Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers

Dr. Lois P. Frankel is a distinguished psychologist, executive coach, and author, recognized globally for her expertise in leadership development and career advancement strategies, particularly for women. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Southern California, Frankel has combined academic insight with real-world corporate experience, shaping her into one of the leading voices on professional success and workplace dynamics. Her work focuses on identifying the subtle, often unconscious behaviors that hinder women from reaching top leadership positions and providing actionable strategies to help them overcome these obstacles. Through her bestselling books, coaching, and speaking engagements, Frankel has influenced countless professionals, equipping them with the tools to navigate and excel in corporate environments.

Frankel’s early career experience played a pivotal role in shaping the ideas she presents in Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office. Before establishing herself as an executive coach, she worked in human resources at a Fortune 10 oil company, where she observed firsthand how workplace cultures often reinforced gendered expectations. She noticed that women, despite being highly qualified and competent, often engaged in behaviors that inadvertently held them back. These observations laid the groundwork for her later research and writing. By combining her corporate experience with her psychological expertise, she developed a coaching methodology that empowers women to recognize and correct self-sabotaging habits without compromising their authenticity.

As the president of Corporate Coaching International, Frankel has spent decades consulting with multiple companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Her coaching focuses on leadership development, communication skills, and workplace effectiveness, which makes her a sought-after expert in corporate training. Her work extends beyond just advising individual professionals: She helps organizations create environments that foster diverse leadership and inclusive workplace cultures. Her deep understanding of gender dynamics in corporate settings informs the practical, research-backed strategies she presents in her books, which helps readers benefit from real-world-tested advice.

Frankel’s impact is perhaps most evident through her bestselling books, including Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office, Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich, and See Jane Lead. Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office became an international phenomenon, translated into over twenty-five languages and widely regarded as a must-read for professional women. In it, Frankel identifies 133 unconscious mistakes women make in their careers—behaviors that, while often ingrained through social conditioning, can limit professional growth. The book is structured as a practical guide and offers not just awareness of these behaviors but also specific coaching tips on how to change them. Unlike purely theoretical discussions of workplace gender issues, Frankel’s approach is highly pragmatic, as she focuses on concrete steps individuals can take to improve their career trajectories.

Frankel’s work has been widely recognized by both corporate leaders and media outlets. She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, and NPR, and her insights have been quoted in publications like The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. As a keynote speaker, she has delivered talks at prestigious conferences and industry events, addressing audiences that range from business executives to young professionals looking to advance in their fields. Her ability to translate complex psychological and workplace dynamics into accessible, actionable advice has cemented her reputation as a thought leader in leadership development.

Beyond her corporate and literary success, Frankel is known for her commitment to mentoring. She has been honored with awards such as Maybelline’s Women of Achievement for her efforts in empowering young girls through education. Her work underscores a broader mission—not just to help individual women succeed but to challenge and change the workplace culture that has historically sidelined them. Though Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office focuses on self-improvement rather than systemic reform, Frankel’s broader body of work acknowledges the importance of both individual agency and organizational change in fostering gender equity.

Dr. Lois P. Frankel’s influence on the conversation around women’s career advancement is undeniable. By blending psychology, business strategy, and personal coaching, she has provided generations of women with the tools to navigate professional challenges with confidence and clarity. Her work continues to inspire professionals across industries, ensuring that more women step into leadership roles and redefine success on their own terms.