Thinking about taking the leap to run your own business or go self-employed? The jump to entrepreneurship can be daunting, so it’s a good idea to learn the secrets to success from women who have already taken the plunge.
From practical tips and motivational books, to those that inspire systematic change, these books written by women are for anyone looking to start their own business, or who simply wants a new perspective on their current career path.
Work Like A Woman
Mary Portas
Packed with tips and practical advice from Mary Portas’ decade-spanning business experience (and some shocking facts and figures about alpha work culture that’s sure to infuriate you), this book is a manifesto for change.
The book will invite you to work, collaborate and lead in a whole new way that supports both women and men, and show you how to be your best self at work – whether you run your own business or work a 9-5. It’s about getting angry at the system, then doing something about it.
Everything is Figureoutable
Marie Forleo
Everything is Figureoutable is a walk through of some of the common challenges we face in business and in life, and how to overcome them; including how to move past a lack of time and money, how to pick yourself up after failing, and how to deal with critics.
The book is a much needed reminder that whatever dreams and goals you have for your life, no matter how big or small, are possible – but you have to believe in yourself first. If you can think it, you can actually make it happen.
Little Black Book
Otegha Uwagba
Perfect for when you need a pep talk or inspiration boost, in this book Otegha Uwagba compiles contributions from female entrepreneur powerhouses, as well as sharing her own knowledge as a writer, speaker and founder.
You’ll find advice and tips on everything from how to carve out your own career and building a powerful personal brand, to the art of negotiating a raise and getting past a creative block. It’s a pocket-sized career guide for every woman, whether you’re an employee or a business owner.
Fix The System Not The Women
Laura Bates
An equal world is a world that’s better for all of us: for communities, for businesses, and for the economy. And whilst this book isn’t specifically about women in the workplace, we know that longstanding prejudices about women still dominate workplaces, and that sexual harassment is still ever present.
Women are blamed for not demanding a seat at the table, for not overcoming the odds that are stacked against them – and this distracts us from the real problem: the failings and biases of a society that was not built for women. In this book, feminist writer and activist Laura Bates exposes the systemic prejudice at the heart of five of our key institutions: education, politics, media, policing, and criminal justice.
Combining stories with truly shocking evidence, the book is an examination of sexual injustice and a rallying cry for change. Read it, feel infuriated, and gift it to every man you know.
Untamed
Glennon Doyle
Promising to set you on the right path to become the person you’ve always wanted to be, Glennon Doyle’s bestselling Untamed is a how-to guide on respecting yourself and your desires, honouring your anger and heartbreak, and making peace with your body.
Filled with anecdotes and real life experiences that you can apply to your own mindset and life – from navigating the workplace to navigating a divorce – this book will teach you how to set boundaries and how to be brave, without dulling the sparkle that makes you unique.
How To Own The Room
Viv Groskop
How to Own the Room is a rare book that does what most books on public speaking do not. It demonstrates that you don’t need to change who you naturally are to own the room, and speaks directly to women.
In these pages, you’ll learn how to overcome the performance anxiety that so many of us suffer from – what to do when we open out mouths and no words come out. And it specifically speaks to the elephant in the room – that in these moments women are made to feel small becasue of our gender.
The Multi-Hyphen Life
Emma Gannon
A must-read for anyone who doesn’t want to be defined by just one role, in this book Emma Gannon explores the rise of the “multi-hyphen” career woman: the people who don’t want to follow one particular path, who juggle multiple roles, and devote their evenings and weekends to passion projects – and as someone who wears many hats across different freelance roles, with multiple projects on the go at once, it’s incredibly refreshing to see a business book that defines and validates this type of career choice.
She explores the concept of success and how that looks different to everyone, how to navigate discussing flexible working with your employer, and why doing what you love doesn’t have to make you millions. This book was, genuinely, life-changing for me. If you’re dreaming of starting a side hustle, building a business or simply create more of what you love, this book help inspire you to create new streams of income from work that fulfils you.
Dare To Lead
Brené Brown
Being a true leader requires empathy, openness and vulnerability. It’s having the courage and the honesty to say “I messed up,” or “I don’t know what the answer is.” Dare To Lead challenges the current ideals and traits we associate with leaders, and shows us a powerful way to stay true to ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, step up and lead. Because at its core, being a leader is not about power or status.
It’s about being able to inspire and motivate and connect a group of people with a shared belief or message. It’s about recognising each person’s unique gifts and potential, and harnessing that. A leader like this has true courage, and can inspire and reach the hearts of millions.
