86. Book Discussion: Machiavelli for Women by Stacey Vanek Smith – 500 Years Later & What He Says About Leadership

When you hear the name Machiavelli, what do you think? Historical figure? His work “The Prince” which offered pragmatic and often controversial advice to rules on how to gain and maintain power? Maybe an Amoral Realist who believed the end justifies the means and that rules should be ready to employ deceit and cruelty to achieve their goals? And if someone uses the adjective “Machiavellian” it’s done so to describe cunning and manipulative behavior? Maybe not a good thing, right?

I know I thought some of those things myself but after reading Stacey Vanek Smith’s book Machiavelli for Women I learned a lot more about Machiavelli and came to appreciate the lessons he can offer all of us about leadership and power. And our hope after listening to this podcast, you will too!

So I ask you to suspend any prior beliefs you may have about Machiavelli and let’s open yourself ourselves up to hearing about this man’s writing done during the Renaissance period and their application to us today as proposed by the author!

3 Episode Takeaways

1. No, you’re not crazy. The no-win situation is real but we can navigate all kinds of ways and Machiavelli offers us insights into doing just that.

2. The Cinderella Syndrome and the Hotbox can be a disadvantage but by being aware of them can open up new possibilities by changing the story.

3. Facing the bias monster will mean embracing the hardship and struggle.

Mentioned in the Episode:

Machiavelli For Women by Stacey Vanek Smith

Ep 72, Andrea Mein DeWitt talks about masculine/feminine traits

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