Edge

Turning Adversity into Advantage

By: Laura Huang

Narrated by: Laura Huang

Laura Huang, an award-winning Harvard Business School professor, shows that success is about gaining an edge: that elusive quality that gives you an upper hand and attracts attention and support. Some people seem to naturally have it. Now, Huang teaches the rest of us how to create our own—by turning the very challenges and biases that hold us back into advantages.

How do you find a competitive edge when the obstacles feel insurmountable? How do you get people to take you seriously when they’re predisposed not to, and perhaps have already written you off?

In Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage, Huang draws on her groundbreaking research on entrepreneurial intuition, persuasion, and implicit decision-making, to impart her profound findings and share stories of previously-overlooked Olympians, assistants-turned-executives, and flailing companies that made momentous turnarounds. Her framework, EDGE, reveals how to:

• Enrich: Recognize and communicate the unique value you bring—your “basic goods.”
• Delight: Create unexpected moments that surprise others and open doors.
• Guide: Shape and redirect how others perceive you, turning stereotypes into strengths.
• Effort: Channel your hard work where it matters most, so it works harder for you.

Huang shows that success is rarely just about ideas, credentials, and skills, or our effort. Instead, it’s about strategically shaping how others perceive your value—and using authenticity and creativity to make even your weaknesses work in your favor

Critic reviews

“We’re all looking for an edge. But where does it come from? In this insightful and accessible book, Laura Huang provides the answers. Be authentic and distinct. Provide value to others. And turn adversity into advantage. Packed with fascinating stories and counterintuitive principles, Edge is a must read for anyone seeking to stand out from the crowd.”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of When, Drive, and To Sell Is Human

“This book will change how you navigate your career and overcome obstacles along the way. Do yourself, and those you work with, a favor and read it now!”
—Marie Forleo, author of Everything is Figureoutable and founder of B-School

“Edge is for anyone who has found themselves feeling underestimated and unequipped to deal with a tough situation—so, all of us. Huang melds her groundbreaking research with heartfelt stories to show how all of us can—and indeed, must—create our own advantage.”
—Arlan Hamilton, founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital

“Edge is fun to read, beautifully written and resonant—a worthy addition to every entrepreneur's toolbox. Laura Huang is a powerful new voice for those that seek to make a ruckus.”
—Seth Godin, author of This Is Marketing

“When hard work alone isn’t enough, what do you do? Edge is an invaluable guide to decoding the biases and harmful perceptions about you and your work that might be standing in your way. Huang masterfully weaves together original research and powerful stories that will leave you newly inspired and empowered to take charge of your biggest challenges.”
—Susan David, Harvard Medical School psychologist, author of Emotional Agility

“Edge is a superbly researched, deeply insightful, and persuasive book that is destined to be a guidebook for self-empowerment and success. It’s truly out of this world.”
—Terry Virts, former NASA astronaut, International Space Station Commander,
U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot

"Laura Huang's research on bias and gut feeling has moved the field forward significantly. Not only is she an incredible researcher, she has written a compelling, crucial book that will help readers take control of their toughest challenges with poise and authenticity."
—Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, New York Times-bestselling author of Everybody Lies

"An exhilarating read. Harvard Business School professor Laura Huang upends our notions of how to get ahead with advice that is evidence-based, authentic, and hopeful."
—Dolly Chugh, Author of The Person You Mean to Be and Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business

loved it.

loved it! great insights, inspirational and she really shared powerful examples. I was really challenged to look to find my edge.

Very interesting and entertaining book

I found the topics to be intriguing, the principles and the story telling were very engaging and the narration delightful.

Delighted!

Laura Huang knows how to captivate and delight! This was a timely book to read, and I could relate to the principles, and saw parallels at work. It was really affirming to see my journey in the author, and steps I could take in my interactions.

Great book

A lot of great life lessons and I’ll be using many of the things you mentioned. I wrote many things down but probably need to read it again and take more notes.

Impressed/Noteworthy

Truly gained a ton of insight from Edge! So much of success in life and careers are contingent on someone else's opinion. Edge provides valuable examples of how people triumphed with so much obstacles in their way. Laura goes on to explain how enriching, delighting, guiding, and effort play a role in getting others to see sides of your diamond that deserve acknowledgment. I found it invaluable to learn how to persuade judgment when perceptions seem like they cannot be changed. This book is an inspiration!