A Progress Report on My Book Journey

Reflecting on the growth, challenges, and purpose that have shaped my upcoming book—a tribute to the resilience and sisterhood of Black women in corporate spaces.

Dear Community,

Many of you have been with me on this journey since the winter of 2022, when I first set my sights on writing this book. What started as a vision has transformed over the last year into something that feels less like a project and more like a calling—a love letter, a bridge, a conversation that I hope will uplift, empower, and hold space for Black women navigating corporate spaces.

I completed the first draft of my manuscript in April 2023, but as life took its turns—focusing on my work at ServiceNow, stepping into new realms of ESG, and managing my personal health—I felt a pull to let the book breathe. In the latter half of 2023, I gave myself permission to pause, reflect, and realign. I wanted this book to be more than words on a page. I wanted it to be a testament to sisterhood, a reflection of resilience, and a source of inspiration. And so, I began reorienting it, not just through revisions, but by living its spirit—surrounding myself with intentional conversations, listening circles with Black women executives, and moments of community that enriched the direction of this work.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve completed the second iteration of this book, a version that feels far more grounded and aligned with its renewed purpose. It’s now with my editor, a talented Black woman with a deep understanding of nonfiction. Her involvement is just another layer of authenticity, connecting the book to the Black female experience in every possible way. The entire process of revision and reflection has been a powerful experience—one that taught me patience, humility, and the beauty of evolving alongside my work.

This journey hasn’t been without challenges. There were times when I questioned the delays, feeling a bit of frustration. But I realized that the book needed time, that the story I wanted to tell was still unfolding. I didn’t want this to be a rushed product; I wanted it to feel like you’re sitting down with a trusted friend, a circle of sisters, a space where wisdom, vulnerability, and strength are shared openly. It was important to me that this book would speak life into the next generation of Black women leaders, offering them guidance, courage, and the knowledge that they are not alone.

The path to publication is entering its final phases now. We’re moving into a developmental edit, a deep look at how each chapter connects, ensuring that every story, lessons, and insights weave together to create a cohesive and impactful narrative. Working through these final steps with my editor feels like the culmination of so many intentions, lessons, and experiences that I’ve gathered along the way.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been reflecting on the unique experiences that Black women face. Our challenges in corporate spaces are distinct; we walk a path that differs from our Black male counterparts, white women colleagues, and others in the workplace. This book is dedicated to illuminating those challenges and showing how, together, we can move from survival to thriving. It’s about sharing stories—both my own and those of Black women I admire—and using those stories to inspire new ones.

For those of you who have been following along, thank you for your patience, your encouragement, and your willingness to join me in this labor of love. As we get closer to the release in early 2025, I’ll be sharing more updates and, perhaps, even some sneak peeks. We’re considering some exciting ideas for pre-orders, including early access to chapters and other exclusive content. I hope you’re as excited as I am to continue on this path together.

Writing this book has been a journey that’s shown me the depth of strength, wisdom, and legacy that Black women carry. Each chapter is a reflection not only of my personal experiences but of the collective spirit we share. It’s a love letter, a call to rise, and an acknowledgment of the unique paths we each walk. As I wove these stories together, it was never just about my journey—it was about honoring the voices of so many women who inspire me, those whose resilience and grace have shown me what’s possible.

As we edge closer to this book’s release, I feel an excitement that’s hard to put into words. I’ve poured my heart into creating something that feels like sitting down with a friend, someone who understands the weight we carry and the triumphs we celebrate. And now, as I prepare to share these reflections and lessons with you, I find myself thinking of the stories that connect us all. It’s those moments of courage, the times we’ve chosen to push forward, even when the path was unclear, that often define us the most.

I’d love to hear from you: What experiences or stories have driven you forward, especially in those moments when everything felt uncertain?

With gratitude,

Edua