Kelly Cutrone Memoir Offers Blunt Workplace Advice
Kelly Cutrone’s 2010 memoir, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside, is being revisited 15 years later, offering a look at its stark advice for women in the workplace. The book, which became a bestseller, is known for its no-nonsense approach, encouraging women to be tough and resilient.
Cutrone’s message is clear: stop crying and get yourself together. Quotes from the book highlight this philosophy, such as, “It’s not that hard.” She emphasizes professional conduct over personal comfort, stating, “You’re not allowed to eat until your superiors eat.” The memoir also plainly states, “If you’re crying, get the hell out of my office.
We’re not here to be friends. We’re here to [expletive] work.”
A Look Back at a Decade-Old Perspective
The book is being discussed in a new light, with a 2024 perspective. The author of the review notes that much of the language and some of the humor, similar to the “Will and Grace era,” would not be acceptable today, suggesting it belongs to a “pre-woke timeline.” The memoir also frequently references thinness as a positive attribute, a theme common in the fashion industry but increasingly scrutinized in modern discourse.
Despite these points, the reviewer finds a certain honesty in Cutrone’s directness about societal pressures related to body image. The book, written before the widespread body positivity movement, reflects a time when such aspirations were openly discussed, even if controversially.
Memoir’s Life Journey and Controversial Topics
If You Have to Cry, Go Outside covers Cutrone’s life from childhood to her mid-40s in 2010. It touches on her upbringing in upstate New York, her move to New York City, her entry into public relations, and her experiences in Los Angeles. The memoir also digs into significant personal events, including addiction, two marriages, an abortion, and becoming a single mother.
However, the reviewer notes that some of the most challenging aspects of Cutrone’s life, such as her addiction and a violent separation from her first husband, are described very briefly. For instance, the account of her first marriage ending involves her ex-husband holding a dagger to her throat and pushing her down the stairs, yet this is covered in just a few lines. Similarly, her struggle with serious drug addiction is condensed into a single page, focusing more on her recovery than the depths of her struggle.
Spirituality and Motherhood Themes
A significant portion of the book explores Cutrone’s spiritual journey. She describes developing a personal spirituality influenced by Eastern religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and yoga. This spiritual path, centered around a goddess-mother figure, is presented as a driving force in her life, contributing to her sobriety and her decision to raise her daughter independently.
While the reviewer personally does not connect with this aspect of the book, they acknowledge its importance to Cutrone. They highlight how her spirituality seems to fuel her sense of conviction and her willingness to speak out against injustice, citing an example where she confronted a man hitting his child in public.
The section on motherhood, particularly becoming a single mother at age 35, resonated more strongly with the reviewer on a second read. Cutrone’s deliberate choice to become a sole parent and her experiences navigating this path later in life, while her peers were reaching different milestones, offer a compelling narrative of intentionality and independence.
Workplace Philosophy and Generational Differences
The latter part of the memoir returns to Cutrone’s core message about workplace toughness. Her advice, such as the strict rules about eating only after superiors and not tolerating tears in the office, is presented as a stark contrast to the more empathetic and accommodating environments many younger workers, particularly Gen Z, now expect.
This philosophy is framed as a form of early “capitalism-friendly and mental health-averse feminism,” predating the “girl boss” era of the mid-2010s. While the “girl boss” feminism may have used more palatable language, the reviewer suggests its underlying focus on individual success for an elite group of women shares similarities with Cutrone’s approach.
Market Impact
The discussion of Kelly Cutrone’s memoir highlights a shift in workplace expectations and communication styles. While Cutrone’s direct and demanding approach was once seen as a path to success, current workplace trends favor empathy, collaboration, and mental well-being. This contrast suggests a evolving understanding of professional environments and leadership.
What Investors Should Know
For investors and business leaders, understanding these shifts is crucial. The emphasis on employee well-being and supportive work cultures is becoming increasingly important for attracting and retaining talent.
Companies that fail to adapt to these changing expectations may face challenges in recruitment and employee satisfaction. The enduring relevance of Cutrone’s memoir lies in its stark portrayal of a past approach to professional life, serving as a point of comparison for today’s evolving business landscape.
Source: Revisiting Kelly Cutrone’s Insane Memoir 15 Years Later (YouTube)
