Gail Abrahams shares lessons from life, boardroom in first book

For decades, Gail Abrahams has been a force to be reckoned with in the marketing and communications industry. With humble beginnings in traditional media, Abrahams went on to successfully climb the corporate ladder. Now this sought-after consultant is using her voice and expertise to help others as she celebrates a new chapter as a published author.

Her motivation to pen the struggles and lessons of the business world in her book — Heels, Hustle and Heart: Claiming Your Seat Without Losing Yourself — stemmed from her personal experiences as a woman in the sector. “I wanted to let people know that you can actually be at the top of your game without falling prey to harassment, exploitation or pressures that may force you to sleep your way to a promotion. Also, I wanted to show people that you can make it in life and accomplish or exceed your desired goals within your field. That's why I wrote this book,” Abrahams told Living. 

The key, she discovered, to unlocking a rewarding career was to work hard, have an unwavering commitment towards the desired purpose, and be prepared to fight for those goals, both big and small. Abrahams also pointed out, “If you have a good mentor, a sisterhood or good people around you who support you, you can make it.”

Heels, Hustle and Heart is intentionally printed in a pocket-size format so that those who make the purchase will be able to have their guide on hand at any time for reference purposes. “The aim was to design a book that readers can actually put in their handbags and walk with,” she shared.

The book also has a handbook element that encourages readers to deeply engage and answer some tough questions. The lessons include how to identify certain elements and biases, steps to take to thrive within an organisation and how to go about negotiating a salary, just to name a few. “I find that we, as women, don't negotiate salaries so well. Our male colleagues and bosses have no problems taking charge in that regard. And we should step up to that plate too, with confidence,” she shared. 

Abrahams began her exciting journey in management as the assistant vice-president of corporate communications at GraceKennedy Financial Group from 2008 to 2013. 

She moved on to Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, more popularly known as Flow, where she was the director of corporate communications and stakeholder relationships for two years. 

The American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica became her new office thereafter, where she became a shining and guiding light as the company's chief executive officer (CEO).

Two years later, she joined The Supreme Ventures Group as the vice-president of marketing, communications and sponsorships. Then, in 2019, Hardware and Lumber Limited welcomed Abrahams as its CEO. She held that post for over four years before turning over a new leaf and freelancing as a strategic communications consultant. 

“I'm proud that I have worked in different organisations and I [can still] call these people. I still have excellent relationships with them because they know, at the end of the day, I work hard, and I'm doing the best that I can,” she highlighted.

Heels, Hustle and Heart touches on topics that influenced and contributed to her growth and development. She also explores challenges faced during her career. “I have exposed myself because I mentioned encounters with sexual harassment,” she confessed, adding that she has also explored the struggles of being a mom.

Abrahams even addressed the fact that, as a society, there is this expectation that a mother should juggle several roles in her life: “You're expected to be the wife. You're expected to be the mother. And you're expected to manage the house. And you're expected to deliver at work. ‘Mom-guilt’ is real. I've had to pick up my children from school [barefoot] because my only options are heels, and those aren't effective in quickly moving around.” 

The biggest lesson life has taught her is that preparation is essential for survival. “I may be called on to do other things at any given time, so I have to be prepared. Nowadays, I will have a pair of Crocs, sneakers, and slippers in the car to wear for relevant occasions,” the author shared.

She is also pragmatic with her approach to, and outlook on, life, “I've gotten to the place where I know I cannot do everything. And I talk to my children, letting them know that I can't do everything because I have a job as well. I am so grateful for a loving and supportive family. My children are understanding, and my husband is truly a Godsend.”

While it was important to share the golden nuggets of her journey, she also hopes that this book will give female readers a better understanding of the corporate world and provide them with the necessary tools to smoothly navigate up the career ladder. 

“How you show up in this world is vital for your success. This book helps women to unlock the best version of that. You don't have to sit in the corner of the room; you can have the corner office. So, take your rightful place in this world,” said Abrahams.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com