openly she shares her feelings of failing at some of the places where she built her career. And the fact that she considered leaving her job every time there was a re-org and her team was pulled apart. She also talks candidly about a challenging interpersonal conflict with one of the top people at Facebook and what it took to make the relationship work. Deb highlights the hidden gifts in these seeming failures, set-backs and detours, which I found incredibly inspiring.

    The book offers an illuminating window at what early-stage Facebook was all about. Surprisingly, it was a challenging period for Deb. The fact that she's able to tell the story in the context of a successful career, and not in the context of a disgruntled employee, is a testament to Deb's ability to build and keep relationships and her amazing strength and perseverance.

    There is only one point where I disagreed with Deb. She claims the "queen bee" syndrome is likely not real, at least as far as executive women are concerned. I've seen evidence to the contrary but I hope that she's right - that this syndrome, if it exists, is not systemic.

    Deb is clearly one of the leaders for women claiming their power in tech. She has taken the time to write this thoughtful manifesto, full of not just practical strategies and tools, but most importantly - heart. The moment I put the book down, I felt a bounce in my step and a renewed fire in my belly. And just in time - the investor deck I had been dragging my feet on completing (likely for fear of not being good enough) is finally getting done. "Take Your Power Back" has done just that for me. Watch out world!
  • Page Keller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering and Practical Guide for Women in the Workplace
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
    "Take Back Your Power: 10 New Rules for Women at Work" by Deborah Liu is an empowering and insightful book that offers practical advice for women looking to succeed in their careers. Liu, a highly successful executive herself, shares personal experiences and wisdom, making this book both relatable and inspiring.

    As a woman leader in an educational technology company, I find this book incredibly helpful. Liu's insights are particularly relevant and have provided me with new strategies to enhance my leadership skills and navigate challenges in the workplace. Her writing is engaging and authentic, and her vulnerability in sharing her journey adds a personal touch that resonates deeply.

    On a personal note, I grew up down the street from Deborah Liu, and she is quite possibly the most successful person ever to emerge from our small town.. Seeing someone from my hometown achieve such incredible success while remaining an inspiration is both rare and uplifting.

    "Take Back Your Power" is a must-read for any woman striving to take control of her career and make a meaningful impact. Highly recommended for anyone looking to empower themselves and achieve professional success.
    Customer image
    Page Keller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering and Practical Guide for Women in the Workplace
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
    "Take Back Your Power: 10 New Rules for Women at Work" by Deborah Liu is an empowering and insightful book that offers practical advice for women looking to succeed in their careers. Liu, a highly successful executive herself, shares personal experiences and wisdom, making this book both relatable and inspiring.

    As a woman leader in an educational technology company, I find this book incredibly helpful. Liu's insights are particularly relevant and have provided me with new strategies to enhance my leadership skills and navigate challenges in the workplace. Her writing is engaging and authentic, and her vulnerability in sharing her journey adds a personal touch that resonates deeply.

    On a personal note, I grew up down the street from Deborah Liu, and she is quite possibly the most successful person ever to emerge from our small town.. Seeing someone from my hometown achieve such incredible success while remaining an inspiration is both rare and uplifting.

    "Take Back Your Power" is a must-read for any woman striving to take control of her career and make a meaningful impact. Highly recommended for anyone looking to empower themselves and achieve professional success.
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    Customer image
  • Kathy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good starting point for a new female employee working with lots of men.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2022
    Very personal viewpoint with lots of good advice. I have been in my field for a long time and had learned most of what she said, which makes the book very accurate.
  • Customer john
    5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive and insightful-
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024
    Super impressive and insightful!
  • Cortney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Bought one for everyone
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
    Gave as gifts to every woman I know. This is basically the 7 rules of power but better targeted toward the specific issues women face in work places. Plus the author’s personal stories are incredibly inspiring. Make your college aged girls read this before their first internship.
  • angie R
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Inspiring and practical! It's a Must read for women who care about themselves!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2022
    I learned about Debra L. from her work on Women in Product and her experiences at eBay and Facebook. I was looking forward and curious about her book. When I first got it, I couldn't put it down. I adore it utterly. The tales are poignant and pertinent. The 10 rules are practical, accurate, and supported by lots of facts. I've been in the business for a while, and I couldn't agree more with her analysis and suggestions. I get new ideas and pointers from this book to carry on with my largely successful life journey. I'm purchasing the book for my college-bound daughter as well as the folks I mentor.
    I want to thank Debra for being genuine and giving of herself in sharing her success and wisdom. I had many of the same experiences as Debra as an immigrant or 2nd generation of an immigrant living the American dream as a female executive in the computer industry. Her determination to embrace who she is, set her own course, leave her mark, and spread kindness has really inspired me. I'll go in her direction.
    I wish her and her family the best!
  • Preston
    5.0 out of 5 stars Human, personal and vulnerable… Deb inspires women leaders—but thru empathy how men can help too.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2022
    If you’re a man like me, don’t overlook this book. While Deb clearly aims this book rightly at a female audience as she should, if you’re interested in sponsoring more women or helping create a more inclusive work environment this book is also for you.

    Told thru the lens of her own life stories as well as the stories she’s collected from other women, it highlights specific ways women can take back their power. She covers real situations from meetings, conferences, home-life, maternity leave and more.

    I was fortunate to work with Deb years ago when she was leading a pivotal PayPal/eBay project. She made an impression on me then and this book helps articulate why… she is not just a smart and driven leader. But also someone who has brought along countless others in the process and lifted up their careers. Most of her stories are understandably centered around Tech but she does her best to make them approachable to those outside to understand the context.

    Finally, I’d recommend listening the audible book as I found hearing Deb narrate it herself brought the stories even more to life.

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