amBITCHous

November 6, 2006
Condren doesn't mince words: "let's face it, there's just one word that our culture bestows on that supremely ambitious woman who unrepentantly values success in her career: bitch." Reclaiming the word as a virtue, she defines "ambitchous" women as those who make more money, have more power, get the recognition they deserve and have the determination to go after their dreams with integrity. A clinical psychologist and founder of the Women's Business Alliance, Condren shares her story of making career, family and big dreams work, while guiding other women toward embracing their ambitions. Condren grants her readers permission to take their careers seriously and to work toward their dreams rather than work their dreams around their lives. Women should discard the concept of work/life balance in favor of well-warranted imbalance, she argues. Condren advises women on how to be contenders, surround themselves with powerful advice, get paid what they're worth, be responsible to themselves, disable detractors and, finally, to get over the impostor syndrome. Clear suggestions and composite examples of real-life women who have embraced their goals make this an enthusiastic rallying cry.

January 1, 2007
Licensed clinical psychologist Condren (executive director, Women's Business Alliance) wants women everywhere to embrace ambition and pursue their goals without the fear of being labeled a bitch. Condren begins by describing how ambitious women hold themselves back and reveals the financial and emotional consequences. She then offers strategies for embracing ambition in every area of life, from confrontation to public speaking. She repeatedly points out that ambitious women can also be great wives and mothers and that good money buys good day care and other opportunities. This shot in the arm is recommended for most public libraries.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.