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[Helen Gurley] Brown had to leave college to put herself through secretarial school, and soon powered her way through 16 secretarial jobs. “It was her 17th job, at the advertising agency Foote, Cone, and Belding, that launched her future success,” the obit said.
“As executive secretary to Don Belding, Gurley Brown’s work ethic and witty notes impressed both her boss and his wife, who suggested she try her hand at writing advertising copy. She proved her talent, winning prizes for her copy. By the late 1950s, she had become the highest-paid female copywriter on the West Coast.”
Wow! Executive secretary to a powerful Don? Known for her wit, grit, and nonstop work ethic? Shades of Peggy Olson, “Mad Men”’s girl wonder!
…
Helen Gurley Brown was a bright, hard-working Peggy who longed to be a “bosomy” Joan. That’s the essential tension of her life, and why she worked so hard at self-improvement.
”— MediaPost: Helen Gurley Brown: Polarizing Mix Of ‘Mad Men”s Peggy And Joan
