Seducing the Boys Club: Uncensored Tactics from a Woman at the Top

Sometimes you CAN judge a book by its cover - the title promises an entertaining read, and the book delivers that and much more, including some genuine "aha!" moments! For example, my poor testosterone-deprived mother taught me that modesty is a virtue. Ms. DiSesa, without compromising her own virtue, explains how Mom unwittingly hindered my career by raising me as a "quiet achiever". (Can I get a do-over?) And a compelling story the author tells to perfectly illustrate effective use of "stimulus and response" had me running to my email to forward to friends. This is not just another new-age, gender-specific, self-help exercise from an earnest liberated woman, but witty, insightful, down-to-earth advice for women and men alike. It's a sharing of her wisdom and experience by a woman whose resume and accomplishments prove she knows what she's talking about. The book is enlightening, entertaining, and worthwhile.

I was hooked by the title, naturally, and curious, had to determine what was in the book. The most interesting book I have read about a woman succeeding in business. Ok, the only book, yet it would be difficult to imagine one more entertaining, and informing, and controversial. As you might expect from an advertising professional, she knows how to hook you emotionally, and, if you care to look beyond the entertaining story, you will discover the information and the many strategies she employs successfully, and how to match and outperform as a female in an alpha male environment. Men listen like dogs, and hear only what they want. I found this controversial, but when she says we only hear what we want to hear, I know exactly what she means. Women, though look beyond the content and look at body language and tonality, and pick up on nuance. She has actually trained some of these alpha males to develop some of these superior qualities. Some of her strategies on how to butter up men I found really entertaininng. I can just imagine myself puffing myself up and responding to the handshake workout opener, and had to laugh at its brilliance, or the tie comment. Simple but so effective. She talks of the different communicating styles of men and women, and how to adapt. Definitely more interesting than most business books you will read. Fascinating. Hope this is helpful.

I just closed the last page of the book. I hate that it ends. I never once bristled at Nina's portrayals of manipulation. Why? Maybe because I'm now old enough to 'get it'. Maybe because I came to McCann straight from Italy, the boys' club capitol, where chauvinism was so overt yet feminine qualities were appreciated. Maybe because anyone in their right mind has to realize that all the "seduction and manipulation" (Nina calls it S & M) would have gotten her just so far - if she didn't also have the brains, insight and instincts for the top. Nina gives consciousness to what many of us do instinctively, and she validates those qualities as skills. I thank her for that. And for reminding me that corporate life does not have to be devoid of humanity; that, in fact, it can't thrive without it.

I'm with Anna Lester. You've gotta give this DiSesa woman credit for total honesty. She really "turns herself in" and spends as much time talking about her failures as her successes. Although clearly she's a very successful woman. While I would not be able to resort to some of her tactics, this book is full of helpful insights. I found this book very refreshing and a delightful read.

Perhaps the best business book I have read and I have read many. It reads nothing like a traditional business book though. Ms DiSesa has done a masterful job of entertaining while educating. Her honesty is refreshing; her insight dead-on and her style??? I couldn't describe her charm and wit. if I tried. Just read the book. And while I may not agree with every one of her tactics/strategies for getting ahead....one thing is for sure, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Clearly, she's a smart and sassy woman and funny as hell.