From a black, gay woman who broke into the boys' club of Silicon Valley comes an empowering guide to finding your voice and achieving your dreams. In 2015, Arlan Hamilton was on food stamps and sleeping at the San Francisco airport, armed only with an old laptop and a dream of entering venture capital. Frustrated by the lack of diversity among founders, she sought to invest in those who didn’t fit the typical mold. With no contacts, financial background, or college degree, Hamilton relied on her fierce determination to succeed. In a world where underrepresentation often leads to underestimation, Hamilton, who invests in high-potential female, LGBTQ, and people of color founders, recognizes that being undervalued can signify untapped potential. She emphasizes that while one may need to work harder to reach the starting line, once on a level playing field, success can be achieved. Challenging societal norms, Hamilton asserts that privilege, networks, and prestigious degrees aren't essential for success. She shares invaluable lessons from her journey, such as "The Best Music Comes from the Worst Breakups" and "Don't Let Anyone Drink Your Diet Coke," inspiring readers to defy expectations and become the role models they seek.
