WE'RE SPEAKING: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive and Own Your Story by Hitha Palepu
Last month was financial literacy month and believe it or not, we’re fast approaching summertime, so I have books and learning on the brain. I decided to dedicate the month of May to various personal finance or self-help books that I thought would make great books to add to your current or summer reading lists.
Today, I’m speaking with my friend, entrepreneur, author, and investor, Hitha Palepu about her recent release, WE’RE SPEAKING The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, and Own Your Story. This is a fantastic book with such a unique perspective, and I know you’re going to love it.
What are we drinking?
Hitha - Water
Shannon - Water
Podcast Notes
The last time Shannon and Hitha spoke, this book was in the beginning stages, though it is not Hitha’s first book!
She has started her own ventures, had a lifestyle blog that has pivoted into a newsletter, and a project where she curates underreported news stories to help people stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Her online and blog content led to the book opportunities.
She was approached to write this most recent book in the fall of 2020 but had been studying Kamala Harris for many years leading up to this moment.
Back in 2012, she was on a business trip, and CNN was on in the background. She saw Kamala Harris speaking, and it was a monumental moment for Hitha. Kamala embodied everything Hitha wanted to be.
Kamala was such an inspiration, Hitha did a full dive into her entire career. She started reading all of Kamala’s books, watching all of her interviews, and really studied everything about her. She finally had a role model to help her learn to show up as herself and be confident. Kamala has so much command and power, and Hitha was hooked.
When she was approached to write the book, she had 10 years’ worth of notebooks full of research on Kamala. She put together a proposal after an initial call with Marissa, her editor. It was a rough outline and a list of high-level folks for marketing purposes.
The first draft flowed. The book is a study of all of the moments in Kamala’s life that inspire Hitha the most. It’s about building our own tables and not just resigning to only what is given to us.
The outline transformed and she decided to bring in the stories and experiences of other women to incorporate throughout the book. The title ‘WE’RE SPEAKING’’ rather than ‘I’m Speaking’ was intentional. Hitha has a lot of privilege, and she wanted to share the voices and tactical advice of others who have diverse lived experiences.
There is still so much work to do in all directions. It’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come, but recognize there is more to do.
This is such a caring book for women, but it’s a great read for men too. Not inviting men to this conversation is short-changing ourselves.
Shannon asks Hitha about the most interesting things she learned while researching Kamala for eight years. They talk about Kamala’s mother.
There are many ways a life can look. All paths are worthy of celebration, especially the ones that haven't been in the past. If you’re trying to do something new, find the people who will support you. It sometimes takes a while to find them, but they’re there. Always be curious, patient, and do the work.
Hitha hopes to hand Kamala a copy of her book in person someday.
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is the importance of self-advocacy and being assertive. These are skills that are transferable in so many life situations and taking the time to hone these skills will pay dividends for a lifetime.
Random Three Questions
What are your must-read books for people in 2022?
If you were in the career you’re in now, what would you be doing?
When was the last time you cried?
Connect with Hitha:
A woman of multitudes—a feminist, a lifelong politics enthusiast, a daughter of immigrants, and a mother raising feminist sons. These multitudes spill into her multi-hyphenated career as an entrepreneur, investor, writer, and speaker.
Instagram: @hithapalepu
Twitter: @hithapalepu
Newsletter: 5smartreads.com
WE’RE SPEAKING - werespeakingbook.com
Listen to Hitha’s previous Martinis and Your Money appearances:
Becoming an Entrepreneur
Financing Your Business
If you have any topics you would like me to cover on this podcast, or if you’d like to get in the financially naked hot seat, I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com, or join the private Martinis and Your Money Facebook group, and let me know what you want to hear.
The Financial Gym has so many ways that you can work with us. If you’re looking for a career shift, we’ve started a Financial Trainer Certification Program where you can have the greatest job in the world. We have online courses for you to learn on your own. If you’re looking for financial products like a new credit card or high yield savings account, we have all of our favorites on the BFF Approved Products Page. And finally, if you want one-on-one coaching with a compassionate and empathetic person, our Financial Trainers are here to help you and remember, Martinis and Your Money listeners get 15% off of one-on-one Financial Training at The Gym. We’re here to meet you wherever you are on your financial health journey.