Edge

Turning Adversity into Advantage

By: Laura Huang

Narrated by: Laura Huang

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Laura Huang, an award-winning Harvard Business School professor, shows that success is about gaining an edge: that elusive quality that gives you an upper hand and attracts attention and support. Some people seem to naturally have it. Now, Huang teaches the rest of us how to create our own from the challenges and biases we think hold us back and turn them to work in our favor.

How do you find a competitive edge when the obstacles feel insurmountable? How do you get people to take you seriously when they're predisposed not to, and perhaps have already written you off?

Laura Huang has come up against that problem many times - and so has anyone who's ever felt out of place or underestimated. Many of us sit back quietly, hoping that our hard work and effort will speak for itself. Or we try to force ourselves into the mold of who we think is "successful", stifling the creativity and charm that makes us unique and memorable.

In Edge, Huang offers a different approach. She argues that success is rarely just about the quality of our ideas, credentials, and skills, or our effort. Instead, achieving success hinges on how well we shape others' perceptions - of our strengths, certainly, but also our flaws. It's about creating our own edge by confronting the factors that seem like shortcomings and turning them into assets that make others take notice.

Huang draws from her groundbreaking research on entrepreneurial intuition, persuasion, and implicit decision-making, to impart her profound findings and share stories of previously overlooked Olympians, assistants-turned-executives, and flailing companies that made momentous turnarounds. Through her deeply researched framework, Huang shows how we can turn weaknesses into strengths and create an edge in any situation. She explains how an entrepreneur scored a massive investment despite initially being disparaged for his foreign accent, and how a first-time political candidate overcame voters' doubts about his physical disabilities.

Edge shows that success is about knowing who you are and using that knowledge unapologetically and strategically. This audiobook will teach you how to find your unique edge and keep it sharp.

©2020 Laura Huang (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“We’re all looking for an edge. But where does it come from? In this insightful and accessible book, Laura Huang provides the answers. Be authentic and distinct. Provide value to others. And turn adversity into advantage. Packed with fascinating stories and counterintuitive principles, Edge is a must read for anyone seeking to stand out from the crowd.” (Daniel H. Pink, author of When, Drive, and To Sell Is Human)

"This book will change how you navigate your career and overcome obstacles along the way. Do yourself, and those you work with, a favor and read it now!” (Marie Forleo, author of Everything is Figureoutable and founder of B-School)

“Edge is for anyone who has found themselves feeling underestimated and unequipped to deal with a tough situation - so, all of us. Huang melds her groundbreaking research with heartfelt stories to show how all of us can - and indeed, must - create our own advantage.” (Arlan Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital)

Delighted!

Laura Huang knows how to captivate and delight! This was a timely book to read, and I could relate to the principles, and saw parallels at work. It was really affirming to see my journey in the author, and steps I could take in my interactions.

loved it.

loved it! great insights, inspirational and she really shared powerful examples. I was really challenged to look to find my edge.

Very interesting and entertaining book

I found the topics to be intriguing, the principles and the story telling were very engaging and the narration delightful.

Great book

A lot of great life lessons and I’ll be using many of the things you mentioned. I wrote many things down but probably need to read it again and take more notes.

Impressed/Noteworthy

Truly gained a ton of insight from Edge! So much of success in life and careers are contingent on someone else's opinion. Edge provides valuable examples of how people triumphed with so much obstacles in their way. Laura goes on to explain how enriching, delighting, guiding, and effort play a role in getting others to see sides of your diamond that deserve acknowledgment. I found it invaluable to learn how to persuade judgment when perceptions seem like they cannot be changed. This book is an inspiration!

Perfect for Early Career Professionals

The principles shared throughout this audiobook are practical and leave you asking yourself deep and intentional questions. I would suggest this book for those needing a little development reinforcement.

This was my first time listening to this narrator. She did a great job and I was captivated the entire time.

Solid actionable content

The risk in self help is being too pie in sky but this book probided a lot of actionanle content.

2 Takeaays: 1) Steer others perceptions of you; 2) strive for rejection (try many high risk alternative options when applying for jobs.)

you need an edge, Period!

great read and made lots of sense. once I started I could not put the book down!

What an amazing book

This book provided me with the tools I was looking for to know what I am good at and define where I am going. Each chapter provides the listener with insight in how to put together what makes us special using our gifts and unique trajectory. Wish I’ve listened to this 10 years ago.

If you want to read one “self-help-book” in life - this is THE ONE.

Loved the book.

Very practical, helpful advice on how to turn a disadvantage into an opportunity. Laura Huang was one of my favourite Prof’s at Harvard Business School and this book, again, testifies her enormous talent to be engaging, empathetic, approachable and fun, while bringing real value to her audiences.

I particularly enjoyed the relatable stories she tied into the book - on how her mum turned her immigrant background into her USP in selling jewellery, how Laura and her friend turned Elon Musk into a fanboy and so much more.

This book helps you see the opportunities in your own personality and makes you a stronger leader and human being.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525540814?ref=cm_sw_em_r_rw_mw_ymdkwY20ObqAU


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