Book Review: Local Optimization: Lessons From An Unplanned Path

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:25:00 -0500

Local Optimization is a short and thoughtful reflection on Alvitta Ottley’s path into academia. She presents the book as a personal reflection on the many decision points in her life, describing her approach as “local optimization.” Rather than beginning with a five-year plan, she made the best decision she could at each stage, asking what the next right step was and what would increase her capacity to grow. Her path moves from growing up on an island to working at a bank, pursuing school, engaging in research, and eventually becoming tenured faculty at WashU.

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Book Review: Local Optimization: Lessons From An Unplanned Path