In this week’s episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with author C.J. Farley to unpack his new book Who Knows You by Heart a story that hits right at the intersection of ambition, identity, and the harsh realities of working in big tech.
Farley takes us behind the curtain of corporate life through the journey of Octavia, a young Black woman navigating discrimination, mounting debt, and the emotional toll of trying to thrive in an industry where representation is still painfully lacking. From microaggressions (and yes, “technoaggressions”) to the weaponization of PIPs, this conversation gets real about what it actually means to succeed while marginalized.
Mandi and Farley also dig into the importance of mentorship, building community, and how responsible AI is reshaping creativity and career paths. And—because we’re all doing our best to stay sane while securing the bag—the episode highlights why self-care isn’t optional… it’s survival.
Whether you’re scaling the corporate ladder, considering a pivot, or searching for a network that gets it, this episode offers both heart and hard-earned wisdom.
Key Takeaways
- Financial & career empowerment remain at the core of Brown Ambition’s mission—this episode brings both.
- Octavia’s story exposes the realities of big tech, from discrimination to navigating massive student debt.
- Black talent is still underrepresented across the tech pipeline, highlighting systemic barriers.
- Mentorship is vital, especially for women of color facing uphill battles at work.
- Microaggressions and “technoaggressions” continue to shape the everyday experience of marginalized employees.
Go pickup a copy of the book today —> https://www.amazon.com/Who-Knows-You-Heart-Novel/dp/0063418630?ref_=ast_author_dp
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