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Basic Black (Abridged): The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life) Audiobook
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(3.04) - 826 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. At the core of the book are Cathie’s candid, personal stories. She walks us through her decision to risk dropping a huge ad agency that handled the USA Today campaign in favor of a small boutique agency run by a wild man. (It was a smash.) She admits that her sometimes brusque style once led to a mutiny of staffers at Ms. (She learned to be more flexible in her managerial style.) She offers a clear-eyed look at what happened during the twenty-eight months between the launch and the close of the much-buzzed-about Talk magazine. And throughout, she offers fascinating glimpses of media and business personalities, such as Rupert Murdoch, Tina Brown, Frank Bennack, Vic Ganzi, former CosmoGirl! editor Atoosa Rubenstein, Bonnie Fuller, and the legendarily difficult Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today. Above all, Basic Black is motivating. It 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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"A business book that actually has some practical and workable advice. Didn't focus so much on how to manage other people, as it did on how to manage yourself around other people. Good advice on taking risks and making decisions and whatnot--all stuff that it's good for women to hear."
— Cory (4 out of 5 stars)
Basic Black Listener Reviews
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" Great book for mid-level career women reading to take it to the next level "
— Angela, 2/8/2014 -
" 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, 1/31/2014 -
" Not everything applied to me because I am not a "super-go-getter" and this lady definatley is all about climbing that corporate ladder. There are some great tips and tricks in it- non the less. "
— Janette, 1/29/2014 -
" Skimmed for personal stories and basic information. Suggested reading by professional job hunters although I did not find it very useful overall. "
— Monica, 1/6/2014 -
" Excellent book for new professionals entering the business world. Great advice on how to move up the ladder and how to manage the difficulties of a corporate environment. There are also great tips for managers and how to manage different personalities. "
— Amweeks, 1/5/2014 -
" Very inspiring. Good stories and tips about what to do and what not to do at work. "
— Samantha, 1/1/2014 -
" Everyone should own a copy of this book. The information inside is invaluable if you are looking to succeed in any vocation. "
— Camille, 1/1/2014 -
" 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, 12/25/2013 -
" It's a quick, entertaining read. Cathie Black's personality leaps off the pages and I found myself easily drawn in. While it was enjoyable, I didn't feel there was anything groundbreaking within its pages. It was, however, a nice reminder of the things I find important in my career and life. "
— Natasha, 12/14/2013 -
" This book has great recommendations not just for women who are starting in the workforce but for all women in general. It's comforting to know that we all started some place and that the learning curve continues by making mistakes but by also being assertive. "
— cristina, 12/12/2013 -
" Very motivational and uplifting. A great book for young women to read! "
— Alyssa, 12/11/2013 -
" Great read, educational and interesting, Cathie gives a lot of insights when it comes to taking your carrier to the next level. "
— Patrycja, 12/2/2013 -
" This reads like a text book at times, but definitely offers up great work/life advice. "
— Gretchen, 10/26/2013 -
" 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, 6/15/2013 -
" I'm listening to this one in my car. It's kind of repetitive and unorganized, but she has some good points. "
— Carin, 6/1/2013 -
" Love Cathie. Great stories from the business world, told with humor modesty. "
— Rebecca, 3/30/2013 -
" A great book for someone just out of college, but mostly includes a lot of common sense information for those already in the working world. Very interesting stories and anecdotes if you work in media - may not be so interesting if you are not in the industry. "
— Julia, 1/8/2013 -
" Excellent book. How to get ahead in life and work. I liked how it was organized. "
— Peggy, 12/30/2012 -
" Great basic book for those starting out in Corporate America. "
— Jblink75, 12/27/2012 -
" I thought this book was very helpful. It gave some pretty good advice. "
— Valerie, 6/12/2012 -
" This books has very practical career advice. I would advise anyone to read it, especially people who are pretty new to the work world. "
— Alli, 4/11/2012 -
" I love books that can guide me through new things, and I love learning from successful people. This one really is BASIC, though. It has great tips, but is not too deep. Good start but left me wanting a lot more! "
— Helen, 2/8/2012 -
" This is a great book that will inspire anyone no matter where you are in your career. "
— Shelley, 10/25/2011 -
" This is a great book for any woman. Specially if you work in a business or with lots of guys. "
— Andrea, 7/2/2011 -
" 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