Basic Black

The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life)

By: Cathie Black

Narrated by: Cathie Black

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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-degree 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.

©2007 Cathie Black (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The life lessons in these pages are smart, true, and reassuring, no matter where you are in your career." (Suze Orman)
"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)

Great Read/Good Tips

I have long been a fan of Cathy Black, so I eagerly awaited her book. I don't think she provided anything new, but I loved hearing her version, and the tips she had to offer for women coming of age in executive corporate leadership. Throughout the book, she reveals the rules she has followed to achieve her successes -- again, this is great advice. I loved hearing the various stories about her days with USA Today and with the Hearst Corporation, and how the rules enabled her in different situations.

full of stories that made it fun to listen to

full of stories that made it fun to listen to for hours at a time.

Probably of more interest to women

An entertaining read. It tells a story of an exceptionally bright and motivated woman who moved up the corporate ladder by being her very best. The lessons from her corporate experience aren't very relevant to a small business owner like myself. But what woman doesn't fall for a true story about a woman who wins in end because she deserves to.