This happens to me all the time.  I find something “cool and interesting and new” only to discover that I’m the one who is very late to the (informational) dance.  Such is the case with Robin Wolaner’s 2005 hit novel Naked In The Boardroom.    

Robin has had a fascinating and somewhat unconventional career by any measure.  She began as a copywriter for Penthouse, helped Runner’s World with its national launch, and eventually founded Parenting Magazine through a JV with Time Inc.  Her pre-launch negotiations with Time are memorialized in an HBS Case that has been studied by over 10,000 MBA students.    

The introduction rightly sets the tone, with Robin stating that, “The lessons I learned in business all point to one broad truth: Success follows when you use what you’ve got. You will succeed because of, not in spite of, your personal traits. The trick is to make your aptitude and flair work for you in a style that is uniquely yours.”  

Robin then offers 80 “Naked Truths” to aid others in learning from the good, bad and ugly of her experiences, ranging from:

• “Sometimes it’s better to be female in business, sometimes it’s worse, but it’s rarely the same.” (#1)
• “Viva la difference. When being a female is an advantage, use it.” (#5)
• “You can learn, and benefit, from others’ ethical lapses.” (#30)
• “Return phone calls and emails.” (#59)

What did Tom Peters think?

“It is by far (assuming I know the turf, which I think I pretty much do) the best book on strategy and tactics for women aiming to make it big in business—big biz or entrepreneurial biz. Moreover, I think any male—myself included, at age 63—can learn an enormous amount from this book.”

So you’re probably wondering why a guy in his late 30s would go on and on about a book for women in business.  Here’s why - I had the pleasure of meeting Robin for lunch in New York (her hometown is San Fran) a little over a month ago.  We discussed her new venture, TeeBeeDee, an online community for those in the middle of life’s adventures.  More importantly, I had an opportunity to listen and watch, to hear the passion in her voice and plans for the future, to see an experienced executive apply her gut instincts while admitting that she didn’t know all the answers.  It was very refreshing and reminded me that sometimes we need to stop aspiring to be the people others want us to be and fully embrace who we are, warts and all.

So pick up a copy if you’re so inclined and let’s keep the conversation (and enlightenment) going.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 9th, 2008 at 4:20 pm and is filed under General Thoughts, Human Capital/Human Resources. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.