Powerfully Likeable: A Woman's Guide to Effective Communication

by Kate Mason

A groundbreaking new roadmap for female success—how to be influential, respected, and well-liked at work, at home, and beyond—from a leading business coach and communication expert

Women the world over struggle to find a comfortable way to communicate with authority yet still be liked by a crowd. They grapple with being ambitious without seeming strident, giving direction without being too assertive, and holding their ground without upsetting the peace. They strategize before meetings, second-guess in bathroom stalls, text outfit options to their best friends, and try to anticipate every possible variable of their performance. This tricky business is what world champion debater and executive coach Kate Mason calls “communicating while female,” and it seems like it’s impossible to get it right.

In Powerfully Likeable, Mason explains that being influential and well-liked is not an either/or proposition. Furthermore, she shows that to have it both ways, women don’t have to imitate what men do. Gaining respect doesn’t mean having the loudest voice in the room or the firmest handshake. Instead the key is to choose communication tools that amplify what makes one unique—whether that be warmth, humor, competitiveness, or a love of data—and wield that power from a place of authenticity. From personal presentation style and negotiation to handling adversarial conversations and becoming one's own advocate, Mason offers a game-changing toolkit of strategies.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business, Womens

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a 42-year-old woman, I didn't learn much. But do you know why? Because I've lived all this. This is a book I wish I had when I graduated from college.
Kate Mason can get wordy, but there is a lot to break down, and for those who present as female, understand exactly what she's getting at. But she doesn't just talk at you, she gives you methods to help you become powerful but effective. She gives you tips and exercises that are helpful in building the best you, regardless of what is going on with the patriarchy.
There is a lot in this book. And my advice is to take it slow and realize, behavior and self-confidence build up take time. Don't give up, and the sooner you pick this up, the sooner you'll feel more powerful in yourself.
Likeable? I don't know about that. But I gave up on that a long time ago. lol

I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful book for women making their way in the world. Particularly useful for women earlier in their careers and influencing the direction of their life. Great information and reminders for example influence with calmness at work, increases your like ability and is very effective! Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Yin Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a gifted writer and her authenticity really shines through.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman in a male-dominated field, working somewhere mid-level I really enjoyed this book. I thought it went above the basic “stop apologizing!” advice and really showed me how to not only organize my thoughts and assert myself better, but gave me excellent points to reflect on myself as I try to grow.

Personally, I thought this book was more insightful than many books geared toward women as of late, and would highly suggest it. Thank you Net Galley and Rodale for an advanced copy of this book.

[kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This actually is such a good book. I had my doubts because I typically don’t like this genre but it actually was really awesome. 10/10 recommend‼️

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a practical guide for women who want to speak up, build confidence, and stop shrinking (imposter syndrome is real!). The author emphasizes that women can be both likable and respected. We don’t (and shouldn’t!) settle for one or the other. I appreciated that Kate Mason explained that we don’t need to imitate masculine leadership styles but can discover our own voice. The book offers practical tools to help women develop their presence in the workplace and beyond. The writing is conversational and completely accessible. It’s an inviting call to sit down, reflect on the message, and take steps toward personal growth.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Powerfully Likeable and I loved it.

Kate's background as an English Lit PhD shows - not in dense academic prose, but in clever writing and playful use of literary devices. This is a disarming book - the words flow so easily it's hard to put down, but you can't quite relax into it, as there are nuggets of wisdom that will stop you in your tracks as you marvel at them.

Kate's book challenges us to discard the imposed binary of powerful and likeable and she offers strategies to do this that will disrupt the sexist, racist power structures that try contain us. She also offers ways to grow into our own power, whatever that looks like for each of us, in ways that also centre kindness, warmth, empathy, generosity (to ourselves and others) and authenticity.

The guided exercises help to ground her wisdom and insights, providing space for her readers to consider and apply her expertise and find what works for them.

Her writing is an absolute joy to read - it is breathtaking how she brings complex ideas together and steps you through new ideas and new perspectives without making it feel like work. It's easy to dismiss 'easy reads' as unchallenging but there is extraordinary skill at play here to be so consistently engaging, to distil sophisticated analysis into prose that feels gentle, welcoming, and kind.

Kate's book invites us to see how power is literally embodied - how are our own bodies responding when we feel powerful? What does it mean to have power while inhabiting a body to whom power has been historically denied? How do we feel good, in ourselves, while doing the work we want to do?

There are lessons for everyone. The ones that landed most with me include the difference between warmth and deference, the fifteen minute method, and the reminder that brave is a verb.

Unlike too many corporate life hack books, Kate's approach is explicitly informed by her own experiences of ill-health. She knows the necessity of saying no, and the power of the 'true yes' when you have limited energy to spare - which is true for all of us, regardless of health or ability status. And equally it is the book of a highly successful woman, a respected and recognised expert who is in demand (and beloved) at home and at work.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerfully Likeable by Dr. Kate Mason is a thought provoking look at the myriad of ways the workplace is biased against feminine qualities and how to break free from the “do I want to be powerful or likeable?” binary all women face. Drawing from personal experience as well as the experiences of her many executive leadership level clients, she takes a deep dive into ten areas of corporate culture where a woman is usually faced with the choice between being powerful (and disliked) or likeable (with no power) and the path to a middle ground where you can balance authenticity and not surrender your likability or the authority and expertise you’ve earned through your experience.

This is “Lean In” and “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” for a new generation of females ready to take on the workplace.

I would like to thank Rodale Inc and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pyper Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another audiobook - I thought it was great. Applicable to day to day, personal and professional. There were many things I’ll be taking from this book. It was good to reinforce the importance of being soft but firm, not over explaining things, not apologizing for things that don’t deserve an apology, and not being scared of failure.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I thought to myself, oh this hasn’t really been my experience. As I continued reading, I realized that yes, I have had experiences like this and I have a few things to learn from this book. And that is just what happened while I was reading it. Kate Mason gives lots of frameworks and ideas on how to work through the things that some of us women might want to work on improving. A few of the ideas that I have been pondering from this book are Imposter Syndrome and overcoming fear in certain situations. The concept that women can be powerful and likeable at the same time will resonate with many women I know.

Thank you to Kate Mason, NetGalley and Harmony Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: September 9, 2025

[Mary Mallow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written book that allows one to identify areas for growth. Both sides of the coin are presented for the different ways that people address a situation. It is presented with personal stories that makes it light and one can relate without it feeling punitive. I also like the ideas presented to help combat areas that one wants to improve.

[Aries.Pisces · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Mason’s Powerfully Likeable is a practical, energizing guide for women seeking to lead with both strength and warmth. Drawing from her experience as a world-champion debater and executive coach, Mason addresses the “competence-likeability bias” — the cultural tension where women who speak with authority are often labelled “difficult,” while those who prioritize warmth risk being dismissed.

Rather than telling women to "tone down" or mimic stereotypically masculine leadership styles, Mason offers a toolkit of communication strategies that allow authenticity, clarity, and influence to coexist. The book introduces concepts like “Imposing Syndrome” (the tendency to shrink or defer) and offers repeatable tools to counter it — from shifting language habits (e.g., eliminating unnecessary apologies) to building presence through body language, voice, and tone.

Structured like a coaching playbook, each chapter blends short concept explanations with case studies, personal anecdotes, and actionable exercises. Readers will find scripts for owning achievements, handling adversarial conversations, negotiating confidently, and navigating workplace dynamics without sacrificing their personal style.

The book’s tone is conversational and accessible — ideal for mid-career professionals, new leaders, coaches, and HR professionals. Those who enjoy coaching-style self-help will find it motivating; readers looking for dense academic sourcing may want to pair it with more research-driven texts.

Key Takeaways:
Power and likeability aren’t mutually exclusive — strategic communication makes both possible.
Authenticity is an asset: lean into your unique strengths (data, humor, warmth, directness).
Practice visibility: speak up, own your contributions, and don’t shrink.
Plan for bias: anticipate and counter dismissive labels like “too aggressive” with grounded responses.

Ultimately, Powerfully Likeable is a sharp, optimistic guide for anyone — especially women — ready to step into influence while remaining true to themselves.

[Jenn "JR" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Mason’s Powerfully Likeable offers a timely and compassionate message: women can—and should—embrace both power and likeability without compromise. While the book’s tone is warm and conversational, it often reads like a podcast transcript or a series of blog posts, with personal anecdotes that sometimes illuminate but frequently overwhelm the core message.

One of the strongest chapters focuses on self-advocacy, particularly Mason’s story about working with a new manager during a promotion cycle. Her decision to create a one-page factual document listing her accomplishments—complete with metrics—was not only strategic but empowering. It’s a concrete example of how women can make their work visible and advocate for themselves effectively.

Mason also addresses the reluctance many women feel in claiming expertise, highlighting how hedging language (“I’m not an expert, but…”) and ritual apologies can undermine authority. Her advice on clear, confident communication—like using “Sushi Train Logic” to structure arguments—is practical and memorable, though often buried under layers of repetition.

The chapter on rest and overpreparation feels underdeveloped. While Mason introduces a useful four-step rubric for strategic preparation, her treatment of rest is cursory. She misses an opportunity to explore transitions, boundaries, and the mechanics of unplugging—topics that deserve more than a passing mention.

Ultimately, Powerfully Likeable is a book with heart and good intentions. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy coaching-style storytelling and are looking for encouragement rather than a tightly structured guide. For those seeking a more concise, research-driven toolkit, this may feel like a 1,400-pound tuna when a few well-cut fillets would do.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **

As a female executive, I'm constantly seeking resources that can genuinely enhance my leadership and communication skills, and Powerfully Likeable: A Woman's Guide to Effective Communication by Kate Mason, PhD, truly delivered. This book offers invaluable insights, particularly for women navigating their careers, especially those earlier in their professional journeys. Mason's wisdom on leveraging likeability to become a more effective communicator is both practical and profound. I found myself nodding along, recognizing many of the scenarios and appreciating the actionable advice for harnessing this often-misunderstood trait.

What stands out is not just the content, but also Dr. Mason's gifted writing and palpable authenticity throughout the book. It's clear she speaks from experience, and her guidance feels both supportive and empowering. While the insights are broadly applicable, the specific framing for women in professional settings makes it a uniquely pertinent read. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to women in my network who are looking to refine their communication strategies and build a stronger, more influential presence in the workplace.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Powerfully Likeable, Kate Mason challenges the long-standing assumption that women must choose between being powerful or being likeable. She reframes this either/or narrative and argues that women can embrace both. Mason's central message is empowering: that leadership, influence, and authenticity don’t have to come at the expense of one another.

Mason herself is an impressive figure. Her background in debate and her professional experience at top-tier companies lend credibility to her insights. She clearly knows her subject matter and brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to the table. Her passion for redefining how women show up in leadership roles comes through strongly.

That said, this book may resonate more deeply with readers who are earlier in their careers or just starting to navigate workplace dynamics. For me, at this stage in my professional life, the content didn’t feel especially new or personally impactful. While the message is important, much of it felt familiar.t.

Powerfully Likeable may be a worthwhile read for those seeking encouragement and foundational advice on leadership, especially women looking to challenge outdated workplace expectations. While it didn’t fully land for me, I can see its value for others beginning their own leadership journey.

[Anne Janzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power shows up differently for women than men, and the advice given men often fits about as well as suits tailored for men—which is to say, not well in most cases.

In Powerfully Likeable, author Kate Mason gets to the heart of the dilemma, which is that it’s culturally important for women to be likeable, and that often hampers our success in other ways.

You might see yourself in some of the behaviors she describes, like apologizing in advance for imposing (which she wittily calls “Imposer Syndrome”), over-preparing, or trying to fake confidence.

For each of these situations she offers practical suggestions for stepping comfortably into your own power.

As if that weren’t enough, the writing voice is friendly and fun—dare I say likeable?

Add this one to the shelf of books that I really wish I’d had decades ago. And I would happily give it to any woman in the corporate world.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book because, as a woman of a certain age living in the American South, I’ve always been aware that I had to be “nice” and “likeable” in order to move through life. As I’ve aged, I’ve realized how much of that was learned behavior—indoctrination, really. After spending decades working with scientists and engineers, I finally felt free to bring more of my authentic self—logical, analytical, humorous, ambitious, and a lifelong learner—to the workplace.

Kate Mason’s book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about how women can show up authentically and effectively at work. I appreciated her insights on confidence, communication, and connection, and her experience as a debater adds credibility to her perspective. This is one of those books I plan to purchase on Kindle to keep as a reference.

Thanks to NetGalley, Rodale Inc./Harmony, and Kate Mason for providing me with a digital ARC to read and review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women can be leaders — powerful and well liked. In her book, she gives a new roadmap for a woman’s success. It tells how to be influential, respected and liked at work, home and beyond. She gives women permission to be themselves. The author ends her book with optimism and compassion. She reminds women that communication is a lifelong practice. This relatable resource will be a game-changer for women and/or businesswomen.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Lorna Diwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is one of the most compelling communicators I know, hence I was thrilled to see her come out with this book! Her wisdom on harnessing likeability to make ourselves effective communicators is incredibly helpful, this book really spoke to me. Sending this to all of my friends!

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯

[Toan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really exclusively for women.
Super useful, informative, factual, empathetic.

I love this book.