In this engaging discussion, Laura Huang, an associate professor at Harvard Business School and author of *Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage*, shares insights on navigating personal and professional spaces. She argues that embracing constraints can turn challenges into strengths and that self-awareness shouldn't hinder guidance. Laura emphasizes the importance of owning your narrative and actively shaping how others perceive you. Plus, she dispels the myth that being authentic equates to selling out, championing the power of storytelling in leadership.
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insights INSIGHT
Myth of Meritocracy
Hard work is essential but often insufficient for success.
People realize the world isn't entirely meritocratic, as some succeed with less effort.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Bad Advice
"Be yourself" is bad advice because there are many versions of ourselves.
Show the side of yourself that shines brightest in each situation, like facets of a diamond.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Networking Gone Wrong
Laura Huang shares a story about awkward networking attempts with an associate dean.
A chance encounter on a flight led to a genuine connection and mentorship.
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Laura Huang: Edge
Laura Huang is an associate professor at the Harvard Business School. Her research examines interpersonal relationships and implicit bias in entrepreneurship and in the workplace. She is the creator of #FindYourEdge, an initiative dedicated to addressing inequality and disadvantage through personal empowerment.
Her award-winning research has been featured in the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Forbes — and she was named one of the 40 Best Business School Professors Under the Age of 40 by Poets & Quants. She’s the author of the book Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage*.
In this conversation, Laura and I discuss the value of constraints, why hard work isn’t enough, and the reason you’re not selling out when reclaiming an awareness of yourself. We also explore why it’s essential for you to be able to tell your story.
Key Points
“Be yourself” is sometimes bad advice.
You’re not selling out when you reclaim an awareness of yourself.
Bring value — and also be sure that people KNOW you bring value.
Self awareness can sometimes encumber our ability to guide.
Don’t passively let others write your narrative — write your own narrative and guide other’s view of you. Let your past make you better, not bitter.
Resources Mentioned
Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage* by Laura Huang
Companion guide at LauraHuang.net
Book Notes
Download my highlights from Edge in PDF format (free membership required).
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