Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It

by Jenny Wood

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A bold, empowering, and energizing guide to embracing your ambition and chasing after what you want from an executive who spent nearly two decades climbing the ranks at Google.

"Extraordinary."—Kim Scott

"It's about pushing past fear and daring to be yourself."—Dan Pink

What if the traits you need to get ahead are the exact opposite of what you’ve been told?

To be successful you need to be Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Obsessed, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy. And that takes courage.

As a former Google leader and top career coach who chased an attractive stranger off the subway and later married him, Jenny Wood knows her way around courage. In this book, Wood shatters conventional wisdom about achieving your goals. She gives you permission to ditch your fear and chase after what you want, unapologetically.

Wood reclaims nine traits from their negative shackles and teaches you how to apply them in a savvy and sane way to supercharge your success, whether you’re trying to impress your new boss, snag a stretch promotion, or land a life-changing deal.

Wild Courage will teach you how to be:c

Weird: Win as you or lose as “who?”

Selfish: Be your own champion.

Shameless: Kick impostor syndrome to the curb and self-promote with ease.

Obsessed: Push, persist, and perform at your highest level.

Nosy: Get curious to network confidently and learn from others.

Manipulative: Build influence with empathy and manage up like a pro.

Brutal: Draw lines and stick to them. Embrace the power of no.

Reckless: Err on the side of action and take healthy risks.

Bossy: Steer others to success, even if you’re not in charge yet.

Wild Courage coaches you to smash through your fear of discomfort, failure, and the judgement of others, to embrace your boldest self in pursuit of what you want. To be successful, you need to have courage. Wild amounts of it.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business, Psychology, Personal Development, Audiobook, Communication

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Jenny Wood is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, former Google executive, and former Harvard Business School researcher who knows that real success isn’t about following the rules or waiting your turn. She is also the founder of Own Your Career, one of Google's largest career programs. In her new book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, Jenny breaks down 9 bold traits that defy conventional career advice: Obsessed, Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy.

Her practical, no-nonsense approach empowers ambitious people to break the mold, be better leaders, build influence, and reach their full potential. Jenny has been featured in NBC, Bloomberg, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Business Insider. She lives in Boulder with her husband and two children and is in constant pursuit of the perfect zucchini bread recipe.

Reviews

[Mike G. Pacchione · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to go back to corporate just so I could implement all the ideas in here. It’s fantastic

[Liisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You know where you want to go. You know you have it within you. You just need the tools to get there.”

In Wild Courage, Jenny Wood encourages readers to reclaim nine traits that are often criticised—Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Obsessed, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy—and use them to fuel unapologetic ambition. It’s a bold premise, and in many ways, an empowering one. I appreciated the invitation to embrace individuality, to “reframe the shame,” and to stop shrinking in spaces we’ve earned the right to occupy.

The book is punchy and fast-paced, packed with practical prompts and lessons drawn from Wood’s coaching experience at Google. There’s a clear rallying cry here: believe in yourself, take up space, and don’t wait for permission.

And yet… I’m conflicted. For all its talk of authenticity, some of the advice felt oddly transactional—encouraging strategies that, while clever, seemed at odds with values-led leadership. The emphasis on manipulation and relentless boldness left little room for quieter forms of influence. Where was the space for reflective, compassionate leadership—the kind modelled by people like Brene Brown or Jacinda Ardern?

There’s certainly a place for being daring and disruptive. But in a world already contending with brutality, selfishness, and manipulation, I longed for a vision of courage that also champions empathy, collaboration, and kindness. We tell our children to be generous, thoughtful, and kind—and then we grow up and seem to abandon those ideals in pursuit of “success.”

Wood’s story about chasing down a stranger on a train (who later became her husband) is a striking example of her brand of bravery. But not everyone needs—or wants—to be that loud to be courageous.

Wild Courage is energising, ambitious, and full of useful insights for those needing a nudge to speak up or take risks. Just keep in mind—it’s one lens on leadership, not the whole picture.

[Antoinette Hinrichsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Jenny Wood’s creative framing of her book, Wild Courage, which takes characteristics we have often been taught to arm ourselves against and instead to embrace our weird, selfish, shameless, obsessed, nosy, manipulative, brutal, reckless, and bossy selves in order to create the life— both in work and out of work— that we want. I have read a few books in this professional development category and usually judge them by 1) how useful or unique the insights I took away from reading the book, 2) if the reading experience imparted knowledge in an enjoyable way, and 3) whether or not I could have gotten the same thing from a summary.

Point 1- how useful and insightful? There was a mix of insights that were less impactful because they were less relevant to where I am in my career, and some insights that were poignant to my life now. Wood introduced me to some new vocabulary which I always appreciate— e.g, "Nap Work" or not actually promotable work (which I used to do a lot more of earlier in my career and now have keener judgment). the more useful insights were Wood's stories on leadership, seeking to solve for "patterns not problems" and coming to people without giving them all the answers.

Point 2- Enjoyable? Yes. I haven’t been a longtime follower of Wood’s work but can get a sense of who she is and her approach to work and life. Wood shows vulnerability in the book, such as the Brutal chapter where she talks about the regret of not boundary setting and dropping her work obligations to be with her daughter during a blender/hair malfunction. I could relate- rushing home bleary eyed after a middle of the night ER trip with my husband to take an important meeting the next day. (Hindsight: that meeting could have been moved to allow me to be more present). Although my personal and professional backgrounds are different from Woods’s— I could relate and thought her stories brought the concept to life.

Point 3- Enough interest in the book to be more than a summary? While one could try to summarize the punchline of each chapter, Wood’s personal stories throughout the book bring the point home as she tongue-in-cheek turns each “negative” trait into a good one. The takeaways are not so simple that I could have gotten the book through a 2 page summary. While some chapters resonated more than others I thought the threading through of the characteristics was well done.

Overall, Jenny Woods's book is for anyone who is looking to level-up and get what they want-- in both work and in life.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book early and provide a review!

[Mr. Reader Eric Mesa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was okay- just okay. I think it’s fair to start by admitting that I’m not the target demographic of this book, and that much that would carry weight with others would be lost on me. Fair, but is truth not universal and objective? If so, then there is no better a person to judge than one who can remain sober while others are intoxicated by their feelings. And if truth is not objective, then my singular opinion is exactly and only that.

On the plus side, I think writing is clear and engaging. The writer is certainly excited about what she is writing, and includes colorful and compelling content. The text was easy to read, and I burned right through it.

On the negative side, I must point out that this is a self-help book, and by my own rules I must bring the author into consideration, since the source is as important as the message in such books. I can imagine no demographic that is more predisposed to success than the author, who graduated from Harvard with no indication that she took out a dime of debt to attend or joined the military to pay her tuition. And I can think of no worse advice to come from than an affluent person. Their success is always dependent on more than just their own exertions, and the last people to recognize that is usually themselves. Her advice to rebrand vices in human personality may have worked for her- and indeed may have some merit- are not encouragements to build character, as Covey would have advised. Instead, she only focuses on actions that one should take. Action without character brings only temporary success.

One final note: I received this book at the recommendation of a close friend who has since needed intensive therapy for a near-collapse from work-related stress. That friend’s spouse points out that they put an extreme amount of stress on themselves to be successful, and became suicidal when their plans failed. Frankly, I blame the authors who make books like these for the emotional and spiritual damage that the books cause on people.

[Ravi Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An empowering and practical guide to embracing our ambition and chasing after what we want. It powerfully illustrates that true success stems not only from talent or luck, but from courageously overcoming fear and embracing our true self.

[Jung]

In "Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It", Jenny Wood challenges the reader to reframe commonly misunderstood or negatively labeled traits—like being weird, selfish, nosy, manipulative, shameless, or bossy—as powerful tools for success. The premise is simple yet bold: the path to getting what you truly want begins with the courage to show up as your full self, no matter how uncomfortable or unconventional that might feel. Wood encourages readers to take ownership of the parts of themselves they've been told to suppress, arguing that these very attributes can help them stand out, seize opportunities, and drive both personal and professional growth.

One of the central arguments in the book is about the value of embracing one’s weirdness. Too often, people equate 'weird' with being flawed or socially unacceptable, and so they hide what makes them unique in order to conform. But Wood makes the case that being different is precisely what allows individuals to be memorable, impactful, and valued in their work and personal lives. Drawing on examples such as the U.S. Air Force’s shift to adjustable cockpit seats and the psychological 'red sneakers effect,' she shows how individuality, when owned deliberately, is often interpreted as confidence and leadership. Rather than trying to blend in or minimize quirks, people should amplify what makes them different. In doing so, they not only preserve energy that would otherwise be wasted on self-monitoring but also attract opportunities that align with their authentic identity.

This uniqueness must be used deliberately. Wood provides specific strategies like introducing oneself with clarity and enthusiasm, volunteering early in one's career to build visibility, and evaluating the social costs of standing out versus blending in. She argues that the real threat is not being judged—it’s being forgotten. The person who brings energy to meetings, speaks up, and contributes visibly is the one others remember when it’s time to assign leadership roles or special projects. Weirdness becomes a strength when wielded on purpose.

Similarly, the book redefines 'selfishness' as a necessary act of self-preservation and ambition. In a world that often rewards self-sacrifice, Wood advocates for setting clear boundaries and prioritizing what she calls WINN—What I Need Now. Too many professionals are bogged down with tasks that are appreciated but not promotable. She calls these NAPs, or Not Actually Promotable responsibilities, such as planning social events or always taking meeting notes. While such tasks might be useful to a team, they do little to elevate one’s standing in an organization. Wood’s solution is to say 'yes' strategically and 'no' firmly. Being selective and protecting your time is not selfishness—it’s a long-term strategy for sustainability and success.

She uses examples like Clare Torry, the singer who initially undervalued her contribution to a hit song and later fought for fair recognition. The lesson is that it’s okay to reassess your worth and revise agreements when circumstances evolve. Wood stresses the need to detach from sunk costs—whether they’re projects, roles, or even relationships—and focus on what truly serves you now. And rather than seeing selfishness as inherently zero-sum, she argues that the best negotiations grow the pie for everyone. Prioritizing your interests doesn’t mean you’re taking away from others; it means you’re finally advocating for yourself in a world where no one else will do it for you.

Shame, Wood argues, is another deeply internalized obstacle to success. In professional environments, shame manifests as impostor syndrome, silence in meetings, or hesitation to share accomplishments. Wood urges readers to become shameless in a positive sense: confident in their value and willing to talk about it. She introduces the concept of a Power Portfolio—an intentional focus on your top three strengths, which should receive most of your professional energy. Instead of obsessing over perceived weaknesses, she encourages using structured communication to highlight your contributions.

Her advice on self-promotion is tactical and accessible. For instance, she suggests sending weekly summaries to your manager outlining your recent accomplishments and goals, which creates ongoing visibility. When speaking up about achievements, she recommends using the ROI method: explain your Role, the Objective, and the measurable Impact. This not only clarifies your contribution but presents it in a format leaders can easily recognize and reward.

Wood emphasizes that being honest about mistakes is just as important as celebrating wins. Credibility comes from transparency, and those who admit failures without shame—and learn from them—become trusted leaders. Advocacy without arrogance, transparency without apology: that’s the balance she wants readers to master.

Curiosity, often dismissed as nosiness, is reframed as a professional superpower. While many adults suppress their natural desire to ask questions, Wood shows how this trait unlocks hidden opportunities. Curiosity not only enhances learning and engagement but also builds deeper interpersonal connections. By directing attention outward—asking thoughtful questions, observing high performers, and actively seeking out knowledge—professionals can expand their influence and accelerate growth. Even simple inquiries, like clarifying an acronym in a meeting, demonstrate leadership and benefit others too timid to ask.

She also addresses how to shift communication from self-centered to audience-focused. This means rewriting emails and conversations to highlight the other person’s needs and perspectives rather than your own. By becoming a more curious, attentive communicator, you naturally become more effective and more trusted.

Relationships, too, benefit from a more strategic approach. Though manipulation carries a negative connotation, Wood redefines it as a form of intentional influence. Relationships do not manage themselves; they must be actively shaped and maintained. She advocates for building a map of organizational influence—knowing who holds informal power and cultivating relationships across hierarchical levels. This includes scheduling regular check-ins with higher-ups, networking with your manager’s peers, and forming lasting connections with colleagues and industry peers.

She also explains how generosity can be a strategic asset. Giving help and support in ways that scale—offering ideas, sharing resources, making introductions—can increase your perceived value and open doors without depleting your energy. However, this must be balanced to avoid being taken advantage of. Strategic generosity demonstrates competence and goodwill while preserving your capacity for your own work.

Politics, in Wood’s view, are not inherently toxic; ignoring them is. Understanding and discussing workplace dynamics can make environments more inclusive and equitable. Influence should be viewed not as manipulation in the negative sense, but as leadership in action. You’re not tricking people—you’re creating conditions where collaboration and alignment are more likely.

Finally, leadership requires reclaiming the much-maligned label of being 'bossy.' Many high-performing professionals fail as leaders because they try to do everything themselves. The key to effective leadership is facilitating success through others. Wood explains that leaders should stop solving problems solo and instead guide their teams to find the best answers. This requires listening, observing, and removing obstacles rather than micromanaging.

She gives practical advice for becoming a more self-aware leader: shadow your team to understand their daily challenges, avoid behaviors that erode trust (like unpredictability or favoritism), and learn to communicate vision with clarity. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about guidance and support. When done well, it enables people to accomplish more than they thought possible.

In conclusion, "Wild Courage" is a bold reimagining of the traits we’ve been told to suppress. Jenny Wood argues that these very qualities—when owned and used purposefully—can drive us toward our most meaningful goals. Whether it’s embracing your quirks, setting boundaries, asking bold questions, or leading with confidence, this book is a call to stop hiding who you are and start using your full self to get what you want. The courage to be 'too much' is, in the end, the key to becoming everything you’re meant to be.

[Ksenia Feher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, full of useful advice, worth every minute of your time. I started implementing tips from the book at my workplace while still reading. So inspiring and motivating.

[Belle Sermeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I finished reading after a year (or two)! I enjoyed reading this book as it gives so much tips and frameworks how to navigate "hard" emotional/people-related situations—both internally and externally.

The book redefined the "negative" adjectives: weird, selfish, shameless, obsessed, nosy, manipulative, brutal, reckless, bossy. Lifted verbatim, "through a strange alchemy, they create a 'natural' leader"

I also loved the final point: Don't let the pressure of leadership turn you into a monster. Tagging every leader and person in power 🙃

[KT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm fortunate to have benefited from Jenny's advice while she was at Google, and was thrilled to hear she has a book coming out. This is not just a repeat of her previous content, though. It's new, relevant, and actionable. Even if you've read a lot of books on this topic, this one is worth your time.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild courage means showing up as your full, real self even when it’s uncomfortable or goes against what’s expected. The traits we often try to hide are often the very things that set us apart and make us effective.

Create a Power Portfolio of your three strongest assets and focus 75% of your energy on leveraging these strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses.

notes:
- qualities that might feel like flaws are actually powerful tools
- turn being yourself from a risk into an advantage
- But weird just means different. It means having qualities, interests, and ways of thinking that aren’t like everyone else’s. Those differences are what make you recognizable, memorable, and valuable.
- In professional settings, talented people dim their light to blend in, afraid to be seen as “odd” or “too much.” This self-denial wastes mental and emotional energy that could be invested in pursuing goals.
- research shows that embracing uniqueness leads to better outcomes
- A different example of uniqueness as strength is the red sneakers effect, which refers to how we consistently perceive people who deliberately break dress codes – like wearing bright red sneakers to a formal event – as higher in status.
- in adult life you don’t want to blend in. The real danger isn’t failing but being forgotten
- “Selfish” has become a dirty word in our culture, but it shouldn’t be. Being selfish – in other words, having the courage to stand up for what you want – is essential for both career advancement and personal fulfillment
- Learn to reassess your commitments through the lens of WINN, which stands for What I Need Now.
- it’s about refusing to let self-doubt prevent you from advocating for your own value.
- The workplace constantly triggers impostor syndrome, a phenomenon first identified in 1978 that affects everyone regardless of achievements
- We often sabotage our own sense of belonging before others have any chance to question us, remaining perpetually packed for a departure we’re certain is imminent.
- When something needs to be said, get to the hardest part within the first 90 seconds.
- unapologetic self-advocacy needs to be balanced with accountability
- Being “nosy” is typically seen as being pushy and intrusive, but reframed properly, it becomes the courage to dig deeper and ask meaningful questions.
- Curiosity literally changes your brain chemistry. Research from UC Davis shows that when we’re in a curious state, our brains become more receptive to all information – not just answers to our specific questions.
- Communications also become more effective when reframed through curiosity. Count how many sentences in your emails begin with “I” – then rewrite them to focus on "you." This subtle shift makes messages more engaging and persuasive.
- The trick is scaling your generosity appropriately – giving enough to demonstrate value without solving the entire problem.
- Schedule time to shadow team members regularly, not to critique but to understand their challenges and remove obstacles that impede their performance.

[Francisco Sada · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 stars]

Every professional who lives in a corporate life should read this book. Mainly for people who are leaders or junior managers who want to scale up quickly in an organization. The author gives many tips, do’s, and don’ts for you to out-stand among your coworkers.

The most valuable point is that she tries to demonstrate that some traits that are perceived as wrong or bad because of the nature of the word are not really what they mean (in terms of the workplace and achieving success in you career.

The author worked at Google so she has a lot of experience, but her tips and recommendations are based and proved to work in the American culture, I think it won’t necessary work the same with other cultures. If you are from other countries you should identify what could work and what could you take as a partial advice. Primarily speaking for communication, feedback, and cultural topics.

Very good book, strongly recommend it.

[Carla Fiorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Courage by Jenny Wood is such a refreshing and energizing read. I loved how she reframes nine often-negative traits — Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Obsessed, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy — and shows how each can actually be a source of strength. Her real-life stories and examples make every concept meaningful and easy to apply.

Even though the book seems to be written for leaders, individual contributors will find just as much value. I felt genuinely excited throughout the entire book. Highly recommend for anyone looking to create a positive impact in their workplace or in their life.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Courage by Jenny Wood is an encouraging and practical guide to stepping outside your comfort zone and living more boldly. Each chapter explores an idea that, at first glance, can feel a bit intimidating - whether it’s speaking up, being vulnerable, or taking unconventional leaps - but Wood’s writing is reassuring, warm, and grounded. I was surprised by how often I found myself nodding along, and I’ve already started tentatively trying some of the suggestions. It’s not just about being brave - it’s about finding your own version of boldness, and I liked that a lot. It's quite cool overall and comes with some accessible templates and resources on the accompanying website.

[Kate Sochacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read full on how to take risks and make an impact at whatever you do (your job, charity work, family life, etc)! I love the message of boldness and think it's a must read for anyone who wants to make an impact and achieve their professional goals.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

WWMD: August book

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would make an excellent gift for a graduate or someone early in their journey climbing a ladder in a bigger organization. There’s a lot of good frameworks and ways to break down tricky or complex managing up problems.

I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this ebook from the author.

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book helped me visualize specific people that I have worked with or for in the past that could each be a poster child for their own chapters in this book.

I didn’t enjoy knowing any of them.

[Shubham Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny Wood's Wild Courage is a refreshing take highlighting and elaborating on all the important qualities required for an individual to be a super-achiever in their career. We have always learnt that breakthroughs happen through serendipitous moments. But Jenny Wood reminds us that serendipity is in our hands, and it's not found, rather it's made. She starts the book motivating us to shed off all of our insecurities through which we just conform to the standards set by others, and never conquer.

While many qualities highlighted in the book are well known and have also been described in other books, yet there's something unique about reading it from Jenny Wood. She beautifully captures the real essence of what is being conveyed in the chapters through examples, anecdotes and her vast professional experiences.

This statement sums up the necessity of courage as outlined throughout the book - We are comfortable with risk only when it has paid off. But unfortunately, time only moves in one direction.
She masterfully reframes nine traditionally negative traits—Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Obsessed, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy—as essential "wildly courageous" superpowers that propel ambitious professionals toward extraordinary career success and personal fulfillment.

Summary of the key traits to use as a catalyst for our self-growth are mentioned below -

Weird - Win as your authentic self early in your career or risk being forgotten as "who?" Take more opportunities when stakes are low to build visibility, then course-correct later to focus on priorities—fear of judgment breeds conformity, but standing out makes you memorable for leadership roles.

Selfish - The book teaches to be Selfish by championing our own goals, doing 10% less NAP (not actually promotable) work, recognizing sunk cost fallacies, aligning to new goals when originals fade, etc.

Shameless - Go Shameless by finding your swagger through tasteful self-promotion—consistently highlight your achievements using words like "proud" ("I'm proud to share I achieved 3 of 4 goals"), sharing wins without shame (even Harry Styles listens to his own albums), reframing imposter syndrome, building power assets, and remembering executives expect people to ask for things, etc.

Obsessed - Be Obsessed by pushing, performing, and persisting: Show up daily whether in the mood or not, treat yourself like a star athlete nurturing mind/body/spirit, send detailed agendas before meetings, avoid the trap of too much talking and too little doing, pursue meaningful goals beyond financial returns (like a dentist finding satisfaction in cleanings), and embrace the IKEA effect (if people are more involved in the thing, they like to do it with passion). She beautifully gives the example of a seasoned dentist who still performs dental cleaning himself because he finds it extremely satisfying to take control of his own work by ensuring it gets done in the best possible way, while he could have always focused on root canal treatment which would fetch him more financial gains.

Nosy - Turn Nosy into insatiable curiosity that leads to serendipity: Ask at least one question in every meeting to be known and remembered, woo with "you" since people love talking about themselves or their work, steal blueprints from top performers, realize when questions are avoided, read the room, build cohort relationships over burying your nose in textbooks, note how curiosity drives outsized success (e.g., Jewish culture's education emphasis yielding 20% Nobel winners from 2% of the population), and understand there's always more room at the top.
No one got to the top without any help. Someone answered their question on the way up.

Manipulative - Master Manipulative influence through empathy: Manage your network and influences sideways, up, and out; leverage generosity reciprocity without fearing motive suspicion; seek sponsors who shape careers over mentors who merely guide; influence your manager’s peers; embrace office politics and seek power without chasing promotions too soon in a new role; and persist past minor obstacles.

Brutal - Be Brutal by drawing lines and sticking to them: Value your limited time by dedicating less than 15% effort to low-value work even if it helps the team, focus on high-visibility deliverables that move the business (and your career), ignore sunk costs, keep delivering every quarter high-value, high-visibility and high-impact work, remember being brutal and kind aren't mutually exclusive, and prioritize the real rewarding work that matters.

Reckless - Go Reckless by erring on the side of action: Take one small smart risk at a time, put 10 minutes a day into concrete action on new starts, don't use planning to postpone learning, sleep on significant decisions under pressure, listen to your gut, quadruple failures to double successes (half of what you do is always below your bar), inaction is more regretful than negative outcomes (research shows this), take big swings early in careers and relationships, treat perfection as a direction not destination ("The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago; second best is now"), and leverage problems since the show must go on.

Bossy - Finally, be Bossy to steer others to success: Violate social norms to signal leadership, give constructive feedback generously as an engine of growth (top performers crave it in good cultures), use a 5:1 positive-to-negative ratio, be a reliable "set rat," good talent is rented never owned, build relationships and influence ethically (or stick to individual contributor paths if uncomfortable), and watch "bossiness" transmute into respected leadership when results pay off.

Jenny also notes that When embracing the qualities pays off, these behaviours are regarded differently. Shamelessness transmutes into confidence, nosiness to curiosity, recklessness to courage.
She also warns us at times with reality checks such as Being an effective leader requires serious manipulation. If you’re uncomfortable building relationships and influencing others, forget about moving up, stick to being an individual contributor.

If connecting with others isn’t your happy place, find ways to gain seniority and more pay without entering management.

Overall, it's a very well written book by an extremely passionate and seasoned leader and has numerous examples and learnings from her very own experiences which are invaluable for anyone trying to assimilate and adopt the route to self-growth in an effort to propel their life and career to new highs.

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wild Courage or Wild Confusion?
When I first saw the title Wild Courage, I truly believed this book would explore the kind of raw bravery it takes to survive in the harshest parts of life—like enduring the isolation of a jungle, walking through deserts, climbing brutal mountain terrain, or pushing limits like a soldier or Olympic gold medalist.

I expected it to be about people who rise through suffering, silence, and impossible odds. That, to me, is wild courage.

But what I found was something else entirely. A soft, self-justifying message that attempts to turn manipulation, selfishness, and domination into tools for personal growth.

Here’s the core issue: The good qualities she tries to associate with these negative words actually belong to their opposites.
• The trust and honesty she links to “manipulation” are the very things manipulation destroys.
• The clarity and self-assurance she assigns to “selfishness” are actually traits of true confidence, not selfishness.
• And what she calls courage is often just control and ego dressed in prettier language.

This book attempts to redefine deeply negative traits by gluing nice words onto them—but those qualities aren’t even part of their nature.
It’s not redefinition; it’s distortion.

The truth is simple: A negative act done for a “positive” purpose is still a negative act.
No amount of clever branding can change that.

One of the deepest truths I carry with me is this: the world can rebrand anything it wants. But the essence remains.
If something is false, calling it positive won’t make it true.
No wordplay can transform manipulation into kindness or selfishness into confidence.

In the end, Wild Courage doesn’t teach courage.
It teaches how to wrap ego, control, and self-centeredness in the language of empowerment.
And that’s not the kind of “wild” or “courage” the world needs more of. I gave one star to the book title and the second star for the beautiful name of the author.

[Sergey Pinkevich · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let's start with the positive: this book is very easy to read for non-native English speakers. It uses common vocabulary, and highlighting the 9 traits in each paragraph helps a lot.

Unfortunately, that's about all the good I can say about this book.

I am quite surprised that someone who worked at such a diverse company like Google remains so focused on American culture. All of this advice works only in specific demographic situations and doesn't reflect patterns that vary broadly from country to country - from giving direct negative feedback (Jenny Wood suggests using 5 positive comments to deliver 1 negative) to overall behavior (I can't imagine people from Japan using these communication techniques). Throughout the entire book, Jenny only once mentioned that these approaches may not work in other cultures and that one should be careful using this style outside of America.

But for me, the biggest problem with this book is its self-contradictions. For example, Jenny Wood talks about NAP (not actually promotable work - like taking notes at meetings or responding quickly to emails) and says you should avoid this kind of work. This statement alone is quite controversial -who is going to do all that work that isn't sexy but is still necessary? But the worst part is that a few pages later, she says that when she needs a quick reply, it was very useful and handy. Double standards, unfortunately.

In my opinion, this book will do more harm than good. Still, I give it 2 out of 5 (not 1) because Jenny talks quite honestly about her experience. Although I don't entirely agree with her conclusions (and sometimes it wasn't clear what she wanted to say), I think others may find it useful to learn from her example. You should take all of this advice with a huge grain of salt.

[Cameron Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

POV: when you want that promotion but hate "promoting" yourself . . . this is gonna help

I wish I'd had this book back when I was dealing with some insane office politics in my corporate career and also when I was dealing with cranky clients. Oh, the stories I could tell, lol.

Likes:
She presents 9 traits that are normally frowned upon like being bossy, selfish, manipulative, reckless, etc. Each trait is a chapter and I can see myself going back and rereading several of them because she packed each chapter with a lot of value.

Actual tools you can use right away. The "Shameless Email" template is fantastic for communicating with your boss without all the self-doubt. The "Pencil Sharpener" technique helps you find focus rather than stressing about getting started. I love the "Truths and Tales" exercise for cutting through the stories we tell ourselves.

What I really appreciate is that she doesn't just tell you to go all-in on these nine traits. She's realistic about what happens if you take things too far, which keeps the advice grounded and practical.

The writing style feels like chatting with a friend who happens to be a really smart career coach. She's friendly, relatable, and makes everything easy to understand.

Dislikes:
It would be great to have gone even deeper into some of the traits. More real life examples and stories of what went well & what went wrong, but I guess they can only fit so much in one book.

Overall:
If you're dealing with workplace politics (and who isn't these days), Wild Courage is definitely a great read. It gives you straightforward ways to get noticed and advance without turning you into someone you don't recognize. Highly recommend!

[Jorge Alzate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb work. Each chapter is chock-full of memorable insights and actionable tips. The examples presented are like a carefully constructed investment strategy; in this case, 70% Jenny's personal/work stories with 30% external research/anecdotes. I love that chapters are named for each of nine Wild Courage themes. Noteworthy excerpts are from Nosy: how to rewrite an email to a potential client using "you" language instead of "I". Replacing envy with curiosity by using your "rival's" public work to reshape and inform your own for improvement.
I especially love the Reckless chapter, which shows how Jenny uses personal mistakes to find the right balance between making bold moves and taking calculated risks. Personal stories like mistakenly flying a plane in low visibility and suffering a year-long injury due stretching a planned half-marathon to a full one illustrate, quite memorably, how to measure pride with being strategic.

Jenny has delivered a full-front assault on mediocrity, self-doubt, and regret. But one passage from Obsessed made the hair on the back of my neck sizzle; I had to put the book down for a week after reading this: "If you lack the motivation to truly excel, question whether you're pursuing a goal you want or just one you feel you should." "To tap into energy, joy, and limitless courage, go after the objective whose inherent difficulties represent an exciting challenge, not a dreadful burden. If you lack motivation to put the work in, you probably don't want what you're working toward enough." Brutal.

Read at your own peril. After rereading key chapters I feel like I can run through brick walls. There are helpful templates and other resources on a companion website. This work is the highlight of my year so far. Congratulations Jenny!

[Jami Adarsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild Courage is based on the nine key traits she explores and reframes in each chapter as tools for success and bold living:
• Weird: Embrace your uniqueness and authenticity. What society often sees as “weird” can be your superpower to stand out and succeed by being true to yourself.
• Selfish: Prioritize your goals and well-being unapologetically. Being selfish in this sense means being your own champion and protecting your energy to go after what you want.
• Shameless: Overcome impostor syndrome and boldly self-promote. Shamelessness frees you from limiting beliefs and the fear of judgment, enabling you to confidently claim your space.
• Obsessed: Channel your passion and drive toward goals that genuinely excite you. The chapter encourages questioning whether your pursuits genuinely motivate you or feel like burdens.
• Nosy: Cultivate curiosity and networking skills. Nosiness here means being boldly curious to learn from others, ask questions, and build meaningful connections.
• Manipulative: Use influence strategically and empathetically. This trait is reframed as savvy management of relationships and managing up without harm, through understanding and tact.
• Brutal: Set firm boundaries and say no when necessary. Being brutal means drawing clear lines and sticking to them to protect your priorities and well-being.
• Reckless: Take calculated risks and err on the side of action. This chapter highlights learning from bold mistakes and balancing daring moves with strategic thinking.
• Bossy: Lead confidently and assertively, even if not formally in charge. Bossiness is reclaimed as positive leadership and the ability to guide others toward success.

[Amelia Storck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Courage is the kind of book that doesn’t just inspire youit jolts you awake. Jenny Wood delivers a sharp, empowering, and wildly refreshing guide that flips the script on everything we’ve been taught about ambition, confidence, and success. Instead of tiptoeing around the traits society labels as “too much,” she invites readers to embrace them, sharpen them, and use them as fuel.

What makes this book stand out is how unapologetically honest genuinely practical it is. Wood redefines traits like “selfish,” “obsessed,” “nosy,” and even “manipulative” in ways that are powerful, ethical, and deeply effective. Each chapter gives you permission to step into a bolder version of yourself while offering re strategies you can apply immediately in your career, relationships, and personal growth.

Her storytelling is energetic and authentic, blending high-impact corporate insight with the kind of real

life momentslike chasing down a stranger on the subwathat make the lessons unforgettable. And beneath the humor, boldness, and punchy frameworks, the heart of the book is clear: courage isn’t a personality trait, it’s a decision. One you can make again and again.

For anyone who’s tired of shrinking themselves to fit expectations, Wild Courage is a gamechanging guide. It challenges you, motivates you, and ultimately hands you the tools to show up unapologetically as your most powerful self.

[Stephen Kleiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Courage came into my life thanks to my wife, who works at Google and crossed paths with Jenny. What started as a personal connection quickly became a powerful professional catalyst. Jenny’s voice is honest, electric, and full of conviction. This book doesn’t just inspire, it equips. It reads like a memoir-meets-manifesto and doubles as a real-world playbook for anyone looking to level up their career, find clarity in chaos, and lead with heart.

As someone actively striving to advance in my professional life, I found this book to be both affirming and challenging in all the right ways. It’s something I know I’ll revisit regularly. Whether to gut-check a decision, recenter my mindset, or push through doubt. I’ve already recommended it to close friends, and it’s the kind of resource I’ll return to and share often.

The themes of being brutal, obsessed, and bossy hit especially hard. Not in a caricatured way, but in a deeply human, stripped-down, and strategic sense. Jenny’s vulnerability isn’t just admirable, it’s instructive. She shows that leaning into uncomfortable, unpolished, but true decisions is often the clearest path forward. That insight alone is worth the price of the book, and then some.

If you’re ambitious, evolving, and seeking a better framework for boldness, Wild Courage is the kind of companion you want on your shelf, and in your head.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Courage by Jenny Wood is a very insightful, well-structured book that shares multiple suggestions to act with more courage both at work and in your personal life (with the stronger focus on work settings). She arranges her tips and experiences by centering 9 traits that are often seen with a negative connotation but in this book she reframes their narratives and shows how they can be traits adapted with pride. I really appreciated the various real-life examples provided in each chapter and regularly found myself highlighting simple yet impactful statements.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “Figuring out who you are — how you think and solve problems, what you enjoy and dislike, the values that matter most — is essential in (a) deciding what to chase in life and (b) actually catching it. Aiming for average always feels safe, but the results are boring and forgettable. Being forgotten is the real danger in any career. Life is too busy and competitive on this crazy planet for well-rounded to make a dent. Get angular.”

You would love this book if you’re looking to make more impact at work, learn tips to build bravery and push out of your comfort zone, and want to generally operate in life with more confidence, even in high-anxiety situations.

[Max Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book that has shifted the way I view my career and perceive myself. Jenny Wood has given a tremendous contribution to the professional world with her unconventional advice for career and personal development. Her candid nine traits will definitely challenge me to continue pushing myself to become a better person.

I originally got this book due to the wildly positive reviews on LinkedIn and an awareness of my tendency not to stand up for myself. This book has done a great job pinpointing my misplaced priorities and challenge me to improve.

A must-read for anyone struggling with people-pleasing.

The discussions around workplace politics, email, NAP (not actually promotable) work, and ‘letting the tree fall’ were some of my favorite sections. The politics section alone is worth the price of the book (137-141). Wild Courage is chocked-full of strategy to accomplish short- and long-term goals. This book overdelivered by having a website complete with downloadable resources. How helpful!

Jenny ended each chapter with a quick summary, which was helpful. I love her writing style and will certainly benefit from the career advice she offers. Look forward to returning to this book repeatedly over the years.

Five stars.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book on strategies to achieve your dreams and aspirations, which encourages people to examine their attitude towards traits commonly perceived to be negative.

The truth is, women in particular are hobbled by social expectations, as well as by their roles as carers of the elderly, the very young, and everyone else in between!

For example, an issue like Imposter Complex does not only affect women. But it does tend to affect them disproportionately. And the impact of this should not be understated or underestimated.

It is therefore important to recognise the effect that societal expectations have on our choices and priorities, and how those decisions may negatively impact the realisation of our aspirations.

The advice in the book does not have to be considered gospel, but it does offer some interesting insights on how to handle our self imposed inhibitions and to achieve the things we want to do. Overall, it's worth a read and gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Courage is a must-read for anyone pushing the boundaries of their career or tackling ambitious goals that feel just out of reach. Jenny boldly reclaims leadership qualities that typically get criticized—selfish, obsessed, manipulative, bossy, etc—revealing them as essential ingredients for those who achieve remarkable success.

The book couldn't have come at a better time for me as I embark on a new journey in my career and am struggling with imposter syndrome and self-promotion. Jenny offers practical tools and mindset shifts that are easy to use but make a huge difference.

I now catch myself using mantras from the book – "stay shameless," "be selfish," and "it takes obsession" – whenever I need that extra push to put myself out there. This book was exactly the kick in the pants I needed.
If you're working toward an important goal or trying to advance your career, "Wild Courage" gives you permission to go after what you want, unapologetically. Thanks Jenny – this book is a game-changer!

[Jacob Frisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

72/100. I liked this one a lot. I'd really recommend to someone on the job search or looking for more career advancement. Her background at Google and story on how she got the job through sheer persistent ingenuity really inspired me too.

Wild Courage is a reminder that bravery shows up in the small, honest decisions we make when no one’s watching. Jenny Wood writes with disarming clarity, stripping courage down to its simplest form: tell the truth about your life, want what you want without apology, and take one imperfect step after another. Her stories don’t preach; they nudge, inviting you to reclaim the parts of yourself buried under fear, comparison, and expectations.

What I loved most is how practical the book feels without losing its spark. Wood argues that desire is a compass, community is fuel, and confidence is something you earn through action, not something you wait to feel. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just make you believe change is possible; it makes you itch to start.