Likeable Badass

How Women Get the Success They Deserve

By: Alison Fragale PhD

Narrated by: Alison Fragale PhD

Behavioral scientist Alison Fragale offers powerful new insights and a practical playbook for women to advance in any workplace, full of tips, tricks, and strategies to help secure that elusive corner office.

Over decades of research, speaking engagements, and mentorship, psychologist and professor Alison Fragale encountered recurring questions from high powered and early career women alike: How do women thread the needle of kindness and competence in the workplace? How can women earn credit for their accomplishments, negotiate better, and navigate complex office politics without losing the goodwill of their peers?

Fragale investigated and determined that many women's workplace issues boil down to what psychologists call status: the perception of them by others. No amount of power—no degree, title, or paycheck—will raise a woman's workplace stature unless it also affects how others see her. Acknowledging this roadblock, Fragale pulls back the curtain on how we can change how others see us by developing our standing as a "likeable badass." By cultivating perceptions of warmth and assertiveness, women can achieve the kind of reputation that leads to a seat at the table and a fulfilling career path.

Likeable Badass is equal parts behavioral science and life hacks, weaving together rigorous research with actionable advice and impactful stories from a diverse array of women. This is a warm, heartening book written for women, their allies, and anyone who struggles to rise, and wants evidence-based, practical strategies for success, served with a side of inspiration and humor.

©2024 Alison Fragale (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Business professor, coach, and adviser Fragale hits the mark. . . . By listening and learning, Fragale convinces us, we can achieve conscious excellence" --Booklist

"The ultimate guide for women to achieve their goals. Drawing on her brilliant research and extensive experience, Alison Fragale reveals how to overcome the tradeoff between likeability and competence. But it’s not just for women—it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to be a better colleague, mentor, parent, or partner to half the population.” --Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the TED podcast WorkLife

"In her deeply researched and business-savvy book, Fragale shatters the conventional wisdom about power, status, and the path to professional success. Her strategies for gaining advocates are brilliant — and her blueprint for strategic self-promotion will have you rereading this invaluable guide over and over.” --Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive, and To Sell Is Human

Incredible. Useful, Needed, Written and narrated with skill and precision.

I’m only on chapter 4 but this book had me at chapter 1. It’s one of those books I know I’ll listen to again and again to keep learning and implementing.

I’m grateful to the author for her ongoing work on this important topic. These are concepts and strategies I’ve needed to hear my whole adult life and take action to improve—I just didn’t know it until I discovered Alison Fragale’s work and writing.

Truly BADASS

This book is truly badass and I’m highly recommending it to all in my network!!!

Actionable advice and relatable stories

This book is full of amazing advice you can practice right away. I thought I was being smart listening to it…but instead I ended up writing 14 pages (double sided) of notes. So much for me listening to it while doing other things. I’ll be buying a hard copy too.

So many insights, so many relatable stories. And so much hope and potential to get us where we want to be.

Amazing!!

This book is and should be the gift you give to all women in your life. And if not the book, the advice you learn from this book will strengthen and empower women everywhere for years to come.

Amazing book with tremendously helpful, practical advice

I loved this book and will be buying the hard copy, as well. Alison relayed her in-depth research in a practical, understandable, and concise way and has inspired me to use the tools and exercises she suggests. I loved hearing the stories of the people she shared in the book, as well. The stories showed ways to analyze behavior in a way that allows for growth and development in any field. Thanks, Alison, for sharing your insights with the world!

Motivating & Inspiring

Though closer to the end of my career this work offered behavior modification suggestions to improve interactions both personally as well as professionally. Already I am becoming a better mentor, friend and person with new found ways to warmly yet firmly articulate my perspective. What a fabulous gift! Thank you Alison, I am truly grateful.

Finally cracking the code

This book is filled with actionable examples of techniques and tools that can be easily implemented to become a badass! It’s so delightfully entertaining that I listened to the entire book in a weekend and I’ve ordered physical copies for my daughters (plus one for myself to mark up). The recommendations are clear enough that I know they will be helpful to my autistic young adult as well!! THANK YOU Alison for helping us all crack the code!

Wow! Excellent and actionable.

Alison provides research-based insights and actionable steps to men & women who strive to be seen as both warm and competent, i.e. a likable badass. She tells us how to manage our status rather than our power to get ahead. I wish I had this book earlier in my career, but no matter whether you’ve just started working or more experienced, you will find tips to help you enhance your reputation.

Great read

Engaging and full of practical examples and great advice. One of the best audio books I have heard in a while!

The Title used throughout is throughly Annoying

It’s the repetitiveness kills me. But the tips are good. I’m just someone who can’t stand to have things repeated over and over. I’m taking the good tips I can for this though because there were good game plans to address bias against women in the workplace.