Kathleen Shannon and Emily Thompson are self-proclaimed “business besties” and hosts of the top-ranked podcast Being Boss, where they talk shop and share their combined expertise with other creative entrepreneurs. In 2009, Emily Thompson founded Indie Shopography, a design and strategy studio for online entrepreneurs. She has worked to help makers, coaches, and designers develop an online business model, strategize, and launch websites, and grow their online business. Kathleen Shannon is the founder of Braid Creative and Consulting, a boutique branding agency and consultancy she co-owns with her sister. Together they have helped thousands of creative entrepreneurs authentically brand and position themselves as creative experts. Kathleen also does creative coaching and is regularly invited to speak on personal branding at design conferences and retreats. Their book “Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work & Live Life On Your Own Terms” is an interactive self-help guide for creative entrepreneurs where they share their best tools and tactics on “being boss” in both business and life.

“Being Boss” begins with the Introduction where the authors describe that their goal in writing this book is to help readers reach their business goals of being an entrepreneur: “We’re here to share our own experience, advice, stories, tactics, and to-dos that will help you make money doing what you love while being who you are 100 percent of the time in work and life.” They do this by sharing stories and tips along with quotes, excerpts and Q&As from experts in the business field. There are exercises, worksheets to fill out such as “Your Dream Day,” “A Tea Ritual,” and “Monthly Income Goals” all meant to help readers and aspiring bosses “dig deep, dream big, and take action.” It is divided into six chapters: Chapter 1: What It Means To Be Boss, Chapter 2: Boss Mindset, Chapter 3: Establishing Boss Boundaries, Chapter 4: Habits and Routines, Chapter 5: Do the Work, and Chapter 6: Live Your Life.

The subject of business and entrepreneurship can be tedious, but in this case, the authors make it easy to understand and follow without using complicated terms. It is a business book for the average person who wishes to get a better sense of what it takes to be a successful business owner. Even for non-entrepreneurs, it has tips and advice on how to be more productive, especially Chapter 4: Habits and Routines. These include taking care of yourself, listening to your body, and being kind to yourself with the overall idea that it is important to have a proper work/life balance.  Highlight is Chapter 5: Do the Work that covers personal branding, a simple business plan, finding your voice, and the importance of being consistent in your business. It is not a book on how to launch your own business, instead, it shows readers how to get in the “boss” mindset to be able to create success, deal with failures, and “take responsibility for creating the life you want to live.” Far from being an intimidating business book, it has inspirational quotes, personal stories, and advice and tips anyone can use. “Being Boss” is an excellent reference guide and is recommended for readers who appreciate advice on how to create a more meaningful work/life experience.

“The core of the boss mindset is your values and your intentions. When your values and intentions are aligned, your work and life will feel efficient, effective, and meaningful.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.