Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble

When Deesha Dyer applied for a White House internship, she was 31, a community college student and aspiring hip-hop journalist, working in an administrative role at a real estate company. When President Barack Obama was elected, she felt so inspired that she took a chance on herself despite having no political background or connections. Suddenly, she found herself in the White House at the epicenter of U.S. government. Her fellow interns were in their early 20s, went to Ivy League schools, and had previous political experience. But in spite of the little voice in her head telling her she didn’t deserve to be there, Deesha thrived, accompanying President Obama on high-level trips, continuing to work for the administration full-time after her internship ended, and ultimately rising to the key administration role of Social Secretary, for which she orchestrated everything from major diplomatic summits to functions with Beyonce and the Pope. Still, Imposter Syndrome appeared at every turn threatening her self-esteem and proven aptitude. Undiplomatic is personal development book combining Deesha’s personal story with hard-earned lessons on how she successfully combatted feelings of doubt while holding a top-level position.
 
In this book, Deesha will share what she’s learned along the way and reflect on how she stopped looking in the mirror wishing she was someone else. She will dive into how she learned to give herself the same grace she gives to others and offer her best wisdom about authenticity and curiosity, the myth of “being yourself”, and the importance of understanding that what you have is what you’ve earned. Deesha is honest that nobody can “solve” imposter syndrome and never think of it again. But she invites you to walk beside her as she shows you what the journey of believing you belong really looks like, and what awaits you on the other side.