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Power: A Woman's Guide to Living and Leading Without Apology
A transformative path for women to build their power in a world all too eager to strip it away
We all know what it’s like to feel powerless. We have had power taken from us and used over us, and sometimes we have had to give it away for our own safety. In Power , renowned leadership coach Kemi Nekvapil reveals how power built internally is stronger and more enduring than that bestowed externally—and introduces a new framework for cultivating it from the inside out.
When you tap into the power that comes from within, you have the capacity to rebuild yourself. You give yourself the opportunity to break free from chronic people-pleasing and start making choices that align with your needs and values. You stop living and leading with apology, and instead use your power as a force for good.
Through the principles of Presence, Ownership, Wisdom, Equality, and Responsibility, Power invites you to stop waiting for power to be handed to you and instead choose it for yourself and on your own terms. Drawing on stories from her own life as a Black woman in a society where power is often used as a tool for fear and obedience, and from the lives of leaders, gamechangers, and everyday women who’ve learned to step into their power, Nekvapil shows you how to practice, build, and feel your inner force.
We all know what it’s like to feel powerless. We have had power taken from us and used over us, and sometimes we have had to give it away for our own safety. In Power , renowned leadership coach Kemi Nekvapil reveals how power built internally is stronger and more enduring than that bestowed externally—and introduces a new framework for cultivating it from the inside out.
When you tap into the power that comes from within, you have the capacity to rebuild yourself. You give yourself the opportunity to break free from chronic people-pleasing and start making choices that align with your needs and values. You stop living and leading with apology, and instead use your power as a force for good.
Through the principles of Presence, Ownership, Wisdom, Equality, and Responsibility, Power invites you to stop waiting for power to be handed to you and instead choose it for yourself and on your own terms. Drawing on stories from her own life as a Black woman in a society where power is often used as a tool for fear and obedience, and from the lives of leaders, gamechangers, and everyday women who’ve learned to step into their power, Nekvapil shows you how to practice, build, and feel your inner force.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2023
58 people are currently reading
2,442 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 22, 2023
I have been on a journey of antiracism and anti-oppression, so I really appreciated this book by a Nigerian-British life coach, which offers a framework for cultivating your own internal power. The framework for building your power is Presence, Ownership, Wisdom, Equality and Responsibility. Each of the book sections ends with journaling prompts, which allow you to reflect on and incorporate your learning into your own life. I was especially moved by the personal stories that Kemi shared, like the rites of passage she created for her children when they turned 12, which showed them what they were capable of enduring. Kemi also shared a beautiful letter that her (white) husband wrote her during the Black Lives Matter summer of 2020, where he owned his unearned privilege and committed to listening to and amplifying the voices of people whose power has been stolen. You will come away from this book with new ideas and ways of being in the world.
I won a free copy on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
I won a free copy on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
December 26, 2023
As a recovering people pleaser who has struggled with speaking up for themselves for the past, I don’t know, decade, this found me at the right time. For all the ladies looking to step into their power, own their voice, this is for you! Actually, every person I know could benefit from reading this book. Do it.
January 9, 2024
"The world does not need busy women, it needs present and powerful women".
I liked Kemi. Her writing and voice resonated with me, and the book made me feel empowered and hopeful. So thankful for this book.
I liked Kemi. Her writing and voice resonated with me, and the book made me feel empowered and hopeful. So thankful for this book.
October 11, 2023
A great book as a guide on the side. Very readable with personal examples to help the reader bond with the author and continue on their own journey
August 16, 2023
I've been working on my own journey to step out of the good girl behaviors and people pleasing tendencies to being able to fully express myself. The book POWER came at a great time in my life. Kemi is a powerhouse of a writer and her wealth of knowledge was so helpful. I enjoyed her guidance and real life examples she displays in this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 24, 2023
I just heard Kemi read a few sections of this book and heard her speak at A Writing Room retreat. That alone merits five stars. If you have ever felt small, less than, or like you don’t belong, this book is for you. And if you ever get a chance to hear Kemi speak, do it.
October 21, 2023
I loved the acronym she made from power and how the books was stories with applicable ways to reflect and find a way to find your voice and claim ownership of it and your power as a women.
November 30, 2023
Ik voelde me bij sommige hoofdstukken niet heel erg de doelgroep, maar desondanks een enorm empowerend boek. Echt een aanrader voor alle mensen die binnen vrouwelijke gendernormen zijn opgegroeid.
Wat je zegt is zinnig, want jij bent zinnig
Taalgebruik is heel belangrijk om jezelf power te geven
Niet jij maar, maar JIJ
Als jij iets niet begrijpt is de kans groter dat anderen dat ook niet doen.
Rituelen: Een reis maken ter overgang naar volwassenheid.
Er zit power in het overwinnen van moelijke tijden
Er zit power in het bewaken, opstellen van grenzen.
Ik stel grenzen omdat ik zo aardig wil blijven als binnen mijn vermogen ligt
De vloek van het lieve meisje: Lieve meisjes zeggen geen nee
Pleasers pleasen niemand, en zichzelf al helemaal niet
Blijf je ogen open houden voor onrecht.
Je grenzen worden telkens als je ze bewaakt sterker.
Je bent een gelijke van iedereen die je ontmoet!!
Als je weet dat je gelijkwaardig bent, hoef je dat niet te bewijzen.
- Dit ligt aan de basis van authenticiteit: Je wordt niet minder als je jezelf bent.
Ingrijpen bij grappen die niet kunnen.
Verwonde mensen verwonden mensen
Integer zijn: Onverdeeld zijn. De keuzes die je maakt komen overeen met je waarden.
- Waarden zijn niet gebaseerd op wie je wilt zijn.
- Waarden herkennen kan je doen door je gedrag te bekijken
- wat zou [waarde] nu doen?
Nieuwsgierigheid, Compassie, Groei.
Jonge mensen kijken naar ons.
Als je je uitspreekt met bonzend hart, boek je vooruitgang.
Wat je zegt is zinnig, want jij bent zinnig
Taalgebruik is heel belangrijk om jezelf power te geven
Niet jij maar, maar JIJ
Als jij iets niet begrijpt is de kans groter dat anderen dat ook niet doen.
Rituelen: Een reis maken ter overgang naar volwassenheid.
Er zit power in het overwinnen van moelijke tijden
Er zit power in het bewaken, opstellen van grenzen.
Ik stel grenzen omdat ik zo aardig wil blijven als binnen mijn vermogen ligt
De vloek van het lieve meisje: Lieve meisjes zeggen geen nee
Pleasers pleasen niemand, en zichzelf al helemaal niet
Blijf je ogen open houden voor onrecht.
Je grenzen worden telkens als je ze bewaakt sterker.
Je bent een gelijke van iedereen die je ontmoet!!
Als je weet dat je gelijkwaardig bent, hoef je dat niet te bewijzen.
- Dit ligt aan de basis van authenticiteit: Je wordt niet minder als je jezelf bent.
Ingrijpen bij grappen die niet kunnen.
Verwonde mensen verwonden mensen
Integer zijn: Onverdeeld zijn. De keuzes die je maakt komen overeen met je waarden.
- Waarden zijn niet gebaseerd op wie je wilt zijn.
- Waarden herkennen kan je doen door je gedrag te bekijken
- wat zou [waarde] nu doen?
Nieuwsgierigheid, Compassie, Groei.
Jonge mensen kijken naar ons.
Als je je uitspreekt met bonzend hart, boek je vooruitgang.
September 10, 2024
Instructive, intersectional, and intelligent. I appreciated the efforts made to illustrate her points with stories from a variety of women around the world. It’s tricky as a writer to give so much space to the voices of others and still write with the power of your own voice. Just reading with this in mind was helpful. I appreciated the author’s intentions to be honest, and to illustrate her own blind spots—it’s useful to me when humans are, well, human. To see that humanity makes it simpler to trust the overall approach and message as a reader, and shows a lot of generosity on the part of the author.
April 3, 2025
I loved this book! At the beginning I wasn’t too excited but as I got to know the author thru her own personal stories I began to empathize with her and saw myself in a lot of the different scenarios she talks about. This book reminded me of my power, as a woman, a professional, a mother. It reminded me that my voice is valuable and I should be able to express my concerns and ideas without limitations. This book emphasizes in owning your power, taking action and not wait for permission from others to claim your power. I highly recommend this book, especially if you need that extra reassurance that you are power, you are important and you are valued.
September 17, 2023
I won a copy of this book as part of a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaway. This is an excellent resource to gain perspective on a number of aspects which contribute to building your personal power, and reframes the concept of power being a zero sum game. I appreciated the author’s personal stories of mistakes she has made with coming to grips with power as part of her journey, as it helped me to feel more connected to her. The book was easily digestible and included questions to help guide your self reflection along the way.
August 19, 2024
I randomly picked this up in a bookstore and flipped open to a well-timed inspirational quote. I closed the book, and flipped to a new random page with a Power Story. That was it. I knew I needed to read and own this book.
I have slowly digested this book. If you know me and know how I typically ravage books, you’ll appreciate that fact. This book is a handbook for how to successfully be a woman who wields her own power and uses it to help others. It is empowering, inspiring, motivating, uplifting, and will be reread often.
I have slowly digested this book. If you know me and know how I typically ravage books, you’ll appreciate that fact. This book is a handbook for how to successfully be a woman who wields her own power and uses it to help others. It is empowering, inspiring, motivating, uplifting, and will be reread often.
May 15, 2024
Kemi dropped all the gems in this one. Whether you are a current leader or working your way into a leadership role, this book is a major resource that I will refer to often. A must read multiple times kind of book. I am so appreciative that Kemi took the time to share her journey & that of other women leaders to serve as inspiration to us all. You will finish this book and have concrete takeaways and steps to implement in your day to day.
May 18, 2024
What a great and inspiring read! Very practical.
July 10, 2024
I couldn’t put it down! Was a library book that I had to add to my permanent collection.
Practical and direct…could be a workbook because there were so many elements.
Practical and direct…could be a workbook because there were so many elements.
July 11, 2024
Very important message. Recommend to anyone wanting a reality and perspective check.
January 30, 2025
I loved this book. I found the stories and experiences deeply moving. It was a great read to start 2025.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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