Champion For Women’s Ambition – Stefanie O’Connell, Author Of The Ambition Penalty, Paves The Way For Change In Corporate Culture.
Making Sense Of Gender Bias And Workplace Injustice
Stefanie O’Connell’s The Ambition Penalty challenges corporate narratives, explores workplace bias against women, and pushes for systemic change to bridge the gap for ambitious women.
Renowned author Stefanie O’Connell is set to release her latest book, The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up—and Then Pushes Them Down. Published by Basic Venture, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, the book delves into the societal and cultural barriers that women face when striving for success in the workplace. The much-anticipated release is scheduled for May 2026.
In this thought-provoking work, O’Connell takes a critical look at corporate culture and how it often penalizes women for embracing ambition. Through a powerful examination of feminist movements, societal expectations, and cultural biases, she highlights the double standards and systemic challenges that continue to define the professional journeys of women today.
Structured into four parts, The Ambition Penalty covers themes such as the myths of “#Girlboss feminism,” the harmful consequences of bias and burnout, and the societal perception of ambitious women. With chapters like “The Lie of #Girlboss Feminism,” “The Future Is Female—but Never Today,” and “Why We (All) Love to Hate Ambitious Women,” O’Connell unpacks the complexities of modern feminism and examines the barriers that continue to limit women’s successes despite public calls for empowerment.
Stefanie O’Connell is a bold advocate for women, shedding light on gender bias and systemic barriers with honesty and brilliance.
This book does not just assess the cultural forces holding women back; it also challenges outdated narratives, such as the mistaken belief that biology or personal choice is responsible for the systemic obstacles women endure. With sharp insights and clear analysis, O’Connell passionately argues why corporate policies and societal norms need to shift in order to accommodate and celebrate the ambition of women.
Published with an eye toward change, The Ambition Penalty will inspire readers to dismantle these biases and push for a more equitable future in workplaces where women no longer have to pay the price for their ambition.
The book is available for pre-order now and is scheduled to hit shelves on May 2026. For bulk purchases, consumers can contact the publisher at special.markets@hbgusa.com.
For media inquiries, interviews with Stefanie O’Connell, or more information, please reach out to Hachette Book Group via HachetteSpeakers@hbgusa.com.
The Ambition Penalty encourages readers to reflect on the constraints of corporate culture and societal pressures and asks us to imagine a world where women can truly thrive without facing unjust penalties for their ambition.
About the Author
Stefanie O’Connell is an established author and speaker passionate about empowering women to achieve professional and personal success. In her work, she navigates the intersection of ambition, identity, and systemic inequalities, highlighting the hidden barriers women face every day.
