Between Grit and Grace: The Art of Being Feminine and Formidable Paperback – February 25, 2020

I don’t normally buy self improvement books. The few that I’ve tried I just abandon after the first few chapters because I felt they just didn’t apply to me. Instead I used reading as a form of escapism, a way to distract myself from facing the issues that challenge me as a professional woman trying be my best self at home and at work. This book is 100% different. Dr Shillcutt’s voice shines through. The voice is strong, wise and authoritative but also warm and humorous. She is a motivator and a friend combined. Instead of giving a formula for success this book empowers you to find your own path to move towards your own unique goals. After getting halfway through the book I was already thinking of all the women I want to recommend this book to. Basically this list includes my mother, sister, colleagues and anyone I happen to bump into after reading it.The writing style is what sets it apart. Dr Shillcutt writes so eloquently but concisely. It’s so easy to get into but so thought provoking that it takes time. The story is also very powerful. You will need to read it somewhere where you can laugh, cry and have some time to really mull over the content. I have already made small changes to my mindset and I’m only 2/3rds of the way through. I can see how those small changes could lead huge results.This book is special. As someone who is invariably skeptical regarding the self help genre I urge you to give this one a try.

Sasha hit the nail on the head that little girls who demonstrate natural leadership abilities are labeled as bossy. To this day at 42 years old when one of my team introduces me to someone as their “boss,” I literally cringe inside. I hate that word because of how negatively it was used was I was growing up. In fact, as I pursued my business degree in college, I didn’t want to ever find myself in a position of management. It makes me so angry that I doubted myself and didn’t have the slightest idea that I possessed leadership abilities that less than 5% of the population is blessed with because I was still caught up with what all the kids (girls and boys) thought of me as I was leading almost every student organization my small high school offered. It wasn’t until I got out of college and found myself in management whether it was what I wanted or not, but it was definitely paying the bills and turns out, I loved it, and am good at it!!! I love being in charge. I love building great teams of women! I love mentoring them, leading them through chaos, and being a creative problem solver. Amen!With that said, Sasha challenges you to be your most authentic version. Not the men we’ve followed, not what we think leadership should look like, and not what we think motherhood should be, but rather simply own who we are and meant to be. My passion that Sasha is challenging me to do through her powerful book is to inspire high talent, natural born women leaders in high school and college and remove any and all self doubt from ever being called bossy. I am going to encourage more women to go into construction, engineering, architecture and all the trades! We want equal pay, then literally, do the equal work. In fact, I am finally “brave enough” to start my own company through a whole lot of soul searching the past year. It took a village to push me off the ledge that I’ve been standing at for so long and she is definitely part of that crew! Thank you, Sasha, and all the strong women out there empowering each other. #wevegotthis

EVERY WOMAN needs to read this! Over and over and over! This book is so real if you're ready to meet your true self!!!The author is direct, speaks from her heart and is spot on. Working women over many decades have lived stereotype images to succeed in their careers, in the process losing their own authentic selves. This book is a ‘Game changer’.I need these words of wisdom engraved in my mind to improve my life, how i think about myself, how I talk to myself, to appreciate who I am, what I have, and get the tough talk I need and deserve...Just be my true unapologetic self and continue to lead with confidence! You can tell she has a deep appreciation for all that life has to offer and sincerely wishes for others to make the most of their lives too. Sasha is that coach and best friend you need in your life. And she tells it like it is. You will absolutely love her! I have had the opportunity to see her present to a group. She’s genuine, funny and lovable - and one tough cookie! You NEED her!I am going to carry it with me wherever I go. Read it over and over as it applies to my every day life 😊Highly recommended...life changing :) ENJOY!

I found this author when searching for guidance on how to manage conflicting pulls in my professional and my personal life. She was another physician who has been at a crossroads and had figured it out! In BETWEEN GRIT AND GRACE, Dr Shillcutt’s discussion of how women in professional positions want to do it all and do it all well is authentic and powerful. She has taught me about the importance of finding and following your priorities, teaching others what I’ve learned, and how to have fun and be real doing it.I would highly recommend this book for any woman professional or woman who is trying to do all the things! The first few chapters lay the ground work then she shares engaging personal stories that make you want to learn more and be her best friend too!