Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual

Rants & Randomness podcast host Jones (I’m Judging You) explores how to fight fear in order to speak up for oneself in this witty, insightful guide. According to Jones, keeping quiet about things that matter (particularly with family members or coworkers) serves no one; however, those who speak up must be prepared to “fail loudly.” Broken into three sections—“Be,” “Say,” “Do”—Jones’s strategy puts the idea of a strong sense of identity at its foundation. “It’s about knowing you belong in this world just as much as anyone else,” she writes. Using this concept, Jones provides simple exercises to help readers with self-expression, such as writing a self-affirming Yoruba oríkì poem, composing a personal mission statement, and listing one’s values and goals. She also recommends “owning your dopeness” through celebrating accomplishments and not being afraid of being labeled arrogant. Explaining that “professional troublemaking” is about “expecting the best of everybody and making sure they’re seeing their blind spots,” Jones offers three questions to ask oneself before “ruffling feathers”: “Is this thing something I believe? Can I stand in it and justify it? Can I say it with love or thoughtfully?” Readers needing the extra push to stand up will find Jones’s advice enlightening and empowering. (Mar.)