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Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life) Audiobook
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(3.04) - 822 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Cathie Black is the wise, funny mentor that every woman dreams of having. She was a pioneer in advertising sales at a time when women didn’t sell; served as president and publisher of the fledgling USA Today; and, in her current position as the president of Hearst Magazines, persuaded Oprah to launch a magazine. In 2006 she was named one of Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in American Business” for the seventh consecutive year. Now, in the exuberant, down-to-earth voice that is her trademark, Cathie explains how she achieved “the 360° life”–a blend of professional accomplishment and personal contentment–and how any woman can seize opportunity in the workplace.
No matter where you are in your career, BASIC BLACK offers invaluable lessons that will help you land the job, promotion, or project you’re vying for. Throughout the audiobook, Cathie offers fascinating glimpses of media and business personalities, but at the core of it are her candid, personal stories. BASIC BLACK provides a close-up look at the keen judgment, perseverance, and optimism that have propelled Cathie Black to the top of her game, along with the kind of straight-up practical advice you get in a one-on-one session with a career coach. You’ll find out how to handle job interviews, which rules to break, and why you should make your life a grudge-free zone. Equally important, you’ll be inspired to pursue your passions and achieve your very best.
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"I loved this book so much, very useful & insightful for people who had just started a career, and even for those who already got any sort of previous experience. It also gives advices and lessons for life in general. Although it was around 300 pages but it was a very light reading.. the way "Cathie" summarized and ended the book was amazing and i loved it a lot."
— Sarah (5 out of 5 stars)
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Basic Black does a great job of telling the story of how Cathie deftly navigated the challenges of the workplace and the media business, while also trying to balance the demands of a busy life. Her practical tips on handling typical workplace situations make this an important read for any woman who wants to become a better colleague, a better leader ... and a better person.
— Meg Whitman, President & CEO, eBay Inc. -
Bravo for Basic Black! After reading this book, I understand more than ever why Cathie Black is the huge success she is today. She’s totally fearless! She shares her triumphs, but perhaps best of all, she shares her mistakes so that we can learn from them. I love her candor. Whether you're starting your career or going full throttle, you will benefit from Cathie's insights into business--and life. Basic Black is a true must-read.—Gayle King, editor-at-large of O, The Oprah Magazine
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I’m a big Cathie Black fan–in part because we both believe that where you come from in no way determines where you can get to. If you think it, you can create it.Cathie’s career is living proof of that and her experiences, both professional and personal, make for fascinating reading. The life lessons in these pages are smart, true, and reassuring, no matter where you are in your career.
— Suze Orman, author of Women and Money and The Nine Steps to Financial Freedom -
Cathie Black is exactly the kind of mentor every woman needs: a talented executive at the top of her game willing to tell it like it really is. Imagine having a private lunch with one of the most powerful women in business, and then feast on her wonderful book. Basic Black is among the very best insider accounts of how to succeed as a leader.
— Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School professor and author of Confidence and America the Principled -
Cathie Black demystifies the workplace with her typical brand of pragmatic insight and engaging humor. Basic Black provides a practical guide to the traits we see demonstrated by our greatest leaders at GE---passion, drive, attitude, risk taking, and the ability to nurture and develop great talent. I had fun reading Basic Black, and thought to myself...This is someone I would like to work for.
— Jeffrey R. Immelt, Chairman and CEO, GE -
As every woman needs basic black in her wardrobe, she also needs Basic Black on her bookshelf. This is the perfect handbook on getting ahead while staying true to yourself.
— Donna Karan, Designer
Basic Black Listener Reviews
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" My mom gave me this book for Christmas and based on the title I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it at first. I don't really like to think of myself as someone whose goal is "getting ahead at work" but I gave it a try and a few pages in I was hooked. Cathie Black offers some practical advice mixed in with humorous stories. Although much of her advice is basic, she writes about her early career experiences as well as the lessons she's learned as a leader so I recommend it for any career woman. "
— Rae-Nani, 2/1/2014 -
" Excellent "get ahead at work" book. This is how to do it. "
— Kristina, 1/23/2014 -
" This reads like a text book at times, but definitely offers up great work/life advice. "
— Gretchen, 1/16/2014 -
" Cathie Black is the President of Hearst Magazines. I think she is so sharp! I am really enjoying her business sense! "
— Stephanie, 1/13/2014 -
" A great book for any women looking to go into business or just looking for advice. "
— Shkeya, 1/11/2014 -
" This book made a real difference for me...highly recommend it, especially for women. "
— Jo, 1/11/2014 -
" more optimistic than Carly Fiorina. "
— Marci, 1/9/2014 -
" I'm listening to this one in my car. It's kind of repetitive and unorganized, but she has some good points. "
— Carin, 1/5/2014 -
" A should-read autobiograpy on leadership for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs. "
— Lori, 12/14/2013 -
" Great basic book for those starting out in Corporate America. "
— Jblink75, 12/10/2013 -
" I highly recommend this book for anyone who would like some good advice on how to advance in your career. It is also well written and entertaining. "
— Jennifer, 12/3/2013 -
" Great advice to young women just starting out in a professional world. "
— Tara, 11/30/2013 -
" Mildly entertaining, but mostly obvious advice. I do not recommend this to my friends because they've all had jobs before. "
— Lisa, 10/3/2013 -
" Love Cathie. Great stories from the business world, told with humor modesty. "
— Rebecca, 7/15/2013 -
" An amazingly good read. I would have loved to have read this at the beginning of my adult life...loads of useful information for the business world and life in general. "
— Terri, 3/11/2013 -
" I agree with the reviewer that wrote this is a cross between a memoir and advice book. The name dropping and long stories were a bit annoying. But that being said, I did learn a couple things. "
— Sara, 9/13/2012 -
" This book was awesome! It was really enlightening and great to read about her background. I think her job would be fabulous!! "
— Natalie, 6/30/2012 -
" It was GREAT! A good read if you are looking for some anecdotes and practical career advice no matter WHAT your career goals. Perfect for someone graduating from college or grad school. "
— Lauryn, 2/5/2012 -
" An easy read providing general business management insight. "
— Brendafos, 1/20/2012 -
" Great life and work advice "
— Marcia, 9/8/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this book and found it an inspiring read! If you're looking for a "guide" this may not be what you expect, but I found the narrative style enjoyable to read, and I think her advice is spot on in many aspects. "
— Glenda, 6/10/2011 -
" Deliciously transparent view into the missteps and successes of an admirable professional. Have already caught myself passing along some of the nuggets I took away from the read. Thanks to Wendy for the recco! "
— Maigh, 5/4/2011 -
" Love Cathie. Great stories from the business world, told with humor modesty. "
— Rebecca, 1/11/2011 -
" Excellent read. I hadn't heard much about Cathie Black prior to reading this book but hearing her story, and her advice for women wanting to get ahead......really invaluable. I've gone back and re-read this several times, it's that good. "
— Kelly, 1/1/2011 -
" For any woman embarking on a career or in the throes of one--this is your bible! "
— Christine, 12/27/2010 -
" I highly recommend this book for anyone who would like some good advice on how to advance in your career. It is also well written and entertaining. "
— Jennifer, 9/2/2010 -
" Great career advice. I've got some work to do... "
— Jenn, 8/22/2010 -
" This book is one of the greatest gifts my father has ever given me. This is a fantastic book and you do not have to be in the corporate world to benefit from its contents. I would recommend this book to women at any stage in their careers. "
— Ann, 1/16/2010
About Bernadette Dunne
Bernadette Dunne is the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and has twice been nominated for the prestigious Audie Award. She studied at the Royal National Theatre in London and the Studio Theater in Washington, DC, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center and off Broadway.