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TABOO TOPICS

Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't

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Pub Date Mar 25 2026 | Archive Date Not set


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Description

Break the Silence, Reclaim Your Voice, and Rise in Leadership.

Career women are stepping into greater responsibility, yet many still feel stalled, overextended, or quietly judged by expectations they never agreed to. Taboo Topics reveals the unspoken pressures that shape women’s careers and shows how naming these truths can unlock real leadership growth.

Drawing on years of coaching director-level and executive-track women, Nicole Johnston offers a candid look at the cultural and structural forces that influence how women are evaluated, promoted, and perceived. This is not a “be more confident” book—it’s a guide to navigating the realities no one talks about.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Recognize the hidden rules that shape executive presence.
  • Protect your energy from invisible labor and emotional pressure.
  • Stop overdelivering in ways that limit visibility.
  • Challenge biased feedback with clarity and professionalism.
  • Build the boundaries and self-trust needed to rise.

If you’re ready to move from capable to truly promotable, this book shows the way.


Break the Silence, Reclaim Your Voice, and Rise in Leadership.

Career women are stepping into greater responsibility, yet many still feel stalled, overextended, or quietly judged by expectations...


A Note From the Publisher

Paperback: 979-8-9945762-0-5
ebook: 979-8-9945762-1-2
Hardcover: 979-8-9945762-2-9

Price:
Paperback $19.99
ebook $ 9.99
Hardcover $29.99

Paperback: 979-8-9945762-0-5
ebook: 979-8-9945762-1-2
Hardcover: 979-8-9945762-2-9

Price:
Paperback $19.99
ebook $ 9.99
Hardcover $29.99


Advance Praise

"In today's workplace climate—where women are still navigating burnout, gender bias, and the pressure to hustle harder just to be seen—Taboo Topics couldn't be more timely. This book tackles the struggle to speak up, how to stop being a people pleaser, and how to ask for a raise with clarity and courage. Essential reading for any businesswoman, manager, or emerging leader ready to communicate with confidence, set boundaries at work, and step fully into her power."

—Sage Lavine, Best-Selling Author of Women Rocking Business

"In today's workplace climate—where women are still navigating burnout, gender bias, and the pressure to hustle harder just to be seen—Taboo Topics couldn't be more timely. This book tackles the...


Marketing Plan

  • Podcast tour
  • GoodReads giveaway
  • Social media promotion
  • Book release announcement to 3,600 journalists
  • Local bookstore signings
  • Available on BookSirens.com for review
  • Podcast tour
  • GoodReads giveaway
  • Social media promotion
  • Book release announcement to 3,600 journalists
  • Local bookstore signings
  • Available on BookSirens.com for review

Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9798994576205
PRICE $19.99 (USD)
PAGES 342

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 6 members


Featured Reviews

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Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don’t by Nicole Johnstone is a practical and thought-provoking exploration of the often-unspoken challenges women navigate in their daily lives.

While the book is framed largely through a US lens, many of the themes and recommendations translate effectively across contexts. The discussion around cognitive, emotional, and mental labour was particularly impactful, offering both validation and language for experiences that are frequently felt but not always articulated.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its actionable approach. Rather than simply identifying issues, Johnstone provides tangible suggestions, many of which I found relevant enough to note and consider implementing.

At times, the content may feel familiar to readers well-versed in this space, and some cultural references may not resonate universally. However, the clarity, accessibility, and practicality of the advice make it a valuable read.

Overall, I would recommend this book to women seeking to better understand and navigate the often invisible demands placed upon them, particularly those striving to balance multiple roles and responsibilities.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC

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This book is really good for career women who feel stuck or tired at work. It gives real tips like how to protect your energy, stop doing too much extra work, and deal with unfair feedback. If you're a woman who wants to grow in your career, this book is worth reading.

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This book would have been reqlly helpful in my twenties. The author covers a wide range of topics from career and making money to parenthood and body troubles. It's a good general life advice book with some good thought provoking challenges.

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