Umhlanga-based mom and corporate professional Monica Pram has recently released her debut book A Taste of Corporate Life: Savvy Advice for Aspiring Professionals That is Not Sugar-Coated, offering a refreshingly candid perspective on the corporate world.
Drawing from her extensive 20-year career, mostly within the corporate sector, Monica weaves personal experiences and practical advice into a guide designed for those navigating their professional journey.
After graduating with a bachelor of commerce in marketing and economics degree from UKZN, Monica joined Unilever, where she thrived by working across different departments. This exposed her to various facets of corporate life, including the challenges of office politics, managing different leadership styles, and the often-unspoken nuances that can make or break a career. She found great joy in mentoring and coaching colleagues, a passion that inspired her to write this book.
Monica’s transition from corporate life began when she faced the personal challenge of starting a family, which led to her decision to step back from her career in 2019. During the pandemic in 2020, with ample time on her hands, she decided to put pen to paper and compile her wealth of knowledge into a book. What started as a therapeutic exercise evolved into a mission to guide others who might feel lost or overwhelmed in the fast-paced corporate environment.
Monica provides practical, no-nonsense advice on critical topics that professionals are often unprepared for, such as handling difficult bosses, navigating office politics and managing career setbacks. She emphasises the importance of mentorship, resilience and adaptability, as well as the impact of small, everyday decisions in shaping one’s career trajectory. “There’s no textbook for managing your inbox, meetings, or office politics,” she says, “but these are the things that can make all the difference.”
Monica also touches on the emotional toll that often comes with striving for career success, particularly for those who feel stuck or undervalued. She recounts her experiences of seeing talented individuals fail to rise in their careers owing to a lack of support or understanding of workplace dynamics. Through her book, she hopes to offer readers the insights and tools they need to thrive, even in the most challenging corporate environments.
With its approachable tone and relatable anecdotes, the book is for anyone looking to make sense of the complex, and often overwhelming, corporate world. Monica’s goal is simple: to inspire professionals to remain resilient and navigate their careers with confidence and clarity, knowing that the little things often make the biggest difference.
Details: Order a book on www.monicapram.com.
Meet Monica at the Durban International Book Fair from 27 November to 1 December. Tickets are available on www.madeindurban.co.za
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: TILANIE GROTE PHOTOGRAPHY
