Career Moves by Dondi Scumaci
Reviewed by Lori Twichell, Radiant Lit
Genre: business, women, self-help
Publisher: Excel
Publication Date: February 8, 2010
Career Moves is the new book from Dondi Scumaci. If you haven’t heard of her, Dondi Scumaci is a powerhouse of encouragement and support for the working woman. If you haven’t read her previous books, Designed for Success or Ready, Set Grow!, you need to pick up a copy of those today. Whether you work at home as I do, or you work in an office, you’ll find that her advice is sound, solid and will give added value to your work.
In her third book, Career Moves, Scumaci analyzes (or better yet helps you analyze) your value at your company or work and encourages you to see yourself in a different light. Now before I get too far into this review, let me disclose to you that I used to work with Dondi. I was, at one time, Dondi’s Marketing Director. I have not, however, worked with Dondi for a while. We parted ways professionally before the writing of this book, so since I did not work directly on this book or the marketing of it, I didn’t find a conflict of interest to review it. I hope you feel the same
That said, when I received my copy of Career Moves, I was excited. With both of Dondi’s previous books, I filled them with highlighter marks, notes, and my own observations. They helped me add value to my work and move me past some of my own barriers to grow professionally. I was delighted to find that Career Moves was no different.
Scumaci uses a new way of reaching her readers in this book by following the story of Zoe, a young woman who has just been released from a dead end job. Zoe’s journey from ‘fired employee’ to a successful woman in a business environment is written and followed as an example that we can all follow. From questioning the value that she brought to the company (if any) to learning how to work with a mentor, the growth process that Zoe goes through in the pages of this book is a road map that can take each of us on a similar journey to understanding ourselves and our value.
Between the stories about Zoe and how she’s pulling her life back together, Dondi gives insightful, relevant advice to the reader that can bring this same insight into his or her life. With thought provoking questions and well highlighted points, Scumaci acts as a mentor for the reader. Challenging the reader to find his or her own value at work or in business, Dondi is able to ask the tough questions and, through Zoe’s story, show the reader what to do with these questions.
I would go beyond recommending this book as a good read. I think that anyone who wants to create a better job situation for themselves, help secure their own position at work, or just get more in touch with strengths and weaknesses needs to own this book. Readers will no doubt find themselves scribbling in the margins, highlighting sections and putting Dondi’s relevant advice into play on a daily basis. This book is a necessity and should have a place of honor on book shelves or desks. More than just a self help, Career Moves is a reference book that should always be within reach.
Rated G – there’s nothing to worry about in this book
* Review copy provided by Dondi Scumaci.
