Run to Win

Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World

by Stephanie Schriock, Christina Reynolds

4.3(74 ratings)

8 min read

Brief overview

This book highlights how women can harness their personal stories, passion, and resilience to pursue leadership in public office. It offers guidance on building a strong support system, developing thick skin, and learning to fundraise effectively. By reading it, you’ll discover why every woman’s unique background is an asset and how to use that to achieve meaningful change.

Introduction: Why Your Voice Matters

Welcome! If the idea of running for office or influencing big decisions has crossed your mind, this is where your journey begins. Many believe politics is solely for a select few, but the reality is that we need more women stepping up. That’s the heartbeat of this book’s message.

From grassroots activism to national campaigns, the lessons you’ll find are based on real-world experiences and tested strategies. They show how stepping into leadership can catalyze change, not only in politics but in your own life.

When women lead, communities benefit from diverse viewpoints and solution-focused drive. By reading on, you’ll learn that you don’t need a perfect political pedigree. You just need courage, energy, and a willingness to learn.

So consider this an invitation. Your voice matters more than you might think, and the impact you can make is real. Together, we’ll explore how to transform passion into purpose and drive forward the causes you care about most.

Your Campaign Foundation: Integrity, Passion, Commitment

Building a solid campaign starts with three core traits: integrity, passion, and commitment. Integrity means staying true to your values, even when the path gets tough. Voters respond well to authenticity—if you try to “fake it,” they’ll spot it.

Passion fuels your determination. Whether it’s health care, education, or social justice, channeling a deeply felt issue is what keeps you going when resources are scarce. This emotional investment is what makes you relatable to potential supporters.

Commitment involves dedicating the time, energy, and willingness to keep learning every step of the way. You don’t have to be a policy expert on day one. You just have to promise yourself and your community that you’ll show up, work hard, and keep at it.

Staying grounded in your beliefs helps you weather any storm.

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What is Run to Win about?

Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World by Stephanie Schriock and Christina Reynolds is an empowering manifesto for women aspiring to make a meaningful impact in leadership roles. Through poignant anecdotes and actionable guidance, the authors illuminate how personal stories and passionate pursuits can catalyze change in the public sphere. This book is a call to action for women seeking to harness their unique backgrounds as potent assets in effecting societal transformation.

Within the pages of Run to Win, readers are invited to explore foundational elements of assembling a supportive team, developing resilience, and cultivating the narrative skillset necessary for effective storytelling. The book underscores the significance of authenticity in leadership, advocating for the embrace of one's unique voice and perspective as the cornerstone of genuine influence. At a pivotal time when female empowerment in politics is more crucial than ever, this book serves as a roadmap guiding women toward impactful roles in leadership.

Schriock and Reynolds present a comprehensive toolkit for women ready to challenge the status quo and catalyze change. Through candid discussions on fundraising, handling criticism, and sustaining momentum, Run to Win encourages readers to embark on their leadership journeys with courage and conviction. This book is more than just a guide; it's a testament to the transformative power women hold in reshaping the political landscape.

Review of Run to Win

Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World delivers profound insights into the complexities and rewards of women's leadership. Co-authored by seasoned political strategists Stephanie Schriock and Christina Reynolds, this book explores the multifaceted nature of leadership roles women can inhabit, providing a blueprint for effective change-making. By sharing their expertise and success stories, the authors demystify the process of breaking into and thriving within political and leadership spheres.

Standout features of Run to Win include its robust emphasis on character-driven narratives, underscoring the importance of authenticity and candor in crafting compelling stories. The book arms readers with actionable strategies for overcoming criticism, organizing successful campaigns, and promoting personal resilience. Its accessible style ensures that readers from various backgrounds can relate to the content without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon. Schriock and Reynolds’ guidance transcends politics, offering valuable lessons applicable across career paths and life journeys.

Ultimately, this book is a beacon for aspiring leaders who wish to integrate their personal experiences and values with professional ambitions; it's relevant for any individual striving to make their voice heard in impactful ways. Women ready to shape their futures and contribute positively to society will find Run to Win to be an informative, empowering guide, steeped in actionable insights and unwavering support. It's a must-read for those who believe in the transformative power of inclusive leadership.

Who should read Run to Win?

Aspiring Female Politicians: This book offers practical advice and motivational stories for women interested in entering politics, guiding them through the essentials of campaigning and leadership.
Social Activists: Individuals passionate about social change will gain valuable insights into leveraging personal narratives and public platforms to amplify their causes.
Career Women Seeking Leadership Roles: Professionals aiming to climb the corporate or organizational ladder can apply the principles of personal storytelling and authenticity to advocate for their career advancement.
Educators and Mentors: Those involved in nurturing future leaders will find tools and teaching points to inspire others, helping them navigate the complexities of leadership roles.
Women in Community Leadership Positions: Those already making strides in local communities will discover new tactics for expanding their influence and enhancing their strategies for societal impact.

About the author

Stephanie Schriock and Christina Reynolds are the authors of "Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World". Stephanie Schriock is a former president of EMILY's List, an organization dedicated to recruiting pro-choice Democratic women to run for elected office, a role she held from 2010 to 2021. She has extensive experience in politics, including serving as campaign manager for Al Franken's 2008 Senate race and Jon Tester's 2006 Senate race, and as finance director for Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign. Christina Reynolds, co-author, is the vice president of communications at EMILY's List.