Flip the Script: Turning “Negative” Traits into Career Strengths with Jenny Wood

Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, challenges the idea that success means playing it safe. In this episode, she reveals how to reclaim nine so-called "negative" traits—like being selfish, nosy, or even manipulative—and use them to build confidence, influence without authority, and stand out in your career.

We explore how these traits play out in risk-averse vs. risk-friendly workplaces, how to apply them in team settings (not just as individuals), and how to avoid Trait Traps that turn strengths into weaknesses. Plus, Jenny tackles skepticism around reframing words like "manipulative" and shares which trait challenged her the most.

Resources:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyilles/

• Website: https://itsjennywood.com/

• Book: https://itsjennywood.com/book

• Download Get Promoted Guide: https://itsjennywood.kit.com/7b1b560076

• More Tools from Jenny: https://itsjennywood.com/resources