To assist you in stepping into your power, we have compiled a selection of the finest leadership books for women. But first, let's define the term "leader." The following are some of the proposed definitions: a person responsible for implementing a plan which advocates for a particular concept or an educator. According to these definitions, every woman can be considered a leader. Regardless of whether you manage a household, a business, or are employed by someone else, this holds true. You always lead someone, whether your children, coworkers, or employees. You are always in a position of leadership. Now that we have that out of the way let's find you something new to read.
Why reading books written specifically for women leaders is so vital
One of the most effective ways to increase one's knowledge is to read. You can enhance your personal and professional development by reading any of the books on this list of leadership books for women. If you are in a leadership position, choose one or two books from this list and make it a point to read them. When you read a book, you benefit from the author's years of expertise and the research and study into writing the book. Reading also provides you with additional benefits such as the following:- It helps reduce tension as well as anxiety.
- It will help you fall asleep more quickly.
- Enhances the connections in the brain.
- It helps you understand more and expands your vocabulary.
25 of the greatest books on leadership written for women readers
I hope that this selection of books written by women leaders inspires you, whether your goal is to develop personally or to have a more significant impact through your work. To begin, select the topic that most piques your interest, and then consider how the leadership lessons you will acquire can improve the quality of your life.1. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Brene Brown calls herself "a researcher, storyteller, and Texan who has spent the past two decades exploring courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy." She also hosts the podcast known as Unlocking Us, which is a best-selling book. However, she is probably most recognized for her TED lecture about vulnerability, one of the most viewed TED talks worldwide. She was born and raised in the state of Texas. Brene's investigation and reflection on the topics of bravery and leadership culminated in the publication of her book, titled Dare to Lead. Readers are encouraged to begin leading with empathy, connection, and courage by following her advice. In addition, she offers directions to leadership that is daring, thoughtful, and practical in this book. It is, without a doubt, one of the most helpful books on leadership for women.2. Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change
A successful entrepreneur, Stacey Abrams is also the chief executive officer of a charitable organization and a political leader. She is currently one of the black women politicians in the United States with the most name recognition. She is a formidable opponent who one cannot take lightly. Even though she already has a massive list of achievements under her belt, she is only getting started. This book is a handbook for individuals on the outside looking in and eager to make a difference. Stacey explains that it is equally as necessary to identify a cause you are willing to fight as it is to be aware of how to put your ideas into practice. And in this book, she uses her findings to break down how ambition, fear, money, and failure function in leadership while presenting human tales to highlight practical techniques. This book is called "The Ambition Paradox."3. The Likeability Trap
Alicia Menendez is a distinguished journalist and broadcaster who has won numerous awards. In addition to that, she is the host of the podcast Latina to Latina. The phrase "the likeability trap" refers to the pressure put on women to be "nice" in all settings, including the workplace, the family, and interactions. In this book, Alicia encourages readers to abandon outdated norms and reconceive what it means to be a leader. It investigates the cost that women pay for adhering to and caving in to the expectation that they should be polite. It is, perhaps, the only book of its kind geared just for women leaders, so you should give it a read.4. In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs
Authoring books, blogging, and running her own business are all things that Grace Bonney does. She is the person who initially conceptualized both Design*Sponge and Good Company magazine. In addition, she is the host of the weekly podcast titled "After The Jump." The book tells the extraordinary and significant life stories of more than a hundred different women. It describes how they embraced their creative energy, triumphed over adversity, and launched a movement spread throughout the globe. This excellent book is frequently featured on top-ten lists, including Best Holiday Gift Book, Best Gift for Coworkers, and Best Mother's Day Gift. Additionally, we have added it to our list of the top books on leadership for women.5. We Should All Be Feminists
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a novelist whose works have been published in a wide variety of books and magazines and for which she has won various awards. She was also recognized as one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World and one of Fortune magazine's 50 Greatest Leaders in the World. Both of these honors were bestowed to her by Fortune magazine. The essay titled "We Should All Be Feminists" provides a contemporary interpretation of "feminist." This is an adaptation of her TED presentation with the same title, in which she discusses what it means to be a woman in today's society and why we should all be feminists. This book should be your choice if you are only going to read one of the titles on this list of leadership books for women.6. Power Moves: How Women Can Pivot, Reboot, and Build a Career of Purpose
In addition to being the host of The Femails podcast, Lauren McGoodwin is the founder of Career Contessa. In addition to this, she is a speaker and writer on women's careers, and she has been featured on stages such as TED Women and in sources such as Good Morning America, Goop, and more. If you are interested in finding women's leadership books that can assist you in constructing a successful career on your terms, you should pick up a copy of Power Moves. In addition to this, it provides women with the information, direction, and tools they need to act decisively without getting lost in self-doubt.7. The Fear-Fighter Manual: Lessons from a Professional Troublemaker
Luvvie Ajayi Jones is an author who has sold many books and is also a popular speaker. As a professional truth-teller, she is well-known for her sense of humor and honesty. In "The Fear Fighter Manual," Luvvie contributed her characteristic wit, which was informed by the example set by her motivational grandmother. She believes that stating the truth is a form of exercise. Therefore, Luvvie encourages readers to become professional troublemakers in this book. These are dedicated to the idea that they will not allow fear to talk them out of what they need to do or say to live free.8. Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
Adam Grant is one of the most well-known speakers at TED and has written several books that have become bestsellers. In addition to that, he is the host of the popular podcast known as WorkLife. Adam is a notable authority on how we might find the motivation and meaning to live more giving and creative lives due to his work as an organizational psychologist. In his book Originals, he explores how eradicating long-held customs might bring about positive change. He investigates what occurs when leaders argue for ideas and beliefs that oppose the prevalent culture and norms. To demonstrate to readers how to be originality-focused leaders, Adam combines case studies and personal tales – which is why we believe it would be an excellent addition to our list.9. Million Dollar Women: The Essential Guide for Female Entrepreneurs Who Want to Go Big
Julia Pimsleur is a specialist in mentality and an expert in the business coaching field. In addition to that, she is the founder of Million Dollar Women, a company that assists female business owners in expanding their operations. The book Million Dollar Women is a fantastic illustration of the type of women's leadership book packed full of ideas and helpful insights. It provides a wealth of knowledge on how to establish a company that is worth one million dollars. It also teaches you to identify mentors, raise money for your team, and employ the proper people to work on your project.10. My Own Words
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an accomplished author and public speaker in addition to serving as the second female justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. She lost her long and hard-fought fight with cancer in 2020 when she was 87. However, she will be recognized as a significant figure in law, culture, and feminism. RBG was a powerful advocate for the rights of employees and gender equality in the workplace. In her book, My Own Words, she went through the same issues in greater detail. And, of course, it was delivered with the engaging but profound wit that has been her trademark. The reader is given a glimpse into the life of one of the most influential and essential women leaders of our time through the pages of this book. Is it any surprise that it made it onto our list of the top leadership books for women to read?11. More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)
Elaine Welteroth is a TV personality, a novelist who has sold millions of copies of her books, and a journalist who has won multiple awards. When she was chosen as the first Black beauty editor of Teen Vogue, she became the youngest person to ever hold the position of Editor-in-Chief at a Condé Nast publication. As a result of her work, Elaine is now recognized as a top expert in her field. In addition, she is also considered an advocate for the next generation of people who will effect change. As a result, she decided to write "More Than Enough," a book that is part biography and half manifesto, to inspire future leaders to carve out a space for themselves despite critics or self-doubt.12. How Remarkable Women Lead: The Breakthrough Model for Work and Life
Joanna Barsh is a director emeritus at McKinsey & Company, where she worked for more than three decades before becoming a best-selling book. In addition to that, Susie Cranston was employed by McKinsey & Company as an organization consultant. They were both contributors to the creation and the launch of The Centered Leadership Project. Get yourself a copy of "How Remarkable Women Lead" if you're searching for an upbeat and inspiring take on what it takes to be successful in today's world. In addition to this, it provides one-of-a-kind perspectives on achievement founded on research that spans five years. You will also be treated to fascinating tales of influential women who have achieved success.13. Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder
Arianna Huffington is not only one of the co-founders of the Huffington Post Media Group but also serves as its editor-in-chief. Thrive Global was also started by her, and she serves as the company's CEO at present. In addition to this, she is the author of fifteen novels, and she is widely recognized as one of the most powerful women in the world. Thrive was founded by Arianna after she struggled with weariness and a lack of sleep for an extended period of time. In the book, she analyzes how the modern notion of success has contributed to widespread cases of burnout and illnesses tied to stress. Therefore, she suggests that readers incorporate one's level of happiness as a third criterion for success and one's level of wealth and power. Arianna also encourages us to establish a connection with what is fundamentally significant. This is one of the many reasons it is considered an excellent book on leadership for women.14. Becoming
In case you didn't already know, Michelle Obama is the first African American to take on being the First Lady of the United States of America. In addition, she is a lawyer and a public speaker. She is, without a doubt, one of the women of our time who is the most well-known, most iconic, and fascinating. Michelle Obama's autobiography is titled "Becoming." It tells the stories that have influenced her throughout her life. And now we are introduced to a woman of spirit and substance who has confounded our assumptions. This is a book that has a tremendously positive impact. And since it demonstrates how Michelle Obama epitomizes grace, compassion, and humility in the face of a harsh glare, it is one of the best leadership books available for women.15. Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur
Author, blogger, and public speaker Cara Alwill Leyba has written books that have become bestsellers. In addition to that, she is the host of the highly acclaimed podcast Style Your Mind. Cara was one of the pioneering voices in the movement driven by women. Her work is focused on enabling women to create their chances and motivating other women to do the same. In her book titled "Girl Code," she offers advice on increasing your self-assurance, letting go of feelings of envy, and assisting other women.16. The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
Julie Zhuo is regarded as one of the most accomplished product design executives in Silicon Valley. She is in charge of the teams responsible for some of the most widely used web and mobile services, and we all use them. In addition to this, Julie writes for major publications and on her blog, The Year of the Looking Glass, about topics related to leadership and technology. In "The Making of a Manager," Julie dissects and analyzes her experiences as a new manager, beginning at 25, and shares her observations and advice with the reader. It is jam-packed with everyday examples and models of how a great manager is formed, and it covers a wide range of management topics.17. The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance - What Women Should Know
Good Morning America and other ABC News national broadcasts frequently include Claire Shipman's contributions as a regular contributor. Additionally, Katty Kay is an anchor for BBC World News America and a best-selling novelist. In addition to that, she is a regular contributor on both "Meet the Press" and "Morning Joe." The Confidence Code is one of the books that made it onto our list of recommended reads for women in leadership roles since it applies to all stages of a woman's professional life. It provides women with guidance that can change their lives and help them become more confident. This book is also a helpful resource that can assist you in achieving your objectives and securing the careers that you deserve.18. Ask for It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Want
The field of economics is one that Professor Linda Babcock teaches at Carnegie Mellon University. In addition to that, she is an expert in resolving conflicts and negotiating contracts. On the other side, Sara Laschever's work has been included in significant magazines such as the New York Times, the New York Review of Books, and Vogue. Titled "Ask For It," it outlines why women should ask for what they need, whether a raise, an overdue promotion, an exciting new task, or even extra help around the house. It offers methods for resolving problems, suggestions for efficient negotiation, and guidance for making effective requests, among other things. Read one of these books about leadership for women to better your personal and professional life. These books are written specifically for women.19. Own It: The Power of Women at Work
A former force on Wall Street, Sallie Krawcheck has since transitioned into the world of entrepreneurship. Additionally, Krawcheck is also the chief executive officer and founder of Ellevest. Sallie draws on her own experiences working in the male-dominated Wall Street offices to teach other women how to negotiate the world and reach their level of success in the book Own It. She is optimistic that things will improve in the future. And now is the time for women to acknowledge their natural advantages. Now is when you should capitalize on those qualities to advance your career.20. The Next Generation of Women Leaders: What You Need to Lead but Won't Learn in Business School
In her talks, author and speaker Selena Rezvani addresses various issues pertaining to professional women. Currently, she is contributing to Forbes and Philadelphia Magazine as a columnist for their respective women's issues sections. The Next Generation of Women Leaders is a compilation of interviews with successful businesswomen who share their insights on how they rose to the top of their industries. If you want to learn how to lead others and feel more confident, this is one of those books about women's leadership that you should read.21. Know Your Value: Women, Money, and Getting What You're Worth
A well-known name in the media, Mika Brzezinski, has held positions as a journalist, talk show host, political pundit, and author. She is a co-host on Morning Joe's daily morning talk show, which airs on radio and television. Know Your Value is a conversation that sheds light on the challenges women face and why we are paid less. This book contains interviews with Valerie Jarrett, Susie Essman, Nora Ephron, Sheryl Sandberg, Joy Behar, and other prominent women.22. Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Simon Sinek is a well-known author who has written many books about leadership that have become bestsellers. However, you may have seen some of his videos that went viral. Simon investigated the most influential people throughout history for his book "Start With Why." And he concluded that all of them thought, behaved, and communicated in the same manner. Most importantly, Simon realized that every great leader’s first question is always "Why?" As a result, he strongly recommends that you ask the same question.23. Successful Women Think Differently: 9 Habits to Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient
Author, lecturer, and life coach Valorie Burton has authored books that have become bestsellers. Additionally, she is the creator of The Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute, popularly known as CaPP. Valorie reveals in her book Successful Women Think Differently how you may construct new modes of thinking that will assist you in achieving success in your relationships, at your job, in your health, and in your finances. She shares the knowledge and experience that she has gained from her job over those twenty years of assisting others.24. Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers
An expert in leadership development for women, Dr. Lois P. Frankel, is known all over the world. She is also a best-selling author and a coach. In addition to that, she serves as the President of Corporate Coaching International at present. One of the most helpful leadership books for women is "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office." This book examines the common qualities among women that prevent them from attaining their objectives. Read this book to educate yourself on identifying these characteristics in yourself and acquire advice on what you should do to find success.25. Choosing to Prosper: Triumphing Over Adversity, Breaking Out of Comfort Zones, Achieving Your Life and Money Dreams by Bola Sokunbi
One of the most helpful books on leadership for women is "Choosing to Prosper: Triumphing Over Adversity, Breaking Out of Comfort Zones, Achieving Your Life and Money Dreams," written by Bola Sokunbi, creator of Clever Girl Finance and a prominent figure in the world of finance. If you suffer from the impostor syndrome and lack confidence in your leadership abilities, then you need to read this book. Bola gives readers the tools to increase their self-assurance, discover their unique voice, and realize personal and professional development.Include some of these top books on women's leadership in your next reading list!
Therefore, if we want to continue developing throughout this life, we need to have a hunger for new information. And making the most of the available resources is one of the ways that we can improve the quality of both - our personal and professional life. And as we all know, a good book has the power to motivate and assist us in changing our thinking, growing our income, and advancing our careers.