Book Review: Birthing the Elephant

Birthing the Elephant is an interesting read for those interested in finding out more about the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship while avoiding the pitfalls of the territory. Authors Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman give readers a glimpse into the rollercoaster of sentiments entrepreneurs face throughout the various stages of business ownership.

The book walks you through what you can and should feel throughout the four stages of entrepreneurship (Starting, running, turning breakdowns into breakthroughs, and finding your business rhythm) and interviews real-life Entrepreneur Goddesses about their stories. Birthing the Elephant is an honest inside account of life on the inside for successful entrepreneurs Bobbi Brown, Liz Lange, Lisa Druxman, and about two-dozen others.

While Birthing the Elephant started off a bit textbookish, the tone soon changed and I was drawn in after a few chapters. I soon felt at one with the emotions described during the various stages of birthing a business. And yes, it probably feels like birthing an elephant at times. Knowing these two-dozen Entrepreneur Goddesses, whose stories are told throughout the book, have been through the same roller coaster ride was both refreshing and mending.

Birthing the Elephant is a recommended read, but not a must-keep book for your Entrepreneur Goddess Library. Read it and pass it on to another woman in business or contemplating entrepreneurship.