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ABOUT ALISON FRAGALE

As a research psychologist, award-winning professor, international keynote speaker, and author, I’m on a mission to help others — especially women — work and live better by understanding and applying the science of people. I excel at translating my deep academic expertise in status, power, negotiation, and influence into actionable advice.

Likeable Badass: How Women Get The Success They Deserve will be published by Penguin Random House on September 3, 2024. 

Alison Fragale smiling wearing a gold chain necklas and a navy blue blazerSpeaker.
Author.
Professor.

  • Early Riser.
  • Wine Lover.
  • Slow Runner.
  • Compulsive Organizer.
  • Power Shopper.
  • Vegas Gambler.
  • Apres Skier.

The Bio stuff

I empower women to get what they want, at work and in life.

My presentations are equal parts entertaining and educational. I speak and write about:

  • Gaining status and power
  • Mastering the art and science of negotiation
  • Influencing without authority
  • Navigating conversations about pay, promotion, and career advancement
  • Leading from where you are
  • Developing a powerhouse network
  • Cultivating a strong, authentic personal brand

My speaking clients are high-performing organizations and industry groups who want to support their members’ growth and effectiveness by offering cutting-edge skills to live and work better. I customize each event based on the needs of the audience.

The Resume Stuff

  • Professor at Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina (since 2004)
  • Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Stanford University Graduate School of Business
  • B.A. from Dartmouth College in Math and Economics
  • Former management consultant for McKinsey & Company
  • My research and commentary has appeared in news outlets such as Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Fast Company, Inc. Magazine, and The Financial Times.

The Fun Stuff

  • I live in Chicago with my husband and three children, who are all named after professional athletes.
  • I love, in no particular order: cheap coffee, not-so-cheap wine, fabulous shoes, home organizing, sushi, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Peloton workouts, Hallmark movies, and The Golden Girls.
  • My favorite celebrity moment was playing bingo with Al Michaels. Buy me a coffee or wine and I’ll tell you all about it!

THINGS YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW   ABOUT ALISON BUT REALLY WANT TO

Will always order bread pudding from a dessert menu
Hates to fly (but does it every week)
Aspires to live in London someday
Loves to drive stick shift
Listens to Christmas music starting at Halloween
Got married in Las Vegas