Not Made for You - by Kae Kronthaler-Williams (Paperback)

About the Book

Achieve success in a system built by men, for men.

Book Synopsis

Achieve success in a system built by men, for men.

It's no secret the technology industry wasn't designed for women to succeed. Having risen from telemarketer to tech executive, author Kae Kronthaler-Williams knows firsthand how to mentor women as they confront sexism, racism, ageism, and other discriminatory behaviors still shaping corporate America.

For women, this means navigating an environment never built to include or support us. It's tough to know how to respond to the mistreatment and microaggressions many face on the job. Speak up, and you risk being labeled "overly sensitive" or "difficult to work with," losing more than you gain. Stay silent and endure to avoid rocking the boat-but at what cost?

In Not Made for You, Kronthaler-Williams shares personal experiences and real-life stories to expose the biases that create barriers, offering techniques for raising awareness, finding support, and challenging the status quo. Discover the words to say, strategic tools to use, legal policies to consider, and tactics to:

- Illuminate the realities of bias, discrimination, and harassment that women face in tech.

- Navigate obstacles while growing, advancing, and being recognized in your career.

- Support each other in the rooms where decisions are made-and where representation matters most.

- Demand more than virtue signaling and insist on actions that drive lasting change.

- Advocate for policies that prevent harm, uphold equity, and hold organizations accountable.

Whether you've personally faced discrimination or want to be part of the solution for others, this book equips you with the knowledge and confidence to challenge bias, amplify diverse voices, and help build a more inclusive workplace. Not Made for You gives you the clarity and confidence to thrive-and be seen, heard, and valued equally.

Review Quotes

"I highly recommend Not Made for You to all the women who are in book clubs around the world, or anyone seeking some advice on handling the barriers and struggles for women professionals. I've encountered many of the same stories that Kae outlines. The examples, and the wonderful pieces of advice at the end of each chapter, shouldn't be missed. I found it so helpful and will be passing the book along to those in my mentor circle!" -Lynne Capozzi, former tech CMO

"A must-read for women in tech-and for the leaders who shape their success. Kae illuminates the barriers too many still face and, more importantly, delivers the strategies to rise above them. This book is a blueprint for empowerment, equipping readers not just to survive but to thrive." -Talin Andonians, former tech CEO and board member

"Kae brilliantly exposes how the tech industry's bias forces talented people to waste energy on survival instead of innovation-this book can help us finally change that destructive dynamic." -Jothy Rosenberg, 9x startup founder, executive chairman of Dover Microsystems, and author

"After more than 20 years in tech, I can confirm: You're not imagining it. Kae Kronthaler-Williams offers a candid, compassionate guide that validates your experience while helping you rebuild confidence, reclaim self-worth, and move forward with clarity-minus the fluff." -Karen Meyer, customer success executive and former tech CEO

"I know that building a business with heart means embracing the hard work to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Not Made for You feels like a milestone guidebook for that journey. Kae doesn't just illuminate the realities of bias and discrimination; she gives us the language, the tools, and the unshakeable confidence to navigate and ultimately transform these environments." -Sasha Purpura, 2x non-profit CEO

"The chapter on 'Sexism-The Cost of Being Female' deeply resonated with both my personal and professional experiences. I appreciated how it wove together personal stories, peer anecdotes, and research to highlight how sexism shows up in both obvious and subtle ways, often leaving women second-guessing themselves. It examined how bias begins early-shaped by family, education, and social norms-and continues into the workplace through credibility gaps, interruptions, stolen ideas ('hepeating'), unequal pay, exclusion from networks, and stereotypical roles. What stood out most were the practical strategies offered to counter these challenges, from speaking up when credibility is undermined to using humor or assertiveness when interrupted. Overall, the chapter was eye-opening and empowering-raising awareness while providing actionable guidance. It challenges readers not only to recognize sexism but also to address it thoughtfully and support equity in the workplace." -Franchesca Carrington, senior director of philanthropy for SharkNinja

"Kae's book provides a sobering and unflinching look at the real barriers many women in tech face, yet manages to be equally optimistic and practical in her advice on how to overcome these hurdles to build a better workplace for us all." -Regina Lawless, former Meta executive