Liz Perle (1956–2015,) born Elizabeth Perle McKenna, was an American author, editor, and publishing executive known for her insights into women’s careers, identity, and financial independence. She worked in publishing for over two decades, holding leadership roles at Prentice Hall, Addison-Wesley, and Hearst Book Group.
Born in New York City, McKenna attended Yale University, developing an interest in literature and media. She built a successful publishing career, serving as vice president and publisher at Hearst Book Group, overseeing William Morrow and Avon Books.
Her most influential work, When Work Doesn’t Work Anymore: Women, Work, and Identity (1997,) examines women’s struggles to balance career ambitions and personal fulfillment. Based on interviews and surveys, it argues that women often define themselves through work, leading to stress and dissatisfaction, and encourages redefining success beyond professional achievements.
Her second book, Money, A Memoir: Women, Emotions, and Cash (2006,) explores women’s relationship with money, addressing financial independence, emotional spending, and societal expectations. It includes personal anecdotes and practical advice on financial empowerment. McKenna later became editor-in-chief of Common Sense Media, a nonprofit focused on media literacy and children’s digital well-being.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Liz Perle
Women learn the lesson: Coveting money is greedy. Hustling for it is unladylike. Talking about it is crass. And so they develop a quiet ‘I’ll do what it takes to get money, but I don’t want to have to think about it’ attitude.
—Liz Perle
Taking ownership of your money… is really something that gives you independence and gives you more possibility in your life.
—Liz Perle
We spend to feel safe, but in the spending, we chip away at the ground beneath our feet.
—Liz Perle
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