From Oh Sh*t to I Got This, by Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed and Carrie Casey is a practical guide for women navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. The book outlines the essential steps for transforming an “oh sh*t” moment—when life throws a curveball—into the confident “I got this” mindset. Through personal stories, humor, and hands-on advice, the authors provide clear strategies for starting and managing a successful business. It covers everything from building a support system to managing finances, to leading with professionalism. While I think this book is aimed at female entrepreneurs, the lessons are also widely applicable.

I appreciated the informal and conversational tone of the book. It’s like chatting with a mentor over coffee. The authors don’t hold back on their own experiences, including failures, and that vulnerability is refreshing. For instance, in the chapter “Who Makes Me Successful?” Carrie’s story about visiting her bank monthly to build relationships highlights the importance of intentional networking. This advice is so relatable and immediately actionable. I felt like I could go out tomorrow and apply it.

The chapter titles, like “Are These My Monkeys?” or “Who is the Boss of Me?” are playful but sometimes unclear until you dig into the content. I found myself flipping back and forth, trying to understand how a quirky title connected to the business lesson being taught. But with that said, I think the humor and personality in the writing are what make this book stand out from more traditional business guides. It’s less intimidating, more real, and much easier to digest than most other guides.

One of my favorite sections was “Where Does the Time Go?” This chapter breaks down practical advice on how to get the most out of your workday. Kate’s stories about juggling multiple roles, from parent to business owner, were incredibly relatable. She’s lived through the chaos that many entrepreneurs experience, and her methods for organizing the chaos felt accessible. I loved the advice to lean on your network. It reminded me that I don’t have to go through entrepreneurship alone.

From Oh Sh*t to I Got This is an excellent resource for women who are either starting their entrepreneurial journey or trying to level up. It’s a fun and engaging read that offers wisdom without being overly technical. I recommend it to anyone looking for business advice delivered in a relatable way especially if you appreciate a bit of humor.

Pages: 209 | ISBN : ‎ 978-1954885325