It’s About Damn Time by Arlan Hamilton
Rating – 5 out of 5
It’s About Damn Time by Arlan Hamilton, is the story of Arlan, a venture capitalist who in 2015 was on food stamps and living in the San Francisco airport. Arlan had a vision of a future where venture capital went to more diverse people and everyone had a seat at the table. With that vision, Arlan created Backstage Capital, which to date has now invested over $10 million in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, or LGBTQ. Arlan’s story reminds us all that it’s about damn time that things change for diverse people in business.
Favorite Quote
“Pull your own chair up to the table. Scribble your own name on the VIP List, and don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong.” – Arlan Hamilton, It’s About Damn Time
Review
I have followed Arlan on Twitter for a while now and was impressed with her ability to break things down and communicate clearly about the struggle of women and POC people in the venture world. I was excited when I saw that she had written a book because I wanted to hear more of her story and get to know her in more depth. It’s About Damn Time delivered. Arlan’s writing style kept me engaged and her storytelling is superb. She has had so many interesting experiences that made her salient points come alive. Arlan is incredible and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
My main take-aways from the book were that it’s about damn time that more diverse founders (especially female founders of color!) are able to take center stage and create, to always be looking to integrate different experiences and conversations and to be yourself because you are enough and the world needs to hear from you.
I have also been a part of the It’s About Damn Time Mastermind and am currently taking one of Backstage Capital’s courses. All of the content I have taken part in has been outstanding and helpful in my business journey.
I recommend this book if you are looking to find your place and inspiration in the business world, no matter who you are. After all, It’s About Damn Time.
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