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Strong Woman: Ambition, Grit and a Great Pair of Heels
Karren Brady is an inspiration to women everywhere, and her incredible success is borne of her passion, impressive business instinct, ambition, and her very genuine, honest, down-to-earth outlook.
This is Karren’s story… before being Alan Sugar’s aide on The Apprentice and VC of West Ham United, how she started out as a sparky 18 year old at Saatchi & Saatchi and at 23, went on to persuade David Sullivan to buy Birmingham City football club – turning that business round to sell it for an incredible £82 million 12 years later.
Strong Woman tells how she balances her personal life with her professional, her priorities, her life as mother of two and wife. Karren reveals how she coped when doctors told her after a routine scan that she had a brain aneurysm, that she must have a complicated operation immediately and had a 30% chance of not surviving, and how it has since influenced her outlook and priorities.
An overwhelmingly inspiring and real look at work and life, Karren Brady defies convention as a directional business woman in a male industry. This is the truth about how she does it, and through her experience, her drive and her skills – it offers brilliant advice on how you can do it too.
This is Karren’s story… before being Alan Sugar’s aide on The Apprentice and VC of West Ham United, how she started out as a sparky 18 year old at Saatchi & Saatchi and at 23, went on to persuade David Sullivan to buy Birmingham City football club – turning that business round to sell it for an incredible £82 million 12 years later.
Strong Woman tells how she balances her personal life with her professional, her priorities, her life as mother of two and wife. Karren reveals how she coped when doctors told her after a routine scan that she had a brain aneurysm, that she must have a complicated operation immediately and had a 30% chance of not surviving, and how it has since influenced her outlook and priorities.
An overwhelmingly inspiring and real look at work and life, Karren Brady defies convention as a directional business woman in a male industry. This is the truth about how she does it, and through her experience, her drive and her skills – it offers brilliant advice on how you can do it too.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 11, 2018
Without discounting her very successful career within a male dominated environment, I wasn’t particularly inspired by her advice to women which mainly was her reiteration that she doesn’t. stop. working. ever. Yes, women can be hardworking and highly successful within business but hers is at the extreme; at the cost of minimal maternity leave, on her health, and complete lack of social life. This certainly isn’t desirable in my eyes as a good work life balance even when you’re striving for the top, and it’s not particularly motivational to get more women interested in senior or board roles. I definitely think there is more through provoking and rewarding books out there for women.
June 11, 2012
The front cover of this book says that Karren Brady is an inspiration to women but I think that is an understatement. Men as well as women can learn from the ambitious, driven and tenacious nature of Brady who fought against the restriction placed on her to become one of Britains leading businesswomen.
I really enjoyed the mix of Brady's life story with her manifesto for women's rights and her 'How to Suceed...' pointers. Certainly a role model for women but as much a inspiration to ALL aspiring business minds.
I really enjoyed the mix of Brady's life story with her manifesto for women's rights and her 'How to Suceed...' pointers. Certainly a role model for women but as much a inspiration to ALL aspiring business minds.
December 15, 2016
I found this book really inspiring and I hardly read autobiographies. It was recommended from a friend and not only brought out the feminist in me but I managed to get a new job whilst reading it! Thank you Karen.
March 1, 2022
A good book, easy quick read. I have always looked up to Karren and her career and I found this book had some good tips that I can put into practice in my job as a line manager and also in my business that I run.
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April 10, 2012recommend for any working mother, business owner....or just some general inspiration - straight talking approach is refresheing and comforting!
January 20, 2020
Lacking spark and character. Not very inspiring, and not because I'm 'just' a bloke.
April 9, 2026
3.5 Glad I read it but don’t rush to read it!
March 12, 2019
Mixed emotions with this book. I saw Karren on a conference, and I liked her speech, so I decided to read her book. She's pretty inspirational, her story is great, and I'm totally impressed by her determination, guts, and her work to promote women in business. However, I really, really don't like her management style. I got the impression from the book that she's pretty much a micromanager, and that she basically expects everybody around her to work 24/7 like she does (I guess if you're ok with that, then great, but that's definitely not a management style I want to follow).
March 12, 2019
Mixed emotions with this book. I saw Karren on a conference, and I liked her speech, so I decided to read her book. She's pretty inspirational, her story is great, and I'm totally impressed by her determination, guts, and her work to promote women in business. However, I really, really don't like her management style. I got the impression from the book that she's pretty much a micromanager, and that she basically expects everybody around her to work 24/7 like she does (I guess if you're ok with that, then great, but that's definitely not a management style I want to follow).
May 28, 2013
First and foremost, I must say that I purchased the book at a bizarre juncture in life. Like Brady, I see myself as a serious and hardworking professional (albeit in the public sector sphere so I am not financially or profit driven) but unlike Brady I’ve been a bit despondent with my career of late and I’ve found that the constant workload and hours I put in are more than a little burdensome on the work/life balance.
The goal of reading Brady’s book therefore was to help myself regain my perspective on work whilst allowing myself to indulge with a little soul searching on the way. To these ends the book was useful to me and it reminded me on what it means to be female and successful within the word of work. There are unfortunately prices to pay and sacrifices to be made for this and Brady does not gloss over this viewpoint and nor does she fluff it up in any way. The honesty here will, I imagine, be appreciated by many.
The feel and tone of this memoir does not make it read like a classic memoir or autobiography as the predominant theme throughout is work and ambition focused at all times. There is little actual emotion here really but then Karren Brady admits that this has never really been one of her strong points. Business itself is the most pivotal theme of each chapter and it is clear that she has made sacrifices at every turn in order to juggle the demands of work, life and family. In all honesty, I like the way she portrays herself throughout the book, she never admits to being superwoman but readily states that she has to make the right choices everyday and in all areas of her life, being prepared to be accountable for these. Common sense simple advice seems very much what she wants to promote.
The appeal of the book is, I’m sure, not exclusive to woman. There is appeal here for anyone who is hardworking, driven and ambitious who simply wants to muse over their business attitude and perspective to work. Brady makes an underlying point that everyone has the right to be passionate about the job they do and should freely accept new challenges.
For anyone who wants to conquer the business world, gain useful insights or simply self-reflect then this is a worthwhile and easy read to pick up. It has definitely refreshed my thoughts on my current job and career strengths and so has been a valuable ‘professional’ read for me.
The goal of reading Brady’s book therefore was to help myself regain my perspective on work whilst allowing myself to indulge with a little soul searching on the way. To these ends the book was useful to me and it reminded me on what it means to be female and successful within the word of work. There are unfortunately prices to pay and sacrifices to be made for this and Brady does not gloss over this viewpoint and nor does she fluff it up in any way. The honesty here will, I imagine, be appreciated by many.
The feel and tone of this memoir does not make it read like a classic memoir or autobiography as the predominant theme throughout is work and ambition focused at all times. There is little actual emotion here really but then Karren Brady admits that this has never really been one of her strong points. Business itself is the most pivotal theme of each chapter and it is clear that she has made sacrifices at every turn in order to juggle the demands of work, life and family. In all honesty, I like the way she portrays herself throughout the book, she never admits to being superwoman but readily states that she has to make the right choices everyday and in all areas of her life, being prepared to be accountable for these. Common sense simple advice seems very much what she wants to promote.
The appeal of the book is, I’m sure, not exclusive to woman. There is appeal here for anyone who is hardworking, driven and ambitious who simply wants to muse over their business attitude and perspective to work. Brady makes an underlying point that everyone has the right to be passionate about the job they do and should freely accept new challenges.
For anyone who wants to conquer the business world, gain useful insights or simply self-reflect then this is a worthwhile and easy read to pick up. It has definitely refreshed my thoughts on my current job and career strengths and so has been a valuable ‘professional’ read for me.
July 24, 2013
Karren knows how to give things to you, completely honest and straight-forward. As she says, 'I don't sugar coat it' and for sure, she doesn't.
In today's society, women are hushed and expected to stay hushed; doing the laundry, fetching the kids from school and cooking for when the breadwinner arrives home from a hard day's work. Us women can also go out and do what the men do, and what men can't do - I say - woman can surely try and do it better.
I initially bought this book as a second option to Alan Sugar: What you see is what you get (I'm studying business in college and needed some inspiration/insight), thinking I'll read it after I've read his book but I couldn't tear away, I HAD to read hers first and I'm glad I did. She's opened doors for women and she expects younger generations of women to keep that door open; that we need to hold it open for the rest of us to walk through and make it.
Obviously success only comes with hard work and she's shown us how she made and given ideas on how we can make it, as well as juggling family.
I definitely plan on reading this again, it just gives you a boost of confidence and opens your eyes to what you can do to put yourself out there to benefit yourself and even those around you.
I've always thought of Brady as hard-working (of course!) and inspirational, she does what she can to provide and also raise the banner for us ladies to reach and join in.
This is how to be a Strong Woman AND Make it to the Top.
May 28, 2016
I actually really enjoyed this book. Not too taxing. Written in a very readable way. I'm not a big fan of Karren Brady per se but thought it would be interesting to get some background to her success. It's refreshing for someone to be so straight forward and honest. We can all achieve. We're all equal - men, women, university educated, state school, boarding school - but the thing I found most refreshing was her straight forward manner with regard to women/children/careers. The 'original feminists' of the seventies told us we could have it all. Well, OK, maybe we can but we have to make choices and then get on with things. If (as women) we want to work twenty hours a day then we are going to have to have good child care so make the decision, sort the child care and then get on with your life. Don't beat yourself up about it. If you need to get something done at work and get home to find that the house needs a clean. Well; you can't do everything so the cleaning will have to wait. I found her honestly and sensibility very refreshing. Probably won't set your world on fire but was an interesting read all the same.
July 25, 2012
I think that this book was very helpful for many reason. Firstly because it is very genuine and personal as many of the rules that Karren states in this book and the way she explains them really appealed to me and I realised that I could take something away from that and use it in life especially because she uses many examples throughout the book which can be applied to day to day life and it made me think about it and I realized that I do those things and should use the rule she is stating to fix that so in that respect it has been very helpful.
Secondly the book is very upfront and doesn't steer away from the truth so you can really learn something from it and then use that in real life situations whatever that situation might be. Despite this sometimes I saw that she often stated the obvious throughout the book and then go into much detail about it when it is well just really obvious which is where the book sometimes becomes quite boring and not as helpful but despite that a good short read that I would recommend.
Secondly the book is very upfront and doesn't steer away from the truth so you can really learn something from it and then use that in real life situations whatever that situation might be. Despite this sometimes I saw that she often stated the obvious throughout the book and then go into much detail about it when it is well just really obvious which is where the book sometimes becomes quite boring and not as helpful but despite that a good short read that I would recommend.
March 19, 2018
What an inspiring woman Karren Brady is. Her story is one that shows true grit and determination to achieve what she has. This book contains no pink and fluffy stuff, it explains what is required to succeed within the business world, especially as a woman.
I can't say that I would be able to do everything she suggests, not because I don't have the determination but more because my health wouldn't let me do it. However there was an awful lot of content that I have learned from. I felt inspired and enthused to push myself within the business I work in and my own personal goals. Plus, I have no intention of letting my disabilities stop me from achieving my goals as a woman, I will just adapt what I need to do.
It's also refreshing to see a woman reaching the heights that she has, and then willing to pass on how she managed it to other woman. She is an idol in my eyes and I will continue to watch her career closely.
Highly recommend this book, what she writes can be applied to all parts of a persons life, not just business.
I can't say that I would be able to do everything she suggests, not because I don't have the determination but more because my health wouldn't let me do it. However there was an awful lot of content that I have learned from. I felt inspired and enthused to push myself within the business I work in and my own personal goals. Plus, I have no intention of letting my disabilities stop me from achieving my goals as a woman, I will just adapt what I need to do.
It's also refreshing to see a woman reaching the heights that she has, and then willing to pass on how she managed it to other woman. She is an idol in my eyes and I will continue to watch her career closely.
Highly recommend this book, what she writes can be applied to all parts of a persons life, not just business.
April 1, 2013
I whizzed through Karren's book. After my first sitting I was determined to quit my current job, get a role at my local premiership rugby club and work my way up to the top, just like Karren, my hero! My resolve lessened as the book went on, as I realised just how much work she does, and how I'm probably not quite as determined as she is/was...
She talks candidly about her rise to the top, and how she has stayed there and went into a lot of detail about how she has juggled her family life with her work. I would've liked to have read more about her views on women in business, but her ethos didn't really vary - work hard and you'll be respected. Great. But she did say that she does a lot of public speaking about this topic, so perhaps I'll have to put my hand in my pocket again for those particular gems of wisdom.
Overall, a really interesting and inspirational read.
She talks candidly about her rise to the top, and how she has stayed there and went into a lot of detail about how she has juggled her family life with her work. I would've liked to have read more about her views on women in business, but her ethos didn't really vary - work hard and you'll be respected. Great. But she did say that she does a lot of public speaking about this topic, so perhaps I'll have to put my hand in my pocket again for those particular gems of wisdom.
Overall, a really interesting and inspirational read.
May 12, 2013
I did like this book but it made me realise that I'm not the business woman type. I agreed with many of her points about working mothers but I just don't have enough passion in anything to dedicate that much effort to it. Don't get me wrong I love my job but spending three month away from my family to observe candidates on the Apprentice would not only do my head in but question is it all really worth it.
I also don't always believe you can be nice and get on in the business world.
I would love to be like Karren as she is decisive and not afraid to do her own thing changing the status quo. I just think I'd fall for the sob stories and try to make all the people happy which obviously isn't the path to success.
Overall an enjoyable read
I also don't always believe you can be nice and get on in the business world.
I would love to be like Karren as she is decisive and not afraid to do her own thing changing the status quo. I just think I'd fall for the sob stories and try to make all the people happy which obviously isn't the path to success.
Overall an enjoyable read
May 18, 2013
Great book with some great phrases and theories. Being a woman in business, many parts of it reflect my own experiences of juggling many balls in the air at once but being prepared to work many more hours than most to achieve success. Great book, anyone male or female wanting to run a business or is already doing so, should read this book. It really describes the hours, pressures and hard work that is involved, when so many people are of the opinion that having a business is easy. It most certainly is rewarding, but harder work than most people experience as employees. A great read, I'm passing it around my co-directors now to read too!
November 28, 2013
She's so inspiring! ♥
As a student who has lost most of their motivation with results day coming up, Brady really makes you think of the bigger picture. Prior to reading, I only thought of this lady as 'the woman off The Apprentice', but she is so much more! After reading all that she has done for football and various companies, it just makes you realise how much you can achieve when you're diligent and determined!
Seriously, if you're needing a kick up the arse to get stuff done, this book did it for me! I was sat there highlighting all of the advice and tips to being a business badass.
"Take a risk on yourself, push yourself, follow a dream, work hard and keep going"
As a student who has lost most of their motivation with results day coming up, Brady really makes you think of the bigger picture. Prior to reading, I only thought of this lady as 'the woman off The Apprentice', but she is so much more! After reading all that she has done for football and various companies, it just makes you realise how much you can achieve when you're diligent and determined!
Seriously, if you're needing a kick up the arse to get stuff done, this book did it for me! I was sat there highlighting all of the advice and tips to being a business badass.
"Take a risk on yourself, push yourself, follow a dream, work hard and keep going"
June 13, 2015
Update on 13.06.2015
I have now read the first four chapters and I am very impressed with the writing and the inspiration she emits from the book!
27.06.2015
I have been a bit late updating this review, but I finished the book while on holiday! This book talks really the journey she has taken through life to how she go to the position she is today. Shows how you need to work hard, with sheer grit and determination. Loves how the book talks about issues she has come across in her personnel life, such as her aneurysm and motherhood, as well as her business life.
The book is a well written no-nonsense and inspirational book! There is something in the book for everyone!
I have now read the first four chapters and I am very impressed with the writing and the inspiration she emits from the book!
27.06.2015
I have been a bit late updating this review, but I finished the book while on holiday! This book talks really the journey she has taken through life to how she go to the position she is today. Shows how you need to work hard, with sheer grit and determination. Loves how the book talks about issues she has come across in her personnel life, such as her aneurysm and motherhood, as well as her business life.
The book is a well written no-nonsense and inspirational book! There is something in the book for everyone!
December 18, 2017
Waste of time... waste of money
I know Karen from watching The Apprentice and I didn't know anything about her until I partially read this book (I just couldn't finish it). Not only that the book is poorly written but the way she's telling her life story made me loose any respect I had for her. There is a vast contradiction between what she said in The Apprentice (I've watched all the seasons) and what she is saying in the book. The language varies from academic to inappropriate making me wondering who wrote the book.
I know Karen from watching The Apprentice and I didn't know anything about her until I partially read this book (I just couldn't finish it). Not only that the book is poorly written but the way she's telling her life story made me loose any respect I had for her. There is a vast contradiction between what she said in The Apprentice (I've watched all the seasons) and what she is saying in the book. The language varies from academic to inappropriate making me wondering who wrote the book.
April 4, 2012
I finished this book yesterday and I think it it brilliant.
It is a short guide how to organise yourself and run after your dreams and goals. Karren Brady is not a writer and I think that's why the book is very simple and easy to read. If you are an ambitious person who follows their dreams, this book is for you.
I personally really enjoyed it. It inspired me and made my beliefs in independent women even stronger.
It is a short guide how to organise yourself and run after your dreams and goals. Karren Brady is not a writer and I think that's why the book is very simple and easy to read. If you are an ambitious person who follows their dreams, this book is for you.
I personally really enjoyed it. It inspired me and made my beliefs in independent women even stronger.
April 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I admire Karren Brady for her success in the male oriented world and I wanted to find out more about what makes her tick. This book didn't disappoint and I found my admiration increasing. The book combines insights both into her personal and business lives, with suggestions on how to improve your own chances of success. The lady takes no prisoners, but she does it oh so well!
June 13, 2012
as I was reading this book I was crossing borders and by the time the plane landed I flipped to the last page. never had I have a more engaging read. this woman has really gone out there and made her life. a true inspiration. to every girl who is in doubt about herself, to every woman that has stepped on the career ladder, read this book and you will find a kick to go higher, to achieve and be a success.
you get as good as you give, so give good!
you get as good as you give, so give good!
February 16, 2018
+ There was a good balance between business and Karren Brady's personal life
+ I learned a lot about business and especially behind the scenes of football clubs
+ I loved how honest this book was and how much Karren advocates for women in business
- For a book that is short, for some reason it felt very long to me
- There was a lot of repetition when it came to tips or explaining how the business industry works
+ I learned a lot about business and especially behind the scenes of football clubs
+ I loved how honest this book was and how much Karren advocates for women in business
- For a book that is short, for some reason it felt very long to me
- There was a lot of repetition when it came to tips or explaining how the business industry works
April 8, 2012
Really inspiring book for any woman in business.
With great enthusiasm Karren encourages woman to be strong in a male dominated world, talking the reader through her experiences as Chairman of Birmingham City, how to be taken seriously in the workplace and how the medias sexism just spurred her on to be a great business woman.
With great enthusiasm Karren encourages woman to be strong in a male dominated world, talking the reader through her experiences as Chairman of Birmingham City, how to be taken seriously in the workplace and how the medias sexism just spurred her on to be a great business woman.
May 10, 2013
What you see is what you get. I love the candid honesty of Karren Brady. She is a real champion for women; not at all bossy, arrogant or insensitive, Karren unselfishly shares the secrets of her success with one aim in mind: to liberate and encourage other women to be successful. Thank you Karren, you're a star!
June 2, 2013
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars. It was an easy and enjoyable read about how Karren Brady built herself up to be a brilliant business woman. I like her honesty and her inspirational advice on how to be not only a strong business woman but how to balance the hard working lifestyle alongside motherhood. She shows that it can be done, and that it should be done more often.
August 26, 2013
Interesting. In a nut shell- work a hundred Hour week and don't care what anyone says. Good, but a bit preachy towards the end. How did she find the time? See above...did I mention how desperately disappointing it is that she is a conservative? And what is that the Conservatives want to conserve? Harriett Harmon- Karen Brady needs you
February 27, 2015
I read this book for a book group and no by choice. Karen Brady doesn't interest me that much and her tips for the top are hardly earth-shattering. However, sadly feminist messages still need to be constantly repeated because too many people still don't fully appreciate how much talent is wasted by not considering women equal to men.
January 8, 2016
Karren really is an inspirational business woman. In this book she shows that with grit, determination and a winning personality anyone (female or male) can succeed in business.
I really enjoyed her writing style and at times felt as though she was talking directly to me. I can't wait to start putting some of her advice in to practice!
I really enjoyed her writing style and at times felt as though she was talking directly to me. I can't wait to start putting some of her advice in to practice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews