Renowned leader in the finance sector, Ela Karahasanoglu has often been at the forefront of thriving conversations on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world. With over two and a half decades of international investment and executive leadership experience, she has now translated her valuable insights into an empowering new book aptly titled, “#YouCan – Women’s Guide to Navigating Toxic Workplaces.”
Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, part of a family of economists, Ela’s journey started as an emerging markets currency and bond trader in Turkey, which led her through Wall Street, New York, and eventually to Toronto, Canada. Through her travels and experiences, Ela encountered diverse work environments; witnessing the prevalence of toxicity in many of them inspired her to provide guidance and solace to struggling women professionals globally.
This gave birth to #YouCan, her masterpiece, which focuses on enabling women to transform oppressive work environments from being their roadblock to becoming their stepping stone.
Why the Need for #YouCan?
According to an analysis by Deloitte Insights, as of January 2022, women only held about 5% of CEO positions globally across 72 countries. This statistic is stirring, and its implications further underline the urgency for a much-needed entrepreneurial revolution.
Ela points out that the globally prevalent lack of progress in DEI indicates that whatever actions are currently being taken are not effective. Her book aims to nudge that change, encouraging women “to stand up, unite & course correct”. By allowing corporations and lawmakers to understand the necessity of embracing this change, she hopes to prevent them from missing out on potential talent and the risk of legal repercussions.
More Than Just a Survival Guide
Comprehensively packed with practical advice and real-life examples, #YouCan is more than just a survival guide. Ela highlights that existing material often focuses on merely surviving toxic workplaces; instead, her book equips readers with the means to navigate such spaces effectively. Furthermore, the book serves as a comprehensive manual for anyone susceptible to encountering toxicities in their workplace. It offers women the necessary strategies to learn when and how to course correct, and when necessary, how to exit gracefully.
Finally, the book is not only beneficial for women professionals, it is equally potent for their families, friends, and colleagues. They can gain insights into understanding the challenges women frequently encounter at work and can extend their support accordingly.
Key Messages from the Author to Women Professionals
Ela resonates a strong message to women who are either entering their professional lives or are already a part of toxic workplaces.
She emphasizes “knowledge is power.” Arm yourself with the right information, strategies, and an understanding of your legal rights, she advises.
Final Word
Ela Karahasanoglu’s groundbreaking message with the #YouCan movement is clear: powerful change should come from within. With this first of the planned five-part series, she is branching out a helping hand towards women professionals who often doubt their ability to combat toxic workplaces. Ela’s book provides them with the tools and confidence required to cut through the noise, turn adversity into strength and emerge victorious. It’s a reminder that they are not alone in their journey of fighting off millennia-old biases and hurdles. It is time to rise, resist, and prove that indeed, #YouCan.
Buy it at : https://www.amazon.com/YouCan-Womens-Guide-Navigating-Workplaces/dp/B0CG2YH19G
