Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office

In this landmark episode of The Look & Sound of Leadership, host Tom Henschel breaks from his usual solo format to conduct his first-ever interview with Dr. Lois Frankel, author of the groundbreaking book *Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office*. The conversation centers on evolving strategies for women in leadership, using two contrasting client profiles: Grace, a highly competent but hesitant woman who struggles to speak up in meetings, and Nicole, a high-achieving but abrasive leader whose assertiveness alienates colleagues. Henschel and Frankel explore their differing coaching philosophies—Henschel’s behavioral, performance-based approach versus Frankel’s psychological, past-focused method—highlighting how coaching chemistry matters. The episode emphasizes that being 'nice' doesn’t mean passive; true leadership involves assertive yet kind communication, strategic amplification, and reclaiming one’s ideas without aggression. Frankel’s updated third edition of the book offers practical, actionable scripts to help women rebrand themselves as confident leaders without losing their authenticity.