Basic Black - Cathie Black

This book is on my shelf of "How To" books for achieving world domination.

Basically, this is simply a witty manual by one who says what needs to be said, takes accountability for saying what she says, and can hand out advice that she has learned...well-seasoned from the taste of her shoe having been in her mouth, and having been so more than once. It's like getting 20-20 hindsight without the pain. Kept me laughing, too.

As the highest ranking exec at Hearst Publishing, Black doles out advice on risk, life balance, passion, leadership, work ethic, organization skills, etc. She's like senior mentors I've never had for my current position, with advice I can take with me throughout my career. Black & I seem to view work life similarly; not that it validates me or how I do things, but it does make me feel less alien for enjoying my work as much as I do. When my ability is openly doubted based upon my years of age rather than breadth of experiences, I will think of Cathie Black's young ascension as a rare female in corporate publishing and I will think of pretty much the whole young crew who created and run Google before I rise from my chair in the Board Room, yell "Stick it, you sacred cows!" and apply for my next job.

Upon receiving a promotion, a friend asked the boss, "Do you think I'm ready?" "Of course not," he said. "If you fail, I'll just fire you; if you succeed, I'll promote you." Yes, work could be just that easy.

Probably not on most of our group's "Must Reads," it is something I recently read and enjoyed immensely.

~ Robin