Blog Archives
Tough Lessons and the Triumphs
In The Hollywood Unicorn, you paint a vivid picture of your struggles and triumphs navigating corporate America as a woman of color. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing The Hollywood Unicorn was deeply personal for me. As a woman of color navigating corporate America, and Hollywood no less!, I often felt like I was walking a tightrope—facing systemic barriers, cultural bias, and an unspoken set of rules no one teaches you. For years, I saw so many talented women of color around me either burn out, fade out, or stay stuck because the system wasn’t built with them in mind.
This book was my way of saying, “You belong here. And not only that, but you can thrive here.” It’s a blueprint for turning those challenges into advantages and making bold, strategic moves to claim your space at the table.
It was important for me to share both the tough lessons and the triumphs because it’s not just my story—it’s the story of so many women who are overlooked and underestimated. I wanted to give them the tools and the confidence to navigate these spaces on their own terms. At its heart, The Hollywood Unicorn is about empowerment and legacy—helping the next generation not just survive but succeed and shine.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life? “Hollywood is a very small town.
You’re going to run into the same people over and over again, so be careful. Also, “Everyone in this business gets fired at some point. Don’t feel bad about it.”
What is one misconception you feel many people have about navigating power dynamics?
One major misconception is that navigating power dynamics is inherently manipulative or insincere. People often associate “playing the game” with being fake, scheming, or sacrificing their values, but that’s not true. At its core, understanding power dynamics is about being intentional—knowing who holds influence, recognizing unspoken rules, and positioning yourself effectively.
It’s not about compromising your integrity; it’s about ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions are valued. Too often, women of color are taught to just “work hard and keep your head down,” but that mindset can leave you sidelined. Navigating power dynamics isn’t about playing dirty—it’s about playing smart, understanding the system, and advocating for yourself in ways that align with your values. It’s a skillset, not a character flaw, and when done right, it’s one of the most empowering things you can learn.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from the experiences you share in The Hollywood Unicorn?
I hope readers walk away with the confidence to embrace their full, authentic selves while navigating the complexities of corporate life. One of the key lessons in The Hollywood Unicorn is that the things we often see as disadvantages—being the only one in the room, having a different perspective, or coming from an underrepresented background—can actually be our superpowers when we learn how to leverage them strategically.
I want readers to understand that success isn’t about becoming someone else or shrinking to fit a mold. It’s about knowing the rules of the game and using them to create opportunities on your own terms. Most importantly, I want them to feel seen and empowered, knowing they’re not alone in the challenges they face—and that those challenges can be transformed into stepping stones to success.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Learn the secrets of success from a top Sony Pictures, DreamWorks Studios, and Film District Executive.
The secrets of a Hollywood trailblazer & How They Can Help You Win The Game!
It’s no secret that Corporate Culture is a ruthless world that takes no prisoners. Now add on that you’re a woman of color in a male-dominated space. Baby, that deck is stacked against you.
Unless…
You learn the secrets of a Top Hollywood Executive who learned to not only survive but thrive as the only woman of color for several of the top film studios in the world.
I mean – seriously, is this what your work life looks like? A constant cycle of pitfalls and rejections? Being talked over in meetings? Going home feeling demoralized and drained?
Being stuck in a rut is a frustrating experience that no one should settle for. From fighting to be heard and political roadblocks to going home feeling demoralized and drained — it’s enough to make even the most driven person give up on finding Success.
It feels like you’re watching everyone else around you succeed while you’re getting coffee for someone who’s half as talented as you are and who keeps getting ahead.
What do they know that you don’t? More importantly, what do you need to know to know?
Even if you feel hopeless in your career, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. I’m here to empower my fellow women of color to flip the script on any self-doubt they might have when “suiting up” for The Big Game.
In The Hollywood Unicorn, you will discover:
• YOUR ZONE OF GENIUS so you can start living with purpose and fulfillment right now!
• THE WHEEL OF BLAME, and how not to fall victim to it!
• How to transform yourself into a BOARDROOM BADASS no matter where you’re at today!
• THE BIAS PLAYBOOK that keeps you on the right side of any foul play aimed at you.“Do it right, keep it Air-tight!”
• Downloadable WORKSHEETS with actionable steps to build the New You today!
• THE CHEAT CODES the top Hollywood Executives use!
• How to PLAY CORPORATE GAMES like a BOSS and WIN! And much more.
I’ll share my HOLLYWOOD MOMENTS, offering insight into my experiences that became stepping stones for growth and resilience.
Learn how to strategically maneuver through the corporate maze with less friction. Even if you’re not naturally outgoing with charisma for days!
There is no fluff here; this is a “get it done right now” type of book.
One last thing: do me a quick favor. Imagine you’re sitting across from me and my colleagues in a pitch meeting. You’re pitching a movie about your life story. Now ask yourself, is it a blockbuster feel-good movie of the year? A triumph of the human spirit? Or is it time for a rewrite?
If you want to escape the corporate sludge and rewrite your story, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.
The Hollywood Unicorn
Christine Birch’s The Hollywood Unicorn is an inspiring blend of memoir and corporate survival guide, particularly tailored to women of color navigating the labyrinth of high-stakes business environments. Birch weaves her personal narrative—rooted in resilience and unapologetic ambition—with practical advice, offering readers a toolkit for thriving in spaces that often seem designed to hold them back. From mastering your “zone of genius” to wielding the “wheel of blame” with finesse, the book brims with strategies aimed at empowerment and professional triumph.
What struck me first was the candidness of Birch’s storytelling. She doesn’t sugarcoat her experiences. For instance, the chapter on “Bringing Grit on the Journey” paints a raw and vivid picture of her struggles and triumphs in Hollywood. Her description of navigating corporate America as a woman of color was not only relatable but also inspiring.
I also loved her concept of the “business alter ego” introduced in Lesson #3. Birch explains how crafting an empowered, professional persona helped her overcome bias and navigate the challenges of corporate culture. She shows us how to balance authenticity with the calculated strength required in professional settings. This section is a game-changer for anyone looking to claim their space unapologetically.
The Hollywood Unicorn is a must-read for women of color in the corporate world, but its wisdom extends far beyond its intended audience. If you’re a professional looking to navigate power dynamics with confidence or simply someone who loves stories of grit and innovation, this book will resonate. Christine Birch’s voice is equal parts relatable and formidable—like getting advice from a fiercely supportive friend who’s seen it all and still dares to dream bigger.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0DMXGZRJX
Awareness of Incivility
In Rudeness REHAB, you examine the impact of incivility and rude behaviors on both personal and professional relationships and provide readers with the tools necessary for creating a respectful culture. Why was this an important book for you to share?
I have worked as a clinician for nearly 30 years with clients who were struggling with the negative impact of stressful work environments on their personal and professional lives. Clients have learned tools and techniques from me individually and I wanted to bring these resources to a larger audience.
I heard Dr. Christine Porath speak at a conference in 2017 about her research on incivility and it was like a lightbulb went off for me. I wanted to know more, and I began to develop an expertise in this topic. I then witnessed what happened in our culture during the pandemic and felt a sense of urgency to raise awareness about what we are doing to each other when we act in rude and inconsiderate ways.
In addition, there is a personal angle to this as well. When I was 15, my father had a near-fatal heart attack, due in large part to the stress that he was experiencing in a highly demanding and uncivil work environment. He never worked again and died several years later at a very young age. My hope is that I can help executives like my father as well as other workers avoid this same tragedy that our family experienced.
What type of research was required to put your book together?
People often ask me this question. I note that the bulk of my research came from being an expert on rudeness and incivility over many years… that is, from being rude to others myself. :0)
Seriously, my professional training as a psychologist helped to grow my awareness of incivility and its negative effect. I had also developed an expertise over the years on stress and its physical/psychological impact on individuals through my work with clients and university teaching. This book is the merger of these areas of expertise and required some additional review of the literature to update my knowledge base on the various topics that I cover in the book.
What is one common misconception you believe many people have regarding conflicts in the workplace?
People think that being civil means being a doormat or not being competitive with others. Neither of these ideas is true. We can be polite but still say no to unreasonable requests and advocate for ourselves. We can even be angry about something and communicate that directly without our behavior devolving into name-calling or abusive language.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Rudeness Rehab?
When I was a child, my sister and I would always try to get our parents to allow us to do things the other kids in the neighborhood were doing. We would go to my dad (who was often reading the paper) and make our request by saying, “Dad, the other kids in the neighborhood are doing this. Why can’t we?” The paper would then come down, he would look at us and say, “Oh, what is their last name and what is your last name?” The paper would then go back up.
I would offer this same message when it comes to rudeness. Each of us can only be responsible for our behavior but we ARE responsible for our behavior. We have the choice about how we react to others, regardless of what they may do. Take responsibility for your own actions to help make the world a better place.
Author Links: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Website | Amazon
The Day One Executive
In The Day One Executive, readers are taken on an enlightening journey that delves deep into understanding and harmonizing with an organization’s primary motivation to pave the way for personal success. April Armstrong is not just concerned with the smartest strategies but also with helping individuals make intelligent career moves.
The narrative commences with an intimate anecdote about the author’s personal epiphany while hiring a house cleaner. The tale underscores that objectives often transcend their surface appearance, leading to the realization that the aim wasn’t merely a spotless house but a streamlined life.
Throughout the book, Armstrong enlightens with both anecdotes and insights, stressing the significance of perceiving the underlying motivations that fuel businesses. She advocates for an approach where individuals see themselves not just as employees but as instrumental tools within a larger business machinery. The most adept tools, after all, are the most valuable. Thus, by refining oneself to be indispensable, success is virtually guaranteed.
A standout element of Armstrong’s work is her emphasis on the alignment of personal goals with those of the wider organization. This strategic alignment, she suggests, can be the linchpin to ascending the corporate ladder. Practical guidance is generously offered on assessing and bolstering this alignment, rendering the advice particularly actionable for those with aspirations of career progression.
The Day One Executive is a stimulating read that implores readers to grasp a nuanced comprehension of the dynamics that sculpt businesses and individual careers. By accentuating the synchronization of one’s aspirations with organizational objectives, success becomes not just a goal but a foreseeable outcome. Armstrong’s narrative, interspersed with relatable anecdotes, resonates with professionals across various fields. The lucidity in her prose, coupled with her pragmatic approach, aids readers in introspective reflection on their career trajectories.
A highly recommended read, this book is tailor-made for the ambitious minds yearning for the coveted corner office. It’s a reservoir of wisdom for those who wish not just to be a cog in the corporate wheel. An essential for budding corporate entrants, The Day One Executive garners a well-deserved five-star rating. April Armstrong has crafted an impeccable guide to career advancement, built on the bedrock of her clear writing and pragmatic insights.
Pages: 337 | ASIN : B0BYW6DVTQ
Great Leadership Starts With You
Iris Du targets leaders in all capacities in her book Great Leadership Starts With You: Be the Leader You Want to Be. The author writes hoping that her knowledge will benefit CEOs, managers, supervisors, youth group leaders, church leaders, and even leaders at home and in schools. The author extensively writes on what it entails to be a leader, how to make people appreciate and respect your position, and how to link with those you are governing. Iris Du uses solid illustrations to give additional details about leadership qualities and further explains how a leader should conduct themselves.
One of the most significant things you need to take note of as a leader is how to communicate. I like that the author started by explaining that great leadership begins with you. You establish yourself by leading from within before you guide others. The author continues to write about communication and how it influences excellent leadership. As an individual, you are taught how to be courteous, live by your values, and communicate what you feel in a modest way. One of the biggest lessons I learned in the book is that leaders are not born but made. You can learn how to be a leader.
In every chapter, the author focuses on one or two subjects that she writes about in detail. For example, the chapter on communication was incredible, and so were the rest of the chapters that discussed gratitude, manifestation, self-awareness, self-discipline, and self-mastery. These chapters have gems of knowledge and are written in an engaging and organized manner. Every chapter in the book starts with a quote from a famous person. She then proceeds to discuss the subject matter and includes quality questions and exercises in every chapter. I appreciate the questions and exercises, as they are vital to helping one self-reflect and change one’s leadership method.
Great Leadership Starts With You: Be The Leader You Want To Be is an eye-opening look at what it takes to become a successful leader in all areas of life, not just the corporate business world. With sound advice backed by case studies and actionable items, readers will be able to transform their leadership style into a more efficient approach that highlights not only their strength but their teams.
Pages: 202 | ASIN : B09HM2SG15
LITERARY TITAN 