We are in the era of self-improvement. Business books for women are easily accessible and abundant; visit Amazon or your nearest bookshop. Each book can glisten with insights and empowerment for businesswomen. Some books are so powerful that they can even change your career or business trajectory. 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.
Before you delve into the never-ending world of books for women in business, think strategically about what area or skill you want to develop. This list of business books for women will help you choose the right one.
10 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 an essential business book for women navigating the AI era, as it speaks to unique human values of empathy, connection, and courage.
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.
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 and succeed like their male counterparts.
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 book is not only one of the best books for women in business but also for educators.
Who should read this book: Anyone who wants to develop a more determined and resilient mindset, an essential attribute for female entrepreneurs.
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.
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 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.
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 entrepreneur. 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 address challenges at work 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.
Conclusion
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 businesswoman here, and these books are written by some of today’s most inspiring thought leaders.
Self-improvement for women is ongoing; these books can help you. It is time to feel empowered with the turn of a page. So, what book will you read next?
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