WHAT IT TAKES Speak Up, Step Up, Move Up

The author, a Texan with an MBA, had a successful corporate career before becoming a finalist on the TV show "The Apprentice." Explaining that she learned to compete and bond with boys at an early age, she offers a message that is empowering without sounding hyped or silly. She's clear about the bias toward males in business, but instead of whining she methodically explains how women can level the playing field. Her ideas about communication, salary negotiations, office romances, and risk-taking are pointed and proactive. Suggestions like targeting your networking efforts, for example, are excellent time-savers. Most of her advice is similarly focused and intuitive. Though new in her motivational speaker role, she's a celebrity who largely succeeds at conveying her authority and ideas. T.W. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]