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 ...
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Mar 10, 2008
Becky
rated it: 
Despite this book's subtitle stating that it is a "Guide," I felt this book was more of a memoir than a how-to. It has components of both, and succeeds as neither.
Some of Black's anecdotes about her rise to the top were memorable -- most notably the one in which she very publicly gives one of her superiors a giant tomato from her garden, in order to make an impression on him.
But Black doesn't succeed in turning the anecdote into a lesson. It's just a story abou More...
Some of Black's anecdotes about her rise to the top were memorable -- most notably the one in which she very publicly gives one of her superiors a giant tomato from her garden, in order to make an impression on him.
But Black doesn't succeed in turning the anecdote into a lesson. It's just a story abou More...
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Mar 12, 2009
asma
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كاثي الرائعة تهتم بشريحة الموظفين، كيف تنتج أفضل في عملك، كيف تؤدي عملك بالشكل الصحيح، كيف تظهر بالمظهر الحسن في عملك.. رائع جداً للمتخرجين الحديثين و الموظفين القدامى..
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(3 people liked it)
Dec 13, 2008
Stephanie
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Cathie Black is the President of Hearst Magazines. I think she is so sharp! I am really enjoying her business sense!
Oct 22, 2011
Mark
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This is a nice little book of career and professional advice from Cathie Black, the President of Hearst Magazines. A self-described middle-class girl from the South Side of Chicago, Black worked her way up through the magazine and publishing industry to now be rated as one of the 50 most powerful female executives in the U.S. In giving career advice, she shares many anecdotes from her own life and work, and these stories are consistently entertaining. The book is written in a breezy style and
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Jun 09, 2011
Devon
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I loved reading Cathie Black's "Basic Black." I bought this book the day after I accepted an offer for my first professional job after college and it couldn't have prepared me more for the workplace, being a woman in the workplace, learning how to be a leader, and much, much more.
Some people may find this book to be too much about the media bizz, but her anecdotes and stories really do cross many professional careers and can be applicable to almost anyone, especially women. I More...
Some people may find this book to be too much about the media bizz, but her anecdotes and stories really do cross many professional careers and can be applicable to almost anyone, especially women. I More...
Nov 10, 2010
Guy
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Years from now, when she's retired and far enough removed from Hearst to comfortably lift the curtain on an impressive career, Cathie Black has the potential to write a fascinating memoir that will double as an invaluable first-hand perspective on the evolution of the consumer publishing industry from its advertising-driven heyday into the digital age.
Unfortunately, she listened to her agent and "PR guru" -- the two women credited as having convinced her to write Basic Black More...
Unfortunately, she listened to her agent and "PR guru" -- the two women credited as having convinced her to write Basic Black More...
Oct 16, 2010
Memizuki
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Not so much a how to book, but a self reflection on the subtleties of the work place. Cathie Black is President and CEO of Hearst Magazines, which include Oprah, Cosmo, Cosmo Girl, and a ton of others. She talks about her work life throughout the years… from graduating college and expectations in the work place to her life now and how she got there.
One of my favorite stories includes her roommate and the difference of being told what to do specifically and knowing yourself what is exp More...
One of my favorite stories includes her roommate and the difference of being told what to do specifically and knowing yourself what is exp More...
Oct 22, 2009
Manda
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A must-read for any woman (or any guy, frankly) in her twenties and starting her career. It can also be a useful refresher for those in the middle of their professional lives who may have let themselves slide a bit too much or those changing their career track.
Written in a frank, direct, and conversational style, Black gives practical advice which draws on her own experience and personal anecdotes. She reminds us of harsh realities most career counselors and college professors neve More...
Written in a frank, direct, and conversational style, Black gives practical advice which draws on her own experience and personal anecdotes. She reminds us of harsh realities most career counselors and college professors neve More...
Aug 09, 2011
Nalini
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The key word here is "basic." Helpful tips for college (and perhaps high school) grads, and a few insights for a more experienced audience. Great for someone interested in the world of publishing, as almost all the anecdotes and lessons can be applied in that arena; less applicable lessons to finance, medicine, or any other field. I enjoyed most the autobiography of Cathie Black, the fascinating trajectory of her career, the verve that commanded her success, and the window into the
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May 17, 2011
This lady is a hypocrite. The advice makes sense if you want to move up in the corporate world, but it also reminded me of why I hate Corporate America.
I looked her up and saw that she had just resigned from an appointed position as the head of education in NYC. Funny, but she has a whole section about not pretending to work in fields that one knows nothing about. She specifically said she was offered lots of positions in fields that had nothing to do with media but declined the More...
I looked her up and saw that she had just resigned from an appointed position as the head of education in NYC. Funny, but she has a whole section about not pretending to work in fields that one knows nothing about. She specifically said she was offered lots of positions in fields that had nothing to do with media but declined the More...
May 02, 2008
N.
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I liked this book! I first heard Cathie Black on the radio, on a City Arts and Lecture series. She was talking about her career, and I was impressed by how personable, funny and warm she seemed, despite having huge credentials like launching Oprah magazine, making USA Today successful and heading Hearst Magazines. I was curious about her after the interview and picked up her book.
Ok, sometimes I had issues with the pink lettering that would randomly pop up in chapters every few par More...
Ok, sometimes I had issues with the pink lettering that would randomly pop up in chapters every few par More...
Mar 19, 2008
Elizabeth
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Gift from Becky Bench. My favorite quick tips for the key to success- Drive, Power, and Passion
1. Remember to learn from teachable moments
2. Make sure your job responsibilities are clearly define
3. Demonstrate drive by communicating with passion and taking actions to be prepared
4. Show your peers, boss, clients, and competitors you are the most prepared
5. Create a reputation for making the extra effort is a great way to get noticed
6. Be sure of yourself to en More...
1. Remember to learn from teachable moments
2. Make sure your job responsibilities are clearly define
3. Demonstrate drive by communicating with passion and taking actions to be prepared
4. Show your peers, boss, clients, and competitors you are the most prepared
5. Create a reputation for making the extra effort is a great way to get noticed
6. Be sure of yourself to en More...
Dec 18, 2007
MacDuff
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Cathie Black is very well-known in the publishing world, as she's the president of Hearst Magazines. She's a bad-ass. Really, she is. This book was aimed at all women in business - sort of a call to arms to get yourself together, get your co-workers (especially other women) working together, and deal with men. She is very honest about the fact that she's often seen as being bossy, but she emphasizes that she's learned from her many mistakes, and wants the best for her companies all the time.
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Jul 05, 2010
Rachel
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Great narrative advice book for working women. It's been hard for me to find career advice books for women that aren't too trite and that are written by women who have actually struggled their way up the ladder and not powers who want to dish advice but have never actually employed nay of it. Cathie's stories are based on her own life and she is willing to point out mistakes she made and bold moves she makes that usually only men get away with. I'd recommend it.
Oct 17, 2010
Beth
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I loved this book! I met Cathie about a month ago in Vermillion, SD after she received the Newharth Award for Excellence in the Media. She was an inspiration both in person and in print. I found almost all the struggles I have at work were both defined and addressed well in her book. Although her audience is primarily 20-30 year-old females working in a business setting, I want my husband to glean valued insight by reading this as well!
Aug 23, 2008
Nancy
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Cathie Black is probably someone in real life that I would find intense and perhaps grating, but I found her book surprisingly easy to read, anecdotal-full and punchy, much like the successful magazines that make her company (Hearst magazines) rich. Must be why I liked this book.
I found Black's suggestions on women in the working world helpful, full of humor, and not that lecturing. Generally, I found her inspiring. She gears her book toward a younger generation, who don't have to More...
I found Black's suggestions on women in the working world helpful, full of humor, and not that lecturing. Generally, I found her inspiring. She gears her book toward a younger generation, who don't have to More...
Dec 02, 2010
Jude
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What I appreciated about her book was the fact that it not only was a story of personal success and challenges, it also gave timely, crucial advice. She portrays herself as a strong business woman who has tested the limits and mostly gambled well. Through even her missteps, she has always landed on her feet better for the experience. I enjoyed hearing her story, as well as the advice she gave! Good book!!
Oct 10, 2010
Dexter
rated it:
Pretty good book for how to success in the corporate world. You can tell the author is a bitch, but hey, sometimes you gotta be a bitch to be successful.
Useful tips:
1) Own up to mistakes quick.
2) Bust your ass.
3) Make your boss look good. He/She has a boss and if you make him/her look good, you'll get the rewards.
4) Set yearly goals. Break them up into smaller goals. Review periodically.
Useful tips:
1) Own up to mistakes quick.
2) Bust your ass.
3) Make your boss look good. He/She has a boss and if you make him/her look good, you'll get the rewards.
4) Set yearly goals. Break them up into smaller goals. Review periodically.
Dec 10, 2008
Linda
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I read this book within a few weeks and I found it to be a wonderful book for any professional woman trying to break the glass ceiling. Her workplace stories are entertaining and educational, she offers wise advice that is easy to implement, and offers smart methods of ethical work practices.
I highly recommend this book to every professional working woman to identify with and to smile at !
I highly recommend this book to every professional working woman to identify with and to smile at !
Aug 19, 2009
Amy
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Overall, this was an okay business oriented book. A bit light and a rather easy read. There was nothing earth shattering in the book, nothing new but I enjoyed reading it. There were a few inconsistencies which I found odd ... a tomato is an okay thing to give to a potential employer but a potted plant is not, for example. But, overall, I enjoyed it.
Nov 19, 2008
Catherine
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Cathie is compassionate and understands the mistakes many of us have made because she makes them herself. However, she doesn't call them mistakes because she learned from each thing. Her book works as a mentor to anyone, I only wished I'd read it when I was 20. She is an amazing woman and I enjoyed arranging my time to get back to it.
Sep 21, 2011
Whitney
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Cathie Black is the former president of Hearst Magazines. I can't put this book down...it received a lot of criticism that it's not really a 'guide' as the subtitle states, and more of a memoir, but I feel that I'm learning a lot from her work stories. Plus, she gives a ton of tips on everything from job interviews to dealing with difficult coworkers to how to lead a team. Her tone is warm and approachable, and even though she has had a huge, successful career, she never comes across as a bragga
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Sep 09, 2011
Yelena
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I'm about half way throught this book, and so far I love it. Cathie Black's writing style is very forward and blung - she gets to the point and tells it like it is. I definetly can learn a lot from her since she has become a success in her industry - one that I'm considering going into after graudation.
Jul 14, 2011
Serina
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it is a nice book but and i regret to say this she adores herself, it is her way or the high way!
she is tough no doubts about it, you see some experience also no doubt about it as it is basically a bio but all you can see is her!
she doesn't accept different views from her except if they are stronger not finer or more delicate and that's her problem
she is tough no doubts about it, you see some experience also no doubt about it as it is basically a bio but all you can see is her!
she doesn't accept different views from her except if they are stronger not finer or more delicate and that's her problem
Sep 13, 2011
Amweeks
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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.
Jul 22, 2009
Laura
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Her professional advice was very good, but she didn't cover the 360-degree life as much as I would have liked. If I could add an additional half-star, I would - I really liked her tone. The book just wasn't as much of a memoir as I thought it would be.
Jan 16, 2010
Ann
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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.
Oct 27, 2009
Hillary
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This book was just OK. I think I'm further along in my career than the intended audience, so most of the advice and suggestions are things I already practice/have practiced moving up in my job. But for someone just breaking into the career world, it's a quick read.
Jan 01, 2011
Kelly
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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.
Jan 25, 2008
Jennifer
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Ok, so I didn't really read this book. I listened to it on my iPod. I figured I should do something productive with all that time I spend commuting. Besides I love fiction so much it's hard to get myself to read non-fiction when I do actually have time to sit down and read. Nothing will replace the feeling of cuddling up with a good book that I can hold and read.
I liked this book, especially since it talked about the publishing world. The narrator was not the author, but the narrato More...
I liked this book, especially since it talked about the publishing world. The narrator was not the author, but the narrato More...
