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.
From the Hardcover edition.
Execellent Book - Easy Read - Everyone needs to read (Rating 5 of 5)
» Jan Simpson
Well Cathie Black has written a book that everyone needs to read - way cool - easy read - able to provide examples of situations that are real and everyone should learn from it.
Way to go Cathie -
Jan Simpson
Great Read about a Publishing Powerhouse! (Rating 5 of 5)
» Marlene Green
If you enjoy reading autobiographies and learning from the journey of others you will enjoy Ms. Black's story. I absolutely enjoyed reading about Cathie Black's journey as I am also in the magazine publishing industry with Millionaire Blueprints Magazine. I read this to learn her story and get some insights on the behind the scenes operations of a New York Publishing house. I particularly enjoyed her stories about the other big players in the media and publishing industry. Reading her book prompted me to order Al Neuharth's book, CONFESSIONS OF AN SOB, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. Both are great reads whether you are an entrepreneur or in a corporate environment!
Useful for grads + existing workers (Rating 5 of 5)
» Kfm
great book, simple to understand with great examples. The book is written in plain english with many real life applications. A must have for all grads or workers
Commonsense Advice at any Level (Rating 5 of 5)
» Linda Clark
Cathie has written a bible for all would be success stories. I'll be keeping this for my children, grandchildren, great great....to learn from
Mediocre Advice (Rating 2 of 5)
» A Reader
I was really disappointed by this book. Ms. Black's "words of wisdom" are nothing more than basic common sense tidbits for the work world. I've worked in magazine publishing for 20 years, and I was expecting an insider's view of the industry. Instead, I read page after page of mediocre advice. I was also turned off by Ms. Black's tendency to name drop and pat herself on the back over and over again. I agree that with some other readers that this is really a memoir masquerading as how-to advice. There's nothing special about Ms. Black's advice. In fact, I was shocked that someone who has climbed to the top of an extremely competitive industry had so little to say. If you're looking for a light read, you might enjoy this book. But if you're looking for real insights and rules for success, check this book out from your local library--but don't waste your own money on it
(Rating 5 of 5)
(Rating 2 of 5)
