The Fearless Fish Out of Water

Everyone's felt out of place at some point - be they female, minority, a geek, a non-conformist, or just boldly individual. Fearless Fish will show readers how to stay connected while maintaining a unique identity, how to fit in without blending in, how to transform exclusion and have an impact. After all, there is tremendous opportunity for influence when you're on the edge -- you're already noticed! Fearless Fish will demonstrate how to make the most out of being noticed as you gain the tools for becoming more of who you are, instead of trying to change who you are. It will help readers use the tools they already have to find everything they want in their careers -- without sacrificing their souls.

Acknowledgments v

Introduction vii

Step 1 Go Fishing for the Real You 1

Step 2 Use Your Differences as a Lure 37

Step 3 Find a Few Fish Like You 69

Step 4 Swim in Their Ocean Your Way 99

Step 5 Put Yourself Out on the Line 127

Step 6 Evolve by Casting a Wide Net 155

Step 7 Reel in Your Unique Power 183

Fearless Last Words 211

Robin Fisher Roffer is CEO of Big Fish Marketing, one of the entertainment industry's preeminent brand marketing and digital advertising agencies, with clients such as A&E, Bravo, CNN, Comedy Central, FX, MTV, NBC Universal, and Sony Pictures.

PRAISE FOR
the Fearless Fish Out Of Water

"In The Fearless Fish Out of Water, Roffer has crafted a motivational and inspiring text that taps into a theme that has inspired me for years. The idea that within a seemingly ordinary individual there is something extraordinary, and by embracing these extraordinary aspects, one can enrich their own life as well as the lives of those around them. A blueprint for how to apply your personality and your unique abilities to succeed." —Tim Kring, creator and Executive Producer of Heroes

"Say 'yes' to fearlessness! It's time to celebrate your uniqueness and make it your success strategy. Roffer delivers exceptional interviews with executives on the frontlines of mega-corporations and weaves in her personal experience as a woman entrepreneur, inspiring all of us to define and then embrace what's different about us that can lead to success." —Cynthia Good, Editor and CEO of PINK magazine

"We need big ideas and big thinkers now more than ever. The Fearless Fish Out of Water helped me see that, as scared as I am, as scared as we all are, there are ways to figure out what's next, and to forge plans to accomplish business hopes and dreams." —Marian Salzman, CMO, Porter Novelli Worldwide, coauthor of Next Now: Trends for the Future

"A fearless fish herself, Roffer has written a guide to the challenges of maintaining one's identity in the contemporary workplace. Insightful and entertaining!" —Aline Brosh McKenna, screenwriter of The Devil Wears Prada