WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…

“In this riveting story, both heartbreaking and uplifting, Laila Tarraf shows that adversity didn’t break her, it awakened her – to that of a wise, compassionate leader who manages with strength and tenderness, not having to deny the latter to achieve the former.”  

— Carter Cast, Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at Kellogg School of Business, former CEO of Walmart.com and author, The Right (and Wrong) Stuff

“A deeply insightful book about business and leadership disguised as a devastating memoir about loss and love.”

— Jennie Nash, Author, Founder and CEO of Author Accelerator

“It’s time for women to know that their true power is in their ability to embrace their femininity. Faced with brutal circumstances, Laila Tarraf shows us how she learned to do just that. I’m a great fan of this book, its author and its message.”

— Laura Munson, New York Times best-selling author, and founder of Haven Writing Retreats

“The power of Laila’s memoir comes through in her illumination of the trap of hiding in plain sight. When our day-to-day professional lives blind us to who we really are, no one else can see us either. The gift in these pages is that when you see yourself, others will too.” 

— Dan Roam, Author of five internationally best selling books on visual communication including The Back of the Napkin and Draw To Win

"Strong Like Water highlights a simple truth. We already are spiritual; it’s human we’re learning how to be.”

—Jacquelyn Small, Author, The Sacred Purpose of Being Human

"Laila brings forth a compelling memoir which breaks your heart into a million bits and has you cheering at the top of your lungs with her story of love, loss and renewal in today's world. An amazing first-time debut for an author who brings her personal awakenings to the world of business and leadership. Every page is a precious gift."

— Shernaz Daver, Executive Advisor, Google Ventures (GV)

“This book is a gift. To me, to women, and to the world. I felt myself shift, open, and transform as I turned the pages. I nodded, smiled, and wept, and would need to stop and let myself cry a bit more before continuing on. Joining laila for this intimate journey has helped me to heal - I am a more whole person for having read her book.”

— Sunshine Yin, Head of People & Operations, Advanced Digital & Product Team at Bain & Company

“This is a book that EVERY leader needs to read - and that is destined to become a can’t-put-down classic.  Strong Like Water casts light on one of the most critical, core workplace questions through a unique and compelling personal narrative.  With honesty and insight on her own experiences, Tarraf manages to define head-and-heart leadership and demonstrate exactly what it means to 'bring your whole self to work.’  Whether you’re just starting your career or leading a large team, in any field or function, Strong Like Water points the way to authentic, sustainable success.”

—   Daisy Dowling, Author, Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids and former Global Head of Talent Development at Blackstone

“A masterclass in vulnerability and leadership, this book is a must read. Equal parts personal narrative and a guidebook for authenticity at work, Strong Like Water takes the reader on a full emotional journey as it brilliantly demonstrates what true leadership looks like. So many of us show up to work with outdated ideas of how to be, act, lead. Ms. Tarraf inspires us to throw out the rule book and forge our own path, from the head to the heart.”

— Anne Robie, HR Executive and Consultant, Chief People Officer, Turnitin

“Strong Like Water illustrates the superpowers of one amazing working mother!! Laila shares her highlights, struggles, and wisdom in a manner that is accessible, honest, and relatable. You'll gain perspective through her personal and professional perils of wisdom and thoughts on work/life balance. Her compassionate and conversational style entices you to flip to the next chapter quickly!”

— Tenny Frost, Executive Director, Development & Alumni Relations, University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business

“When I work with clients, I often say, "Work and life is one big pot of soup. We may try to separate the two, but it does not really work." Laila Tarraf's beautiful and deeply personal book provides evidence of why this is so true. She offers a brave account of how to lead with love through heartbreaks and successes ultimately, (after a lot of work) landing in a place that is honest, integrated, and powerful. I have read countless leadership books, which usually have to be digested in small bites over weeks. I read this one in two sittings over three days. It is soul food for anyone who believes in the power of love and compassionate leadership.”

– Laurel Donnellan, Founder & CEO, Compassionate Leader’s Circle

“Laila Tarraf has written a beautiful, sometimes tragic, ultimately compelling call to the kind of leadership that sustains yourself as well as others.”

– Peggy Northrop, CEO, Watermark; former editor-in-chief, Sunset, Reader’s Digest, and More.