The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You book review
- Kyla Denanyoh
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Power is in the hands of the negotiator.
That was one of the biggest takeaways I had after reading this book, and honestly, this book absolutely woke me up, shook me up, and did all the things.
I picked up this book while browsing the self-improvement section at the library looking for books about confidence, and it immediately stood out to me.
The first point that really stuck with me was that people do not talk about money because they think they should already know about it or they're embarrassed to ask questions.
This was so relevant to me because I've been working since I was 14 years old. I was a bagger at Kroger grocery store. I know how to work. I know how to get a paycheck. I know how to do all the things.
What I didn't know was how to negotiate a salary. I didn't know how to create a job for myself. I didn't know a whole bunch of things until I looked them up and researched them.
For some reason, we feel like we're supposed to know everything about money.
But you don't know everything about money, and that's okay.
You might need to meet with a money coach. You might need to talk to someone who can give you some tips before you negotiate. You don't have to know everything.
"You don't know everything about money, and that is okay."
The second lesson was about networking.
Lydia Fenet talks about how the most powerful woman in the room understands how valuable networking can be.
For me, networking at this stage of my life means getting connected with coaches and getting connected with groups of people who know more than me.
And that is so not the old Kyla.
Two years ago, maybe even twelve months ago, I would have thought, "There's nothing I don't know. What are you talking about?"
I've gone through such a transformation since being laid off in December 2021. In 2022, I felt like I had to kick, scratch, and crawl to get anything done. Then, in 2023, I felt like I was finally finding my pace.
The reason is simple: I acknowledge that I don't know everything.
The things I don't know, somebody else knows. You might know. Your cousin might know. Your former co-worker might know. Their boss might know.
Ask.
If they don't know, ask them who does.
I'm all about asking.
"The things I don't know, somebody else knows."
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The final lesson from this book hit me hard.
Lydia Fenet says that if you are doing a job well, then you are the expert in that role. You are qualified to earn what you need to earn for that role.
She encourages readers to do their research, understand their market value, and make sure they're being compensated appropriately for their skills and experience.
Lydia spent her career at Christie's auction house. When she discovered what other auctioneers were making, she learned they were earning four times her salary.
When I heard that, it broke my heart.
If I'm doing a stellar job, pay me.
Why is it so hard to pay me?
One of the things she explains in the book is that it is not your company's job to make sure you're making top dollar. They don't know your bills, your goals, or your financial needs.
Eventually, Lydia decided she wanted to create an entirely new department. She figured out what the role should pay and went after it.
My favorite part of the story was that she knew the conversation would be emotional, so she got all her tears out that morning before going into the meeting. Then she walked in ready to handle business.
I absolutely loved that.
She knew what she brought to the table, and she advocated for herself.
Would I reread this book?
Absolutely.
There were things in this book that I could have applied immediately. I was furiously writing notes because it was that good.
I also love the title.
In the introduction, Lydia writes that if you picked up a book called The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You, then you probably already have an inkling that you're powerful and want to know how to bring that power out.
For me, that was absolutely true.
If you're interested in confidence, business, negotiation, networking, or self-improvement, I think this is a book worth picking up.
Until the next book review,
Kyla
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