Honorary GoGirl: Ivanka Trump

I'm about half way through reading Ivanka Trump's book The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life. Prior to buying this book, my knowledge of Ivanka was obtained through what I had observed on her fathers show: The Apprentice, and the bits and pieces that I read in the media. Even after reading her introductory chapter, I was blown away! Many unassuming passersby assume that Ivanka has had everything handed to her because of her father, Donald Trump. Although she admits that she was blessed with many things, both material and otherwise, Ivanka is quick to state that her parents constantly reminded her and her brothers that they were extremely fortunate, and that their parents' success was a product of hard work and dedication.

Here is a short biography that comes from the rear cover of her book:

Ivanka Maria Trump joined the Trump Organization in 2005 and is currently vice president of real estate development and acquisitions. A former fashion model and the daughter of Ivana and Donald Trump, she started a luxury jewelry company with a flagship Madison Avenue boutique called Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry in 2007, and is a boardroom adviser on the hit show The Apprentice. Ivanka graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance.

Throughout her life, Ivanka has always had a strong sense of self, and always wanted to earn her own money and job opportunities. She has always wanted to make a name for herself, instead of relying on her last name.

In her book, she uses the phrase "the trump card" as a metaphor:

...we've all been dealt a winning hand and...it's up to each of us to play it right and smart. (p. 7)

Clever.

I want to share some more gems that I have gleaned from this book so far:

In the end, it's what we can glean from our mentors, role models, and fleeting acquaintances that sets us apart. (p. 9)

...success isn't something that happens to you; you happen to it. Confidence is key. (p. 9)

...if your instinct is to zig while everyone else is looking to zag, you're more likely to discover an important new angle. An angle of opportunity. (p. 27)

...the better rounded and more open-minded you are, the more strongly you'll perform in any business setting. (p. 56)

The single best indicator of your success starting out will be your ability to relate to other people--your boss, your clients, and your coworkers. (p. 56)

If you don't absolutely, thoroughly, completely love, love, love what you do, you'll never have what it takes to make it to the top. (p. 91)

For the most part, successful people manage to graft their intellectual gifts on their personal strengths in such a way that their ability to connect with others is what takes them to the top. Their ability to network and maximize their relationships and use them to advantage--that's key. (p. 91)

...a great lesson for any young person just starting out: try everything. Intern everywhere. Be bold. Take risks. (p. 98)

Those are some pretty amazing jewels of advice! I love that she's a young professional woman, catering this book to other young professional women. (Men can read it, too!) I can't wait to read more!

But for now, I must pack up my things, head back to my apartment, and get ready for my favorite time of the week...

GoGirl Academy time!!!