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This Week in Startups

E1028: Laura Huang, author of “Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage” shares insights on overcoming disadvantages to create an edge, being bitter vs. getting better, structural bias in tech & more

Feb 14, 2020
Laura Huang, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage," dives into transforming challenges into strengths. She discusses structural biases in tech that affect female entrepreneurs and how to leverage negative perceptions to demonstrate value. Huang emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience, sharing her thoughts on dealing with bitterness versus growth. Listeners can also learn about the power of connection in overcoming disadvantages and the significance of self-empowerment in the face of systemic challenges.
01:14:47

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Strategically shape others' perceptions by addressing biases, redirecting conversations, and emphasizing unique strengths to gain an edge in professional settings.
  • Take proactive steps to showcase abilities and achievements, focusing on enriching and delighting others to increase chances of recognition.

Deep dives

Strategies for Turning Adversity into Advantage

In her book, Laura Huang discusses strategies for turning adversity into advantage. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding the perceptions and biases others may have towards you based on factors such as gender, race, and background. By anticipating these perceptions and guiding them in a positive direction, individuals can strategically shape others' perceptions of their abilities and potential. This involves addressing potential biases head-on, redirecting the conversation, and emphasizing one's unique strengths and contributions. The goal is to delight others and create opportunities to showcase and provide value, ultimately gaining an edge in professional settings.

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