It's About Damn Time

How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage

By: Arlan Hamilton, Rachel L. Nelson

Narrated by: Arlan Hamilton

“A hero's tale of what’s possible when we unlock our potential, continue the search for knowledge, and draw on our lived experiences to guide us through the darkest moments.” (Stacey Abrams)

From a Black, gay woman who broke into the boys’ club of Silicon Valley comes an empowering guide to finding your voice, working your way into any room you want to be in, and achieving your own dreams.

Named one of the best books of the year by Fortune

In 2015, Arlan Hamilton was on food stamps and sleeping on the floor of the San Francisco airport, with nothing but an old laptop and a dream of breaking into the venture capital business. She couldn’t understand why people starting companies all looked the same (white and male), and she wanted the chance to invest in the ideas and people who didn’t conform to this image of how a founder is supposed to look. Hamilton had no contacts or network in Silicon Valley, no background in finance - not even a college degree. What she did have was fierce determination and the will to succeed.

As much as we wish it weren’t so, we still live in a world where being underrepresented often means being underestimated. But as someone who makes her living investing in high-potential founders who also happen to be female, LGBTQ, or people of color, Hamilton understands that being undervalued simply means that a big upside exists. Because even if you have to work twice as hard to get to the starting line, she says, once you are on a level playing field, you will sprint ahead.

Despite what society would have you believe, Hamilton argues, a privileged background, an influential network, and a fancy college degree are not prerequisites for success. Here she shares the hard-won wisdom she’s picked up on her remarkable journey from food-stamp recipient to venture capitalist, with lessons like “The Best Music Comes from the Worst Breakups”, “Let Someone Shorter Stand in Front of You”, “The Dangers of Hustle Porn”, and “Don’t Let Anyone Drink Your Diet Coke”. Along the way, she inspires us all to defy other people’s expectations and to become the role models we’ve been looking for.

Praise for It's About Damn Time

“Reading Arlan Hamilton’s It’s About Damn Time is like having a conversation with that frank, bawdy friend who somehow always manages to make you laugh, get a little emo, and, ultimately, think about ­­the world in a different way.... The book is warm, witty, and unflinching in its critique of the fake meritocracy that permeates Silicon Valley.” (Shondaland)

©2020 Arlan Hamilton and Rachel L. Nelson (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Hamilton’s story speaks to all the would-be entrepreneurs and dreamers out there. She brings a unique perspective that has enabled her to see opportunities that others cannot. Her message is simple: Those of us who are different can rule the business world, and no one can stop us." (Mark Cuban)

"The world needs more Arlan Hamiltons. Although full of practical wisdom, It’s About Damn Time isn’t the typical business book. Hamilton is unfiltered, vulnerable, and funny as hell. Her story teaches us we can be successful on our own terms, without sacrificing our values or personalities." (Sophia Amoruso, New York Times best-selling author of #GIRLBOSS)

"Hamilton is dead right: It is about damn time. It’s about damn time we as women start trusting our voice, knowing our worth, and being unapologetically proud of who we are. In her new book, Hamilton proves that none of us need to ask permission to show the world what we’re made of. If you want to feel inspired, read this now." (Jameela Jamil, actress, model, and writer)

"It’s About Damn Time hits at the heart of leadership and risk taking - that we must each foster an unwavering belief in our own capacity. Arlan Hamilton’s insights about the venture capital industry are met by her daring to build something intended for those left outside the gates. Hamilton’s story is a hero’s tale of what’s possible when we unlock our potential, continue the search for knowledge, and draw on our lived experiences to guide us through the darkest moments. For aspiring entrepreneurs and those ready to start a new chapter, It’s About Damn Time is a necessary reminder that every no isn’t the end." (Stacey Abrams, former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives)

Not bad

Not bad, but it seemed to be repetitive about straight white men benefiting from Silicon Valley. Plus, although Hamilton beat the odds in an admirable manner, there were forms of luck that I wished she emphasized about, especially when they could be related to the VC course she took in the Bay Area and the artists who toured with her. The social media section of her book was an unnecessary addition because it’s not only not cliche and a symptom of a whole social problem but not the biggest issue of human beings. It’s ostracism and a lack of a sense of belonging that makes people most depressed and disengaged. A lack of belonging goes beyond social media. Besides, you can always turn it off and still have the same misery and a lack of desire without it.

A 2020 MUST READ!!

This book is captivating, relatable, and inspiring. As a female founder it has given me the motivation and tools to not allow barriers to get in my way. As a white founder it has given me a clearer perspective of the reality that people of color still face. I work to use my privilege to help others rise around me but Alran's authentic story has given me a deeper understanding on the current barriers founders of color currently face and the drive to work even harder to do my part in ensuring everyone is seen and has a seat at the table. Every person in the startup and entrepreneurial eco system needs to read this book. It had me in tears, laughter, and motivation. You will not be disappointed.

Well worth the read

Arlan's story is very inspiring.This book has practical ways to start now in whatever version of business and wealth building you are working on. Let's get it!!

Fascinating boom

interesting stories and experiences. It would have been nice to get more tips on how to break through the Silicon Valley glass ceiling.

Angula Johnson

I saw this book being reviewed by Will Smith, Ice Tea which made me curious so I looked it up on audible, Best book this year for me!!!! I will but the hard copy!!!

Incredible and Inspiring

If you need motivation listed to this book It is a must listen. I read the book and to listen to Hamilton read the audio book adds so much more. Love it

Refreshing

I've been listening to business books for a while and I'm happy for the change. Arlen Hamilton's book is like a refreshing cocktail in the scorching desert of startup woes. With her witty anecdotes and quirky charm, she serves up a delightful mix of business advice and laughter, leaving readers both entertained and enlightened. Cheers to a hilarious and insightful read!

Life transitions

How many people can you meet to penetrate your market, make an email list, no one else can tell your story. The best self help story telling book!

Resilience

I enjoyed the book and what Arlen is trying to do for the culture of people who are not looked upon as successors and these opportunities.

Well read

I really enjoyed listening to this author read the book. Her voice made it very easy to digest the information being given , I would also say that the book is more motivating and inspirational, than informative. It leads you to the places you can go to get the information, and the author tells many inspiring story about what motivated her along the way on her journey . I found it very helpful for encouragement. In the book the author seemed to be very pro black which I though was excellent and when hearing the author speak on racial differences, and the need for empowering among the groups that fall in the category of others so many times throughout the book, you wouldn’t think that after all that she’s said and seen that she wouldn’t be with the partner she chose , it just seems hypocritical after hearing her speak passionately for 5 hours on diversity and topics or situations she’s encountered throughout her journey. Non the less it was a very well written book and If nothing else extremely motivating.