Dr. Alison Fragale: Author of Likeable Badass and UNC Professor and Assistant Dean

Triangle Tweener Talks

What does it take to embrace your unique strengths, navigate the dynamics of power and status, and achieve the success you deserve?

In this episode of Triangle Tweener Talks, we sit down with Dr. Alison Fragale, author of Likable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. Alison is a distinguished professor at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and a former McKinsey consultant with deep expertise in organizational psychology. Her mission? To empower female founders—and leaders of all genders—to build influence, negotiate effectively, and claim their rightful place at the table.

We discuss the core principles of Alison’s book, exploring the fascinating interplay between power and status and how women can use these insights to overcome workplace challenges. Later, we shift gears to discuss how female founders can apply psychological frameworks to secure capital, forge critical relationships, and thrive in the startup ecosystem.

But Alison’s message isn’t just for women. The frameworks, strategies, and real-world examples shared in this episode offer universal lessons for any founder or leader looking to level up their negotiation skills, leadership approach, or influence.

Tune in to hear:

• The surprising relationship between power, status, and likability—and how to use it to your advantage
• Why setting boundaries in negotiations is a critical (and likable) power move
• The importance of building relationships early for entrepreneurial success
• Practical tips for navigating the unique challenges female founders face
• How Alison’s own journey has shaped her perspective on leadership and influence
• Alison’s actionable advice for leveraging your LinkedIn presence, building your network, and positioning yourself as a leader in your industry.

Where to Find Dr. Alison Fragale:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonfragale/
• Website: https://alisonfragale.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonfragale/
• Substack: https://alisonfragale.substack.com/
• Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve: https://www.amazon.com/Likeable-Badass-Women-Success-Deserve/dp/0385549148

Where to Find Scot Wingo:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thescotwingo/
• Tweener Times: https://www.tweenertimes.com/
• X: https://x.com/scotwingo

In this episode:

(00:02:37) McKinsey to UNC to Likeable Badass

(00:09:47) Should UNC Have a Likeable Badass Academy?

(00:14:30) How the Book Came to Be

(00:19:59) Most Books are "Power Leads and Status Follows". Not This One

(00:25:19) What It Does and Doesn't Mean to be a Servant Leader

(00:35:45) "You can't build anything if you can't work with people and you can't influence people."

(00:39:41) Proactive Relationship Building for Female Founders

(00:44:03) When the First Idea Doesn't Work...

(00:55:10) The Interpersonal Circumplex and What That Means for Leaders

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Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Earfluence.