This is the second book that I have read by an ex Goldman Sachs employee. The first book was Why I Left Goldman Sachs: A Wall Street Story by Greg Smith. I am more sympathetic to Mrs. Higgins as she did endure bullying, sexual harassment, juvenile behavior, unprofessionalism and was totally unsupported by management, human resources and fellow employees.
The author exposed the corrupt culture at Goldman Sachs. She could not beat the old boys network and despite an exemplary work record and performance, was never really taken seriously. I am happy to see that she finally resigned from Goldman Sachs but I think it was something that she should’ve done many years before. I think what confuses me is that this talented woman thought that the only place that she could work was Goldman Sachs. She never got any other offers from any other investment firms or companies? If she did, I missed it from the book.
She was extremely fortunate that she had a supporting husband, particularly after her brief affair with another Managing Director. To a significant degree she placed her marriage, her children’s upbringing and her health at extreme peril.
There were so many parts in the book that were cringing to me. Mrs. Higgins was treated so poorly that just about any other woman (or man) would have walked away from the job. The author did not disclose her financial status other than her significant bonuses that she received yearly. I would’ve thought that she had earned enough “fuck you” money to walk away much earlier than she did.
I am very sympathetic for those employees who have been treated harshly and unfairly by their managers and the company that they worked for. There are a significant number of assholes that work in senior management for many companies. And I understand that there may be very little recourse other than to leave when you are in a situation where you are being treated unfairly.
Kudos to Mrs. Higgins for her candor and her bravery. She truly exposed herself professionally and personally in this book. I read this book in less than two days. It is very compelling reading.
One of the best business books that I have read in 2022…
Esot-eric 