Overall, her tips and lessons are meant to help the reader navigate their own opportunities for power plays in business and life in general. Her advice spans generations as well as she recounts her experiences in her teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. She shares with the next generation to learn to “honor your voice early. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas or contribute to the conversation.” She also breaks down the importance of knowing the different levels of friends in your life and how they can play a role in your continued success.
As a successful woman entrepreneur and leader not only in the city of Chicago, but on the national stage, Cooper has had the opportunity to interview former first lady Michelle Obama, work with women in the industry such as Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Urban One Inc., and meet countless politicians, entertainers and community activists. She maintains that one of the keys to maximizing great deals is that true girlfriends must increase our opportunities to collaborate, support and promote each other and going into a new decade is as good a time as any.
The part of the book that resonated with me the most is that this highly successful businesswoman prioritizes self-care in an industry that rewards the grind culture. Amen to this! After seeing several friends of hers pass away who had hectic work schedules, Cooper realized the power for business owners, and specifically Black women, in taking care of yourself.
“Success has very little to with the money I make and more to do with personal fulfillment,” according to Cooper. “Therefore, I have concluded that it is unnecessary for me to work 60 to 80 hours a week in order to feel validated or build wealth. My purpose is to deliver earnest work that feeds my soul. It is what I am great at and what shows up at the table where the deals get done.”
Grab a copy of Cooper’s book, The Girlfriend’s Guide to Closing the Deal, to level up for 2020. Knowledge is power, and this book is like having your own personal mentor in your back pocket.
