2  Books Published by No Silos Communications on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

Yes Please! is a leadership development tool that is grounded in positive psychology and neuroscience. It supports high-performing women leaders of color in finding happiness in the midst of the unique challenges they face as they aim for senior executive ranks. Author, L. Michelle Smith, surveyed 100 high-performing Black women leaders and uncovered that 90% of them did not describe themselves as happy in their corporate careers, and as research in positive psychology has found, happy people are successful people.

Yes Please! highlights seven secrets, 32 powerful questions, engaging storytelling, stinging truths, and mountains of credible guidance from women of color who have lived experience and experts that provide the insights and stats. The author’s story and insight as a corporate executive, business owner, and mom-in-chief are also woven throughout.

Yes Please! helps these women leaders reclaim their happiness by providing seven powerful solution-specific affirmations to counter the negativity from toxic workplaces. The book covers compensation, likability versus respect, partnership and marriage, sponsorship failures, moving on to move up, women supporting women, and more.

“This is an absolute must-read for any person looking to demystify ascent to the C-Suite, but more importantly, through authentic storytelling and proven leadership principles exercised by Black women achievers. Yes, Please! provides mid-level, mid-career women of color all-important access to essential knowledge that is not always readily shared. Thank you L. Michelle for this timely work and word…”
—Xavier Williams, Retired Fortune 10 Executive, CEO NWS Wireless

“L. Michelle gives you the secrets to navigating the corporate world on your own terms. Anyone who wants to experience higher levels of personal and professional success should read this book.”
—Trudy Bourgeois, Author, Equality: Courageous Conversations about Women, Men and Race to Spark a Diversity and Inclusion Breakthrough

“L. Michelle is a sister who knows how to help you find success in business.”
—Toure, TV Personality, Podcast Host and Author, I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon

“Once again, L. Michelle has her finger on the pulse of what’s going on in corporate America. For me, this book could not have come at a better time. The concept of what we deserve should be required reading for every woman inside and outside of workplaces—and their daughters and nieces. L. Michelle is an important voice in the discussion of work and life, women and people of color, one we should listen to.”
—Maria Reeve, Vice President, Texas Initiatives for Hearst, former executive editor of the Houston Chronicle

“L. Michelle Smith is a passionate advocate and coach for women in the C-Suite. She knows what it takes to open the right doors. If you want to build confidence and the right skill set, Yes, Please! is the how-to guide you’ll keep going back to.”
—Valorie Burton, National bestselling author of Successful Women Think Differently and CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute

The way to executive leadership in the corporate workplace can be a struggle for women of color according to recent studies, and this current environment of health crisis, economic and cultural unrest have made it even more so. No, Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Include Myself provides a roadmap of affirmations, coaching and actionable steps women of color can take to not only lead, but lead like a rockstar during this unprecedented time and beyond. Based on the career journey of former corporate leader, serial entrepreneur and certified executive & business coach L. Michelle Smith, she shares a simple roadmap to success while weaving in storytelling of her own and those of her own mentors and sponsors from the C-Suite. The book shares insights on knowing one’s value, “flipping” white privilege to your advantage, building a rock-solid personal brand that attracts opportunities, leading with excellence and authenticity and more.

“This time of unprecedented crisis is the perfect moment for women of color to shift to an entrepreneurial mindset and accelerate toward rockstar leadership, despite the biases and challenges they face in the workplace. And there is absolutely no reason on earth to wait for an invitation.” —L. Michelle Smith

No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself: A Guide to Rockstar Leadership for Women of Color in the Workplace provides a roadmap of affirmations, seasoned insights and advice, coaching and actionable steps that women of color can take to realize their dreams and rise to the C-Suite.