Customer Reviews

amBITCHous: (def.) A Woman Who: 1. Makes more money 2. has more power 3. gets the recognition she deserves 4. has the determination to go after her dreams and

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

After hearing Debra Condren interviewed on a podcast about how women undermine their own ambitions, I couldn't wait to read her book. I related to her thesis. Sometimes, out of fear of looking like I have a huge ego, I don't even try to take on projects that I know I'm capable of. In other words, I need to learn how to be a little more ambitchous.

That word is Condren's way of describing the double standard facing women. As she puts it, "Ambitious men are go-getters, but ambitious women are bitches." She illustrates her point with Madonna and Carly Fiorina. Media stories about both of them tend to focus on their faults instead of their accomplishments. (Perhaps we could add Paris Hilton to that list.)

Through interviews with other women and her work as a business coach, Condren has developed strategies to help women overcome the fear of being ambitious. She bemoans the fact that many advice books suggest that achieving "balance" requires career sacrifices. Nonsense, she says. Putting your career ambitions first makes you a better person, she argues, because you will be a happier one. "You must regard your deepest career aspirations as unconditionally sacrosanct," she writes.

While the pep talk is inspiring, the real value of this book lies in its concrete tips. She recommends asking for the raise you deserve, claiming credit when it's due, asking for advice from women you respect, and taking regular sabbaticals to make sure you are dreaming big. All of it is great advice that I plan to incorporate into my life.

And when I'm done with this book, I can think of more than a few friends I'd like to pass it on to.

Dr. Condren really hit the mark! This book is a must for all women - and men, whether in the corporate world, or wanting to realize their dreams in any arena. It's a great read; clear and crisp, and straight to the point. She shows you how to get past your own obstacles, do what you love, and make no apologies. There are fabulous nuggets of helpful information and inspiring examples. I've recommended it to all my colleagues.

Ambitchous is Condren's way of describing the double standard facing women. As she puts it, "Ambitious men are go-getters, but ambitious women are bitches."

Through interviews with other women and her work as a business coach, Condren has developed strategies to help women overcome the fear of being ambitious. She bemoans the fact that many advice books suggest that achieving "balance" requires career sacrifices. Nonsense, she says. Putting your career ambitions first makes you a better person, she argues, because you will be a happier one. "You must regard your deepest career aspirations as unconditionally sacrosanct," she writes.

While the pep talk is inspiring, the real value of this book lies in its concrete tips. She recommends asking for the raise you deserve, claiming credit when it's due, asking for advice from women you respect, and taking regular sabbaticals to make sure you are dreaming big. All of it is great advice.

Book raises some valid points about women often taking the backseat in their professional lives. Playing nicey-nice doesn't always get you to the top. But I had to wonder about certain aspects of the book.

liked: very motivational (her conversational style of writing makes it feel like she's talking to you through the book like your very own personal life coach. Could see myself reaching for this whenever my ego needs a pick-me-upper); book is also broken into short chapters and headings which made it easy to zone in on the information I wanted. I have to admit I skimmed alot of the personal stories. I generally don't find these anecdotes very relevant in books like these. The book also had some good points that I will certainly be more mindful of in my work life.

disliked: you could play a drinking game with how often 'ambitchous' was used in the book. Grating after a while. I also didn't find a majority of the strategies relevant to my line of work. I don't agree that your ambition in your work is what is going to bring you happiness in life. Also didn't agree with the overtly feminist tones of the book. Not once did it ever talk about how being a good partner or a wife (which like it or not, is a significant part of the average woman's life) fits in with the whole 'ambitchous' picture. As though our roles were confined to being powerful in the work place, formidable power-moms at home..kids just happened out of nowhere and we were meant to be just awesome and taking care of them as well. So yes, the book seemed to be targeted at creating a selfish little power bitch after a while and I'm not comfortable with that.

Overall: some good points but i wouldn't buy into this too much.

Sick of reading titles that are meant to impart wisdom on how I could be a better lady rather than a better business woman, I admit to a certain hesitancy regarding first purchasing amBITCHous... All of my concerns were for naught -- by the time I finished the introduction, Dr. Condren had a new fan.

I've always considered myself an ambitious woman -- but I immediately recognized some of the problems that the case studies in this book exemplified: I've stepped down from taking credit for things I've done, I have felt myself emotionally battered by those who wish to "steal my thunder," and -- goodness knows -- I've battled with the idea that I am a bad mother, woman, person for wanting a career as much (or sometimes more than) my male counterparts.

Just recognizing those conflicts would've made this book a keeper. But by adding tools and suggestions for overcoming them? Like I said... Dr. Condren has a new fan.

-- Nadia Cornier
CEO, COO, CFO, janitor, mother, author and anything else you can think of
Firebrand Literary
[...]

I thought this book was an excellent read and I felt very empowered after reading it. I highly recommend this book for any woman at any stage in her career.

I think the author addresses several issues that women encounter. I really, really enjoyed it and I will pass the word about this book.

This book has inspired me to get out there in the world and pursue my dreams. I do not want to be a women who just gets by 50% - that is not enough and is only limiting my potential. Societal views of women place us in a more confined place then we realize. This book was eye opening to cultural brainwashing I had not even realized. It gives a great sense of community through this fight and is an essential guidebook for all women trying to make their way in this male dominated career world. Condren writes with clarity and also a familiarity which is really that little voice we all tune out in our head. I highly recommend this book to anyone questioning why they are doing and where they are going.

Finally, someone who's as sick as I am of being told to aim for "life balance" instead of going after what I really want. Condren gives really sharp examples of how women fall (or put themselves) into traps that make them feel good about selling their dreams short. She's out to remake the paradigm that says that smart, ambitious women are all bitches and makes a compelling case for "equal rights" for career, motherhood, and everything else.

I applaud Debra Condren for the message in this book and for all that she does to encourage women to honor themselves and their ambition without judgment or limitation. This book challenged me and really made me think about ways women (myself included) sell themselves short. I agree with Debra Condren - Enough already! Women are amazing! Let's recognize and celebrate our ambitchous selves and the daily ways we make a difference.If Women Ran the World, Sh*t Would Get Done: Celebrating All the Wonderful, Amazing, Stupendous, Inspiring, Butt-kicking Things Women Do

This book was a helpful guide for me. I was dealing with a manipulative boss who I felt uncomfortable confronting until I read this book. I followed Dr. Condren's advice on how to deal with passive-agressive detractors. This gave me the courage to let my boss know what she was doing was wrong and stay determined in getting what I deserve. I thought this book was provided great insight in the many areas of life women end up suffering becuase of the way we are socialized. After reading this book my self-respect increased and I felt more confident demanding more from myself and the world.