Ep. 74 - A Conversation with Author Hitha Palepu

Listen in as Brooke speaks with her friend and author Hitha Palepu about her new book, “We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, and Own Your Own Story.” Hitha talks about how writing this book was a team effort with her husband and family helping and supporting her through this process. Through all of her research, the one thing Hitha really appreciated was learning more about Kamala’s mom. She was one of the few Indians that were allowed to emigrate to the United States. Her advancement of research and moving up in her field reminded her of her own father and his experiences with speaking with an accent, looking different, and hitting the ceiling quicker in her career. Hitha could see how Shyamala mothered and it mirrored how her own mother mothered her growing up. Everything had an element of family and that is something women are able to relate to more. As she was writing the book, Hitha started her daily routine the same way Kamala started hers. She would have black tea and honey with raisin bran and worked out every morning. She returns to those rituals and daily practices whenever she needs to feel grounded. Hitha and Brooke talk about some of the false narratives from her own life that Kamala’s experiences helped with. Hitha talked about pitching to investors and the amount of time you have to prepare to be told no with no context or reason. Hearing I eat no for breakfast helped her understand each no got her closer to yes. Eat no for breakfast is her love letter to female founders and business owners who deal with this all the time. Stay focused on the vision, mission and impact you know you’ll make. People are encumbered by what has always been that they cannot see what could be. It’s a Kamala-ism that she always returns to. Brooke asks what is one thing that has happened because of the book. Hitha has heard from unexpected readers including a COO who was impacted on how to lead differently. It meant the world to her that this book isn’t just helping readers be their best selves but that people of power are learning how to lead differently. What is next for Hitha? She wants to explore how to support startups and will also be doing more speaking events. Her focus this summer is long walks, resting and writing a children’s book series. Giveaway:We are giving away 3 books.  To enter:Follow @hireallobee on IGFollow @hireallobee on TwitterSubscribe to the podcastLeave a reviewWe will pick 3 winners May 15th!”Links:https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/hitha-palepu/were-speaking/9780316283052/https://instagram.com/hithapalepu?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=