She wrote the book.
Literally.
Before the masterclasses, the masterminds, the C-suite clients — there was the book that started it all. Published by Simon & Schuster, The Big Sister's Guide to the World of Work put into writing what Jocelyn had spent years learning the hard way: the rules that determine who gets ahead are never the ones anyone teaches you.
Practical tips for managing workplace politics, hidden agendas, and common communication challenges — applicable and realistic.
— Verified Reader, Goodreads
A Starred Review from Publishers Weekly
"DiFalco and Herz are unflinching with their reality checks — and generous with their insights and practical advice for moving through one's professional life successfully."Publishers Weekly · Starred Review
A starred review from Publishers Weekly — the publishing industry's standard-bearer for book reviews — is reserved for titles of exceptional merit.
Praise for the book.
"Loved this book and recommend it often. Not a heavy read, but one that will teach new tricks."
"Definitely one of those books you earmark and highlight all over the place — recommended by a Davidson graduate whose boss gave it to her."
"This is the ultimate mentor for women — part therapist, part manual. Required reading for any woman who wants to get ahead."
"Funny, witty, and so truthful! Let these big sisters mentor you."
"You'll find many morsels of workplace wisdom on each and every page of this book."
"Describes the world as it is, not as we'd like it to be. Refreshingly honest — the best book in its category."
The rules they never
taught you in school.
Office Politics
How power actually moves, and how to navigate it without losing yourself.Communication
How to speak so you're heard — in meetings, to management, in writing.Performance & Visibility
How your work is actually judged, and how to make the right people see it.Relationships & Trust
Building the professional relationships that open doors and protect your reputation.Decision-Making
How leaders decide — and how to position yourself as someone worth deciding with.Career Navigation
Moving forward with intention — not just hoping the next opportunity appears.
The unwritten rules
don't change.
You can earn every credential, ace every interview, and still walk into your first job — or your twentieth — completely unprepared for how work actually works.
Who gets credit and who gets passed over. How power moves through a room. Why some people get heard and others don't. These aren't soft skills. They are the skills.
This book was written because no one was being honest about them. Two decades later, nothing has changed — except that the women reading it now are handing it to the women they mentor.
This book is for you if
you're ready to stop guessing.
Just starting out
Mid-career and frustrated
Leading or mentoring women
Straight from the
people who read it.
Two decades on, readers still reach for it — and still pass it forward. A selection of verified reviews from Amazon.
"MBA from a top school, and still stuck at a junior level. I read this book and realized: that's me! PMS — Political Misery Syndrome. They never teach you this stuff in school; people just figure it out, or don't, and suffer. Don't learn it too late. Get this one book, read it cover to cover, and go in eyes wide open to the world of corporate politics. I've read several books like this, but this one is a great — and much funnier — summary of them all."
"This book is funny and insightful! It rings true for anyone trying to move up in today's work world. I gave it to my friend when she was promoted and it helped her swim through the sharks with ease! A must-read for those on the way up, down, or just looking for something better."
"Very practical book — I wish I'd read it sooner. It would have saved me a lot of heartache. A must read!"
"Direct, pertinent, serious, yet not lacking in humor. This book is a must for any employee or future employee of either gender — it just makes sense. Go for it!"
"The way the book is written is an awesome way for young women to relate to it. Excellent advice for women entering the workforce — or who have been in it for a while."
"Hugely eye-opening and attitude-shifting for me. I realized the people I work with — mostly men — were practicing these principles, while most of the women, including me, didn't know the conventions. I'd thought all I had to do was keep my head down and give it my all. Tons of great tips and practical steps are within these covers, and the entertaining writing and easy-to-read chapters make the changes feel achievable. I've found it so helpful I'm giving it to friends and coworkers to pay it forward. Sisters — wishing you well on your career journeys."
Other books
recommended by Jocelyn.
Beyond her own writing, these are the works Jocelyn returns to and recommends most often — on leadership, communication, courage, and the art of a considered life.
Ready to go
beyond the book?
Jocelyn works directly with leaders and organizations through masterminds, masterclasses, and advisory engagements.