Business books for women are easily accessible and abundant; visit Amazon or your nearest bookshop. But how do you know which book to pick?
Each book can glisten with insights and has the power to change your life. But, the boundless options may feel overwhelming and distract you from your core purpose – finding books that will help you succeed in business, from creating the right mindset to overcoming challenges for female entrepreneurs.
Here are the best books fro women,
The Top Women in Business Books
Before you delve into the never-ending world of business books for women, think strategically about what area or skill you want to develop. We can help you choose the right one to crush your career goals, cultivate confidence, or become financially free.
These are the top books for female entrepreneurs and businesswomen in 2024.
The 15 Best Business Books for Women
1. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Could you be unintentionally holding yourself back in your career? Facebook’s former COO, Sheryl Sandberg, addresses that question in her groundbreaking book about women in the workplace. In it, she discusses gender roles in business and how women can tap into their ambition and succeed.
Who should read this book: Any businesswoman who wants to break gender barriers, feel empowered, and strive for professional success in their career.
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is a best-seller, and rightfully so. While it is not directly related to business, it is an incredibly practical and easy-to-read guide to developing habits and behaviors that will help you succeed. It focuses on everyday and iterative improvement to reach those big, overarching goals.
Who should read this book: Businesswomen or female entrepreneurs who want to change their habits and, in turn, their business or career trajectory.
3. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Leading takes courage and, surprisingly, vulnerability. Brené Brown uses research and stories to share how we can create more daring leaders and courage-fueled cultures. It is a must-read women in business books especially in the AI era, as it speaks to unique human values of empathy, connection, and courage.
It is also one of our bold businesswomen, Loes Daniels’s favorite book as it has helped her be open and honest with her teams.
In summary, Dare to Lead will teach you about the main principles of daring leadership which are vulnerability, value, trust, and the ability to rise whole-heartedly. Does it sound both exhilarating and terrifying? That is the point.
Who should read this book: Female leaders, executives, and team members who want to lead authentically, have tough conversations, and find meaning in their work.
Here are 15 Dare to Lead Quotes That Will Change How You Lead
4. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Research has shown that women are much less confident than men in the workplace, and Claire Shipman and Katty Kay believe it is why men still dominate the corporate world. In their groundbreaking book, they give practical advice on how women can build unbreakable confidence, making it an invaluable business book for women.
Who should read this book: Any woman looking to build confidence to navigate conflict, grow, and succeed.
Recommended Reading: 15 Effective Confidence-building Exercises for Women
5. Grit by Angela Duckworth
In her book, Angela Duckworth argues that achievement is not down to talent but passion and perseverance, or grit, as she calls it. She explores various people in tough professions, interviews top achievers, and shares their invaluable insights. This is one of the best books for women in business and educators.
Who should read this book: If you want to develop a more determined and resilient mindset, pick up this book. It is an indispensable book for business women, educators, and anyone who wants long-term success.
6. Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
Have you heard of a growth mindset? Renowned Psychologist Carol S. Dweck developed this popular concept. In her book, she challenges our fundamental assumptions about our capabilities and determines that we can grow and succeed in most areas by developing a growth mindset.
Who should read this book: Any businesswoman or female entrepreneur looking to develop a mindset that fosters growth, resilience, and success.
Recommended Reading: How Can You Develop a Growth Mindset as a Woman in Business?
7. Originals by Adam Grant
Are you battling to think of original ideas? Then this book is for you. Inspiring thought leader Adam Grant explores how we develop good thought processes and habits to champion new ideas. He also explores how leaders can authentically go against the grain or what he calls groupthink, making it one of the best business books for women.
Who should read this book: Female entrepreneurs looking to innovate and develop new ideas. Female leaders who want to challenge themselves and their teams would also benefit from reading this book.
8. Presence by Amy Cuddy
Do you want to become a bold woman? Amy Cuddy, one of the top female motivational speakers, can help you overcome anxiety, fear, and insecurity. Her book teaches us how to achieve true presence, where we stop worrying about the impression we are making on others and start thinking about the impression we are making on ourselves. She teaches us to handle those important moments by tweaking our body language, mindset, and behavior.
Who should read this book: Any woman who wants to nail an interview, presentation, sales pitch, or develop a more self-assured presence.
What to read next? The 5 Best Books for Improving Speaking Skills plus Their Top Takeaways You Can Put into Practice Today
9. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert offers her unconventional yet pragmatic take on creativity in this captivating book. Creativity is the cornerstone of any successful business or product. In her book, Gilbert guides us on how to treat and use creativity to live our most courageous and fulfilling lives.
Who should read this book: Women who want to be more creative at work, and in their everyday lives, or female entrepreneurs who want to fully commit to their passion projects.
10. When Women Lead by Julia Boorstin
CNBC’s reporter, Julia Boorsti, dives deep into the top characteristics of female leaders. She shares over 60 stories from female CEOs and leaders and gathers fascinating insights on how females run companies, and influential women lead.
Who should read this book: Women who want to learn from real-life businesswomen and feel empowered at work.
11. Female Founders’ Playbook by Anne Boden
Founder of Starling Bank, Anne Boden knows first-hand that building a business isn’t easy. She wants to help you build a unicorn – a high-growth enterprise. She brings together the experiences of leading women entrepreneurs and tech VCs to deliver insights on finding ideas, team-building techniques, and how to secure investments.
Who should read this book: This is one of the best books for female entrepreneurs who want access to unfiltered guidance from the best women in business.
12. Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love by Tori Dunlap
What if money didn’t mean restrictions but freedom? Freedom to follow your passion, quit a job you hate, or retire early. In Tori’s book, she offers a practical approach to money, from mindful spending and investing so you are freed by money, not trapped by it.
Who should read this book: Any woman who wants to earn financial freedom and make your money work for you and not the other way around.
13. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
How can you create a truly remarkable product? One that is worth marketing. Marketing extraordinaire, Godin explores successful companies like Starbucks, Apple, and JetBlue to help you uncover what makes a product remarkable. Serial female e-commerce entrepreneur, Marcia Kilgore, says that this is one of the top books for female entrepreneurs, as it encourages us to really think about our product.
Who should read this book: Female entrepreneurs who are developing a product, thinking about developing a product, and women who want to market an existing product.
Find Out More About 15 Innovative Female Ecommerce Entrepreneurs And Their Out of the Box Brands
14. Girl Code by Cara Alwill
Lose the facade, stop pretending everything is perfect, and start supporting other female entrepreneurs. This book shares real-life trials, tribulations, and breakthroughs of women. It is a roadmap for female entrepreneurs and businesswomen who want to understand their why and harness the power of connections.
Who should read this book: Female entrepreneurs who want to be part of something bigger, find meaning, and learn from other women.
15. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
It may be time to rethink your business’s finances. This book shows how entrepreneurs can transform their businesses from cash-eating monsters to profitable cash cows. By using 4 simple principles, small and large businesses can benefit and be truly profitable in the long run.
Who should read this book: Female entrepreneurs who want to discover how they can make their small or big businesses profitable.
16. How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
Leadership expert Sally Helgesen and bestselling leadership coach Marshall Goldsmith have seen the surprising roadblocks that women face repeatedly at work. They will help you break 12 habits that females typically hold onto so you can find an unobstructed path to your greatest goals.
Who should read this book: Any woman who feels stuck at work or like she has reached a dead end. This book will not only help you get on track but find the fastest route to success.
17. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Founder of the iconic brand Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, is an outdoor enthusiast, philanthropist, environmentalist, and reluctant businessman. Named as one of the most influential people by TIME in 2024, there is a lot that you can learn from him in his insightful book.
He shares his journey, the outdoor expeditions that inspired him to start Patagonia, and how he created one of the most environmentally conscious brands. He speaks about how he combined his passions to create Patagonia’s inspiring mission statement, “Make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
Who should read this book: Any entrepreneur and outdoor enthusiast will be affected by this book, especially female entrepreneurs who want to build something that is sustainable and lasts.
Recommended Reading: Bold BusinessWomen: Q&A With Etsy E-commerce Entrepreneur, Michele Ferron
How We Categorize These Books
While any one of these books can help transform your career, business, or life, we have shelved them so you can take your perfect pick.
Business Books for Women
Here are the best business books for women that focus on leadership skills, mindset, and barriers women face in business.
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
- The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
- Grit by Angela Duckworth
- Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
- Originals by Adam Grant
- Presence by Amy Cuddy
- When Women Lead by Julia Boorstin
- How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
Books for Female Entrepreneurs
Here are the best books for female entrepreneurs that can help you develop a product, give financial advice, and offer support and words of wisdom for your ongoing journey.
- Purple Cow by Seth Godin
- Girl Code by Cara Alwill
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
- Female Founders’ Playbook by Anne Boden
- Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Self Improvement Books for Women
These self improvement books for women can help you with the crucial everyday elements of life like building confidence, navigating your personal finances, and exploring your deepest, creative passions.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love by Tori Dunlap
Recommended Reading: The 10 Top-rated Self Improvement Books for Women in 2024
Which Business Book for Women Will You Read Next?
This list of business books for women covers various topics, from developing a resilient mindset to growing leadership skills and overcoming obstacles. There is something for every type of woman here. There are books for female entrepreneurs, women leaders, and women starting in their careers. It is never too early or too late to discover revolutionary insights and advice and change your trajectory.
And remember, self-improvement for women is ongoing. So, what book will you read next?
If you are short on time but still want to learn from inspiring women and thought leaders, find out what Women in Business Podcasts You Need to Download.
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