Read to Thrive: ‘Lessons in Chemistry’

This is part of a series offering top insights from interesting reads to help you up-level in work and life.

I'm thrilled to share a departure from our usual self-help fare in this edition of Read to Thrive. Recently, I received an unexpected gem as a 50th birthday gift from my son's No. 1 girl—a book that perfectly aligns with my work and perspective as a woman in STEM.

Cue the laughter and tears as we dive into "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus.

This laugh-out-loud journey through the world of science and sass follows the adventures of Elizabeth Zott, a whip-smart chemist with a knack for blending science with celebrity flair as an on-set cooking show host. Set in the '60s, Elizabeth's unorthodox teaching methods turn heads and raise eyebrows as she brings her authentically scientific lens to the kitchen. From decoding the chemistry behind the perfect soufflé to stirring up potions while defying traditional gender roles, Elizabeth's antics will leave you in stitches while sharing a deeply personal tale of the challenges women in science faced during the era.

KEY THEMES

• Mixing Science with Authenticity: Just like Elizabeth infuses her cooking with authentic scientific flair, underrepresented individuals in STEM can leverage their unique perspectives and experiences to spice up their work. Embrace your background, culture, and identity as strengths that enhance problem-solving abilities and unleash creativity in the tech world.

• A Recipe for Success: "Lessons in Chemistry" teaches us that success in STEM isn't about following a prescribed formula—it's about embracing experimentation, taking risks, and learning from failures. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't hesitate to add your own flavor to the mix.

• Sparking Innovation through Diversity: Elizabeth's story resonates deeply with me because it champions innovation through unconventional thinking. By encouraging underrepresented talent to show up authentically, we create a more inclusive environment that unlocks new ideas and solutions, driving innovation forward in the tech industry.

MIXING SCIENCE AND SPICE

I'm passionate about celebrating underrepresented talent and fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation in the tech industry. "Lessons in Chemistry" perfectly embodies this mission, showcasing the brilliance and creativity of individuals who dare to defy convention and shake things up.

So grab a copy, kick back, and let the laughter and tears flow—trust me, you won't regret it!