Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It

Finally got around to reading this, and Wood’s perspective on "NAP" work—not actually promotable—is exactly what I needed to hear. Too often, we get bogged down in the invisible labor of meeting notes and quick replies that don't move the needle on our actual goals. The chapter on being "Brutal" with your time was a wake-up call, though I struggled a bit with the aggressive tone in some sections. It’s a fast-paced guide that forces you to look at your career through a much more strategic lens. If you’re feeling stuck in a corporate rut, the practical tools like the Power Portfolio offer a concrete way to start digging yourself out. It's refreshing to see someone admit that being "nice" isn't always the fastest route to the top. The writing is punchy and the stories are surprisingly relatable despite the author's high-flying background.

Wow. I’ve read my fair share of career books, but this one actually gave me tools I could use the very next morning. The concept of the "Power Portfolio" changed how I present my quarterly wins to my manager, focusing on my top three assets instead of obsessing over minor weaknesses. I loved the personal anecdotes, particularly the story about how she met her husband on a train; it perfectly illustrated her point about bold, "shameless" action. Truth is, we spend so much time trying to blend in that we become forgettable, which is the death of a career. Wood’s writing is engaging and high-energy, making it feel like you have a mentor shouting encouragement in your ear. It’s an empowering read for anyone who has been told they are "too much." It transforms fear into courage in a way that feels very authentic.

Look, the workplace isn't always a kind place, and this book is one of the few that actually acknowledges that reality. Wood doesn't tell you to wait for permission; she tells you to take up space and be "weird" because that’s what makes you memorable. I really appreciated the specific examples of how to rewrite emails to focus on "you" instead of "I," which has already improved my response rates. It's a bold, unapologetic manifesto for anyone tired of playing small. The focus on results over ego is a refreshing change of pace from typical self-help fluff. Even if you don't agree with every single chapter, the "Wild Courage" mindset is something we could all use a bit more of. It provides thought-provoking insights that actually challenge how you view your professional identity.

It takes a lot for a professional development book to actually hold my attention, but I burned through this in two sittings. The "Power Portfolio" concept is a game-changer for anyone who feels like their hard work is going unnoticed by the higher-ups. Wood’s vulnerability about her own mistakes, like the "Brutal" chapter involving her daughter and a blender incident, makes the advice feel more human and less like a lecture. Frankly, we need more books that give people permission to be ambitious without the usual caveats about being "likable." It’s an empowering, fast-paced guide that turns conventional wisdom on its head in the best way possible. Truly a unique perspective on finding strength in parts of ourselves we’ve been told to hide. The user-friendly approach with simple tools makes it accessible for anyone.

Ever wonder why some people seem to skyrocket while others stall? Jenny Wood argues it’s about reclaiming traits we usually hide, like being "nosy" or "bossy," and turning them into professional assets. I found the section on curiosity particularly fascinating, especially the research about how it literally changes your brain chemistry to be more receptive to new information. While the advice leans heavily toward an American corporate style that might not fly in every culture, the core message about self-advocacy is universal. The writing is incredibly clear and moves at a clip, making it a perfect weekend read for anyone looking to level up. I did feel some of the advice on "manipulation" was a bit of a stretch, but the overarching theme of courage holds weight. It provides a unique perspective on finding strength amid adversity.

As someone who struggles with impostor syndrome, the chapter on being "Shameless" was exactly the kick in the pants I required. Wood highlights how we often pack our bags for a departure we’re certain is coming, sabotaging our own sense of belonging before anyone else can. The advice to get to the hardest part of a conversation within the first 90 seconds is something I’ve already started implementing with my team. Not gonna lie, some of the "Bossy" and "Manipulative" reframing made me a little uncomfortable, as I value collaborative leadership. But maybe that’s the point—to push us out of our comfort zones. The book is easy to digest and filled with actionable prompts that make the concepts feel attainable rather than just theoretical. It offers a fresh approach to goals and career development that I haven't seen elsewhere.

Jenny Wood's approach is definitely unconventional, but that's what makes it work. I’ve been following her work since her Google days, and this book feels like the culmination of years of sharp, practical observations. The "90-second rule" for delivering feedback is worth the price of the book alone, especially for those of us who tend to sugarcoat things until the point is lost. I did find the focus on American corporate culture a bit narrow, as some of these tactics would be seen as highly offensive in more reserved cultures. However, for someone navigating the tech world, these insights are gold. It's a quick, easy read that manages to be both thought-provoking and deeply practical. It's the kind of book that helps you visualize the people you work with in a totally different light.

Not what I expected at all, but in a good way. I thought "Wild Courage" would be about physical bravery, but Wood applies that same raw intensity to the corporate boardroom. The way she reframes "Selfishness" as a necessary tool for survival and growth is particularly poignant. While I agree with other reviewers that her background is quite privileged, the actual tools she provides—like the WINN framework—don't require a Harvard degree to execute. My only gripe is that the chapter on "Manipulation" felt a bit forced, as if she was trying too hard to be provocative. Still, the overall message of reclaiming your individuality to drive success is incredibly powerful and well-delivered. It’s a great read with practical advice on career and success topics that's helpful at any life stage.

Picked this up because of the buzz, and while it's a solid 3-star read, I had some issues with the consistency. For example, she warns against "NAP" work but then admits to valuing quick replies from others, which feels like a bit of a double standard. The nine traits she chooses to highlight are a clever hook, but the rebranding often feels like wordplay rather than deep psychological shifts. That said, the section on being "Nosy" as a form of deep curiosity was a highlight for me. The "WINN" acronym—What I Need Now—is a helpful way to filter commitments when you're feeling overwhelmed. It’s a decent book for early-career professionals, but seasoned leaders might find the advice a bit transactional and lacking in emotional intelligence. The content is relatable, but the execution feels a bit contradictory at times.

This book left me feeling incredibly conflicted. On one hand, the writing is punchy and the concepts like the "Red Sneakers Effect" are entertaining to read about. However, I can't shake the feeling that this advice is born from a place of immense privilege that doesn't translate to most working-class environments. Wood’s background at Harvard and Google provides a safety net that allows for "reckless" behavior that would get someone else fired in a heartbeat. The rebranding of traits like "manipulative" and "brutal" felt more like a justification for toxic behavior than a guide for true leadership. To be fair, the 90-second rule for hard conversations is a useful tactic, but it doesn't outweigh the problematic core of the book. It's essentially a guide for how to be more self-centered under the guise of empowerment. I expected raw bravery, not corporate manipulation tactics dressed up as courage.