The Book
Saying the Hard Parts Out Loud
A memoir about leadership, resilience, and the moments that define us.
What it's about
The parts that don't make the professional bio.
Saying the Hard Parts Out Loud is a business memoir about building a career, becoming a leader, and the lessons you only learn by living through the hard parts. From growing up in rural Michigan in poverty, a young single mom on welfare, to leading teams in high-growth technology companies, Maranda shares the wins, mistakes, relationships, setbacks, and defining moments that shaped how she leads today. Along the way, she explores resilience, belonging, ambition, empathy, accountability, boundaries, and what it means to lead without losing yourself. It isn’t a playbook for getting everything right. It’s an honest look at what happens behind the titles, promotions, and polished professional bios, with leadership lessons woven throughout.
From the book
“The life I'm living now didn't come from being fearless. It came from learning to carry my fear with me and move anyway.”
— Chapter 2, Grind and Grace
Inside the book
What you'll find on these pages.
Speaking truth to power
What it actually costs to be the person who says what everyone else is thinking — and why it's worth it anyway.
Resilience as a skill
Not a personality trait. Not something you're born with. A skill built through hard things, not around them.
The art of the graceful exit
Knowing when to leave — a job, a relationship, a room — is one of the most powerful things a person can do.
Leading with honesty
Direct, clear, honest communication — the kind that respects people enough to tell them the truth.
The cost of silence
Every time we don't say the hard thing, we're making a choice. This book is about owning that choice.
Defining moments
The specific moments — some triumphant, some devastating — that shaped who Maranda became as a leader and a person.
“Every room you walk into gives you a choice. You can move through it quickly, focused only on what needs to get done. Or you can slow down just enough to notice who's around you. What voices are still finding their footing? What ideas need a little help in order to land? If you're paying attention, you'll hear them. When you do, you can make space for them.”
— Conclusion
What readers are saying
“Leadership is easy to talk about and much harder to live. Maranda brings a rare combination of candor, resilience, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to this book. Saying the Hard Parts Out Loud will resonate with anyone who has ever had to find their voice in rooms that were not built for them.”
Nick Mehta, Co-founder and former CEO, Gainsight
“Maranda has always led with confidence, candor, and heart. Saying the Hard Parts Out Loud connects the leader she became with the life that shaped her, from growing up without running water to learning she belonged in rooms she once thought were meant for other people. It's a powerful story about leadership, belonging, and trusting yourself enough to take up space.”
Kristi Faltorusso, CEO and principal advisor
“The best leaders have all been through something that shaped their character. Maranda's story of a modest upbringing and her path to executive leadership is inspiring. This book is a must-read for any current or aspiring business leader.”
Jay Nathan, CEO Balboa
Get your copy
Available October 13, 2026
Order from your preferred retailer below. Signed copies and bulk orders for teams and organizations are also available.