While still useful, i wish i had this book earlier on in my career. It is a difficult skill to develop (as a woman) to tell people no when its your job to and have them feel good about it. Think this could save many women trial and error.

In Powerfully Likeable, Kate Mason challenges the long-standing assumption that women must choose between being powerful or being likeable. She reframes this either/or narrative and argues that women can embrace both. Mason's central message is empowering: that leadership, influence, and authenticity don’t have to come at the expense of one another.

Mason herself is an impressive figure. Her background in debate and her professional experience at top-tier companies lend credibility to her insights. She clearly knows her subject matter and brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to the table. Her passion for redefining how women show up in leadership roles comes through strongly.

That said, this book may resonate more deeply with readers who are earlier in their careers or just starting to navigate workplace dynamics. For me, at this stage in my professional life, the content didn’t feel especially new or personally impactful. While the message is important, much of it felt familiar.t.

Powerfully Likeable may be a worthwhile read for those seeking encouragement and foundational advice on leadership, especially women looking to challenge outdated workplace expectations. While it didn’t fully land for me, I can see its value for others beginning their own leadership journey.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
This nonfiction guide is energetic, approachable, and thoughtfully encouraging. Mason’s advice on confidently navigating power and likability resonated with me. A few chapters felt repetitive. Still this is a lively and uplifting read for personal growth.

As a 42-year-old woman, I didn't learn much. But do you know why? Because I've lived all this. This is a book I wish I had when I graduated from college.
Kate Mason can get wordy, but there is a lot to break down, and for those who present as female, understand exactly what she's getting at. But she doesn't just talk at you, she gives you methods to help you become powerful but effective. She gives you tips and exercises that are helpful in building the best you, regardless of what is going on with the patriarchy.
There is a lot in this book. And my advice is to take it slow and realize, behavior and self-confidence build up take time. Don't give up, and the sooner you pick this up, the sooner you'll feel more powerful in yourself.
Likeable? I don't know about that. But I gave up on that a long time ago. lol

In the 1980s many self-help books offered advice for women dealing with the perception that, if they became "powerful" by earning raises and promotions, they'd become less "likeable." Today everyone seems to be much more comfortable with the idea that women, generally, get raises and promotions, yet both women and men still live with the reality that some people resent and withhold "liking" from people who seem to be getting ahead of them. Kate Mason, widely regarded as a young woman who's both powerful and likeable, reviews several discussions of things women do that are especially pleasing or annoying, and provides some good tips. For those who didn't read all the advice on this topic in the 1980s, here is a nice summary with updates.

However, Mason can't tell young women how to be liked by those who resent their success. What's empowering or intimidating varies among successful women she's interviewed, she says, and what seems to win friends on the job also varies. Sometimes women just have to accept that some people aren't willing to like them. There's a high probability that this book will end up not telling readers how to resolve the situations that prompted them to read the book.

Personally, I'd be more favorably impressed if Mason identified as an introvert recovering from trying to act like an extrovert, rather than as a "recovering introvert"...but apart from that she has a likeable writing style, and she's put a lot of work into this book.

As a female executive, I'm constantly seeking resources that can genuinely enhance my leadership and communication skills, and Powerfully Likeable: A Woman's Guide to Effective Communication by Kate Mason, PhD, truly delivered. This book offers invaluable insights, particularly for women navigating their careers, especially those earlier in their professional journeys. Mason's wisdom on leveraging likeability to become a more effective communicator is both practical and profound. I found myself nodding along, recognizing many of the scenarios and appreciating the actionable advice for harnessing this often-misunderstood trait.

What stands out is not just the content, but also Dr. Mason's gifted writing and palpable authenticity throughout the book. It's clear she speaks from experience, and her guidance feels both supportive and empowering. While the insights are broadly applicable, the specific framing for women in professional settings makes it a uniquely pertinent read. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to women in my network who are looking to refine their communication strategies and build a stronger, more influential presence in the workplace.

Powerfully Likeable is one of the best personal and professional development books I've ever read. I don't say that lightly. I found so much of the information and insights applicable to my role in community engagement. If you struggle to find balance between "friendly and professional" in one on one communication, negotiating, and even public speaking, Dr. Mason provides a plethora of tools not to magically gain confidence, but to play to your strengths and engage with others in a way that's authentic, approachable, and powerful. We need not minimize ourselves or communicate within traditional frameworks of professional gendered expectations to be likeable. Instead, we can shift to an entirely new framework playing up our strengths to be both powerful and likeable.

Very helpful and informative. Will use the information to be powerful and likeable in the workplace and outside in my regular day to day life

Unfortunately I don't see the practical use of any of this. Having tried most of her advice in real life, I can tell you that it does not yield the results she claims it will. A woman cannot act her way out of rampant sexism and racism in workplace culture.

*Powerfully Likeable* by Kate Mason offers a groundbreaking approach for women to communicate with both authority and warmth, navigating the tricky balance of being respected and well-liked. Drawing on her expertise as a world champion debater and executive coach, Mason presents a toolkit of strategies that empower women to embrace their unique strengths, from negotiation tips to body language mastery. This insightful guide helps women own their power without sacrificing authenticity, providing practical tools for personal and professional success.

Very useful book for women making their way in the world. Particularly useful for women earlier in their careers and influencing the direction of their life. Great information and reminders for example influence with calmness at work, increases your like ability and is very effective! Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.