Summary

Chapter 1 begins with the story of Valerie, a poor, black mother of two children heading to college in the fall. Her daughter, who plans on becoming a middle school teacher, is pregnant.

When Abrams asks Valerie what she wants from her as governor, Valerie tells her better financial aid options for her children, but when asked what she wants for herself, she is perplexed. After some probing Valerie says she wants to run a daycare for unwed mothers.

Abrams uses this anecdote to introduce the themes of fear and ambition. Reflecting on her own childhood, she remarks that Valerie has ambition but lacks faith. Abrams asserts that fear is often what holds people back from pursuing ambition. Embracing ambition is the first step to becoming a leader.

Reframing a lesson she learned as a research assistant at law school, Abrams shares three questions...