We don’t know about you, but reading has been our go-to when it comes to learning from the experiences of others. It’s like stepping into a story, experiencing the ups and downs, taking notes from the lessons and then creating our own narrative.
After spending years reading hundreds of books, we have found some that have a forever place in our hearts.
And in this post, we’re going to share 10 books that every aspiring women entrepreneurs should read.
Best women entrepreneur books (2024)
We may not have listed all the books here; but definitely bookmark this post because we will keep updating it as we read more.
1. “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg
“Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg is one of the most compelling reads we’ve come across.
The book addresses the challenges women face in the workplace and offers practical advice for achieving personal and professional goals.
Sandberg, who is the COO of Facebook, combines personal anecdotes, hard data, and academic research to explore the systemic and self-imposed barriers that prevent women from reaching leadership positions or pursuing their passion.
The book is divided into eleven chapters, each tackling different aspects of the gender gap in professional environments. Sandberg discusses the importance of mentorship, negotiating for oneself, and the role of men in advocating for gender equality.
She also delves into the internal obstacles women face, such as the tendency to underestimate their abilities and the fear of being perceived as too aggressive at workplaces – or at home, as they pursue their dreams.
One of the book’s key strengths is its relatability as Sandberg shares her own struggles and vulnerabilities, making her advice feel authentic and achievable.
2. “Girlboss” by Sophia Amoruso
“Girlboss” by Sophia Amoruso is an electrifying memoir that chronicles the rise of the founder and CEO of Nasty Gal, a multimillion-dollar fashion retailer.
The book is a blend of personal anecdotes, business advice, and motivational insights, reflecting Amoruso’s unconventional journey from a rebellious teenager to a successful entrepreneur – and that’s exactly what won our hearts!
Amoruso’s narrative is raw and authentic, detailing her early struggles with poverty, her brief stint as a petty thief, and her discovery of a passion for vintage fashion. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and self-belief.
She shares how she started Nasty Gal as an eBay store, turning it into a thriving business through hard work, savvy marketing, and a keen eye for trends.
The book also provides practical advice on building a business, from managing finances to understanding customers. She emphasizes the importance of being resourceful, taking risks, and staying true to oneself.
Amoruso encourages readers to embrace their individuality, challenge traditional career paths, and pursue their passions with tenacity. Her candid and often humorous writing style is what keeps you hooked!
3. “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown
“Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown is an exploration of vulnerability and its transformative power.
Brown, a social scientist, redefines vulnerability as essential for courage, creativity, and connection. Using personal anecdotes, case studies, and research, she shows you how to embrace vulnerability, and how it can lead to more fulfilling relationships, innovative work, and authentic leadership.
The book addresses the barriers to vulnerability, such as shame and fear, and offers practical strategies for overcoming them. Brown emphasizes cultivating worthiness and self-compassion to embrace our imperfections.
Her warm, engaging, and often humorous writing makes complex concepts accessible and relatable – and obviously, we love that about the book!
4. “You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth” by Jen Sincero
“You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth” by Jen Sincero is a spirited and motivational guide to transforming your financial life. Now, we know you have been wanting to get a hold of your money!
Sincero, a success coach and bestselling author, blends personal anecdotes, humor, and practical advice to help readers overcome limiting beliefs about money and develop a wealth-building mindset.
The book emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving financial success. Sincero encourages readers to identify and challenge their negative beliefs about money, embrace a positive attitude, and take bold actions towards their financial goals.
She provides actionable tips and exercises designed to shift one’s perspective on wealth and attract abundance.
Sincero’s writing is engaging, witty, and relatable, making complex financial concepts accessible. Yes, we do have a pattern when it comes to picking authors with a certain writing style!
5. “The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
“The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman is a powerful and insightful guide aimed at helping women understand and build confidence.
Kay and Shipman, both accomplished journalists, combine scientific research with personal stories and interviews to explore why women often struggle with self-assurance and how they can overcome these challenges – this one’s a killer for women entrepreneurs!
The book delves into the biology and psychology of confidence, revealing how genetics, upbringing, and societal factors contribute to the confidence gap between men and women.
The authors share practical advice and actionable strategies for boosting self-confidence, such as taking risks, embracing failure, and cultivating a growth mindset.
Written in an engaging and relatable style, “The Confidence Code” is filled with real-world examples and inspiring anecdotes from women in various fields. Kay and Shipman’s approachable tone and well-researched insights make the book both informative and motivating.
6. “Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead” by Tara Mohr
“Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead” by Tara Mohr is like having a supportive coach cheering you on to unleash your inner potential.
Mohr, a leadership expert, dives deep into the challenges that hold women back and offers practical advice to overcome them.
The book blends personal stories, research insights, and hands-on exercises that guide you through a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Mohr encourages women to silence their inner critic, tackle fears head-on, and build the confidence needed to pursue their dreams boldly.
At its heart, “Playing Big” is about embracing your true calling and making a meaningful impact—what Mohr calls ‘playing big’ in life. Her down-to-earth style and practical strategies make this book a compelling read for anyone looking to find their voice, tap into their inner wisdom, and step confidently into leadership roles.
Whether you’re navigating career challenges or seeking personal growth, “Playing Big” offers invaluable tools and inspiring insights to help you break through barriers and reach your fullest potential.
7. “Own It: The Power of Women at Work” by Sallie Krawcheck
“Own It: The Power of Women at Work” by Sallie Krawcheck is like having a wise friend in your corner, cheering you on in your career journey. Krawcheck, a former Wall Street titan turned advocate for women, shares her no-nonsense advice on how to thrive in today’s workplace.
She dives into the real stuff—like navigating office dynamics, negotiating like a pro, and smashing through those glass ceilings. Krawcheck’s message? Own your achievements, embrace your strengths, and never settle for less than you deserve.
What we love about “Own It” is how it blends personal stories with practical strategies. It’s not just about climbing the ladder; it’s about redefining success on your own terms and finding fulfillment along the way.
If you’re looking for a boost of confidence and actionable tips to take your career to the next level, this book is a game-changer. Krawcheck’s empowering words will inspire you to own your career path with gusto and grace.
8. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth is a fascinating dive into what really drives long-term success.
Duckworth, a psychologist and professor, introduces us to the concept of grit—a blend of passion and perseverance—and shows how it’s more crucial than talent alone.
The book explores the science behind grit, with Duckworth sharing inspiring stories of top performers from various fields like sports, arts, and business.
These real-life examples highlight how sustained effort and resilience are key to achieving great things. She also offers practical tips on how to develop grit in ourselves and others, focusing on the importance of hard work, resilience, and maintaining a growth mindset.
Written in an engaging and relatable style, Duckworth makes complex psychological ideas easy to grasp. “Grit” is an inspiring and practical read for anyone eager to understand and cultivate the qualities that lead to success.
9. “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries
“The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries is a groundbreaking guide for modern entrepreneurs.
Ries, an experienced entrepreneur and consultant, introduces a methodology that prioritizes rapid experimentation, customer feedback, and iterative design to build successful businesses efficiently.
Central to the book is the concept of the “Lean Startup,” which advocates for creating minimum viable products (MVPs) to test hypotheses and gather early customer feedback – no matter how big or small the idea is.
This approach has proven to help entrepreneurs avoid wasted resources and quickly pivot based on real-world insights. The one thing that most women entrepreneurs worry about!
Ries also emphasizes the importance of validated learning, a process of measuring progress through actionable metrics rather than vanity metrics.
Ries’s writing is clear and practical, filled with real-world examples and actionable strategies – and that’s why this book is our go-to when we’re focusing on work!
10. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert is an inspiring and insightful guide to unlocking creativity and living a life driven by curiosity rather than fear.
This one’s a personal favorite!
Gilbert, the bestselling author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” shares her wisdom on embracing creativity, overcoming self-doubt, and pursuing a fulfilling creative life.
The book is divided into six sections: Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity. Each section delves into different aspects of the creative process, offering practical advice, personal anecdotes, and philosophical reflections – and the good thing is that none of it is preachy!
Gilbert encourages readers to embrace their creative impulses, take risks, and let go of the need for perfection.
Because the writing is warm, engaging, and often humorous, her advice feels accessible and relatable.
Which women entrepreneur books would you add?
While we have a bunch of books lying on our bedside, waiting to be read, we are looking for more suggestions.
We’re going to keep updating this list as we go but we want to add some of your suggestions too.
Got a book on women entrepreneurship that should be on our radar? Tell us in the comments!
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