Strong like Water

How I Found the Courage to Lead with Love in Business and in Life

By: Laila Tarraf

Narrated by: Laila Tarraf

Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Laila Tarraf was the chief people officer for Peet’s Coffee and Tea, the iconic Berkeley coffee roaster, but she had a secret: She was failing in the most important relationships in her life. Yes, she was a strong and effective business leader, the successful daughter of immigrants, and the mother of a toddler, but she was disconnected from her own feelings ­and had little patience for those of others.

All that changed, however, when three of the people most important to her - her husband, father, and mother - died in quick succession. Laila had spent her life leading from the head, convinced that any display of vulnerability would make her soft. But as this trifecta of losses led her to reconnect to her feelings, one painful step at a time, something remarkable happened. She became a better leader, a better mother, and a better person. Leading from the heart became the true source of her power.

This is a book about healing, about waking up, about learning who you are - who you really, truly are at the core - and reclaiming and embracing all the pieces of yourself you long ago abandoned in the name of survival. For women longing for balance, this is a path to opening our hearts and infusing our leadership and relationships with love, compassion, and authenticity.

“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: What is soft is strong.” (Lao Tzu)

©2020 She Writes Press (P)2021 Laila Tarraf

Vulnerable and Real

I was so impressed and moved by this story. I expected a book that referenced a personal tragedy and then focused on how that changed the workplace. I was wrong. Laila took us deep inside her personal life sharing intimate details and "failures." It is such a brave and powerful book. It speaks to the professional, but more importantly, the person. Her message is clear - we need to bring the whole person - the head and the heart - into our homes and offices.

Beautiful, compelling, and full of wisdom

I'm not surprised that Laila’s beautifully written memoir is showing up on "top lists.” She's had an amazing journey of self-discovery and lots of wisdom to share, especially around the costs of avoiding vulnerability. As I listened to her narrate her story, I felt like I’d been given the gift of being invited into her life.

A beautiful story of personal and professional growth

Just finished listening to this audiobook and took away so many nuggets of wisdom that apply to my own life. Thanks to Laila Tarraf for sharing her deeply personal and heartfelt story with the world!

A rare find: touches your heart and fully engages

Ordinarily I hate when writers narrate their own story but Laila had a beautiful voice and you could hear the emotion in it at all the right moments. I felt like I was having someone tell me their life story with all the drama, the emotion and the captivating story that make you keep coming back for more. Although there were parts some of this book that were so emotional and resonant for me that I had to take a break and come back to it later in the day or the next day, I found myself continually drawn back to the story and wanting to hear more about Laila's extraordinary life and journey and sad when it came to an end because I know her story continues. This book is a powerful reminder of the ways that our stories will keep their hold on us until we face them and come to terms with what is, and what we can do about it. I'm so admiring of Laila for her amazing journey and then having the courage to turn around and share it back with all of us! And her daughter Nadia rocks - such a wise soul!

A perfect mix of motivation and compassion

Laila did a fantastic job narrating her book and hearing her personality shine through her voice really added to the story. She opens up to the reader and is vulnerable when she shares her weaknesses and insecurities. When you read it you build a bond with her and feel a connection to what she experienced. She carries an unimaginable optimism throughout all the tragedies that is both inspirational and motivating.

It will get directly to your heart

This book will inspire to live all aspects of your life with an open heart, through love, empathy and vulnerability.

Touched & Engaged.

Laila Tarraf's honest account of her journey through a corporate world & personal life pulls at your heart & reflections. Her voice as the narrator further opens her vulnerability leaving you to take her as credible as she recounts love, life, death & business presentations. Enjoy the story & write down some great thoughts as you listen to how someone became strong like water.

Head and heart

This book is just what I needed. Beautifully written and so applicable to me. My learning is to be present and not shy away from being uncomfortable. Thank you Laila for sharing your heart. Much appreciated!

Wonderfully authentic, touching, and inspiring.

This book is beautifully written and narrated. It is a very brave,introspective story of love, loss, and the journey to find your true authentic self. I laughed, I cried, and I was inspired to continue on my own journey of self discovery.

A powerful read

A powerful memoir written with such beautiful rawness and inviting vulnerability. Laila, an impressive leader on so many dimensions invites us to learn why experiencing our paths fully and vulnerably makes all the difference.