Basic Black on Oprah

Today Oprah chatted with Hearst Magazine President and author of Basic Black, Cathie Black. Black, often called “The First Lady of American Magazines,” runs the world's largest monthly magazine publishers including Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Esquire, and O, The Oprah Magazine.

Black's new book, Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life), gives advice for the professional woman (and man) trying to make the most of their career and achieve balance in their personal life too.

Black recommends finding and mentor and following your passions. For a job interview, Black says when in doubt wear basic black. Also, research the corporate atmosphere and dress for the job for which you are interviewing.

Publishers Weekly calls Black's book “a memoir masquerading as a guide to career and life,” adding that the books mostly offers interesting anecdotes and only gives the advice it promises in the very end. Perhaps the book is better for inspiration than for pointed industry tips.