Starting a business can be daunting and there are endless learning opportunities involved with being the boss. Luckily, there are plenty of books, podcasts, and workshops to help entrepreneurs build their brand and reach their potential. But what about the unique challenges facing women in leadership positions?
Reading about successful women and their stories of triumph can help empower future leaders to pursue their goals. In this week’s blog post, Novel Coworking provides a list of inspiring stories by women who have paved the way in business and entrepreneurship. Here are 5 books by women that can take any business to the next level.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert may be best known for her novel Eat, Pray, Love, but in her latest book about personal growth, she explores how creative types can find their muse. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear is perfect for the entrepreneur who is grappling with the realities of being a creator, producing quality work, and the fear of inadequacy. Get a preview of the book by viewing Gilbert’s TEDTalk in which she shares her own experiences and creative challenges.
Girl Code: Unlocking Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba
It’s no secret that female entrepreneurs are making waves, but Cara Alwill Leyba’s book Girl Code explores what powerful transformations can occur when women collaborate. She writes, “I’m convinced that there’s no reason to hoard information, connections, or insight. Wisdom is meant to be shared, so let’s start sharing what we’ve learned to make each other better. Let’s start building each other up. Let’s live up to our potential and start ruling the world.”
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Last year, Shonda Rhimes was named the highest-paid showrunner on television and she may be most commonly known for creating hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. In her memoir, Rhimes gives an honest portrayal of how she attained personal growth while saying yes to the things that scared her for an entire year. Read her journey of empowerment and self-love in Year of Yes.
“I want my daughters to see me and know me as a woman who works. I want that example set for them. I like how proud they are when they come to my offices and know that they come to Shondaland.” – Shonda Rhimes, Year of Yes
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
The NY Times bestselling how-to guide provides inspiration, insights, and humor for female entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid of strong language. Chapters such as “Fear is for Suckers” and “I Know You Are But What Am I?” are perfect for helping savvy business women reach their career goals. Read You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero to learn how to reach your full potential and have some fun in the process.
“The only failure is quitting. Everything else is just gathering information.” – Jen Sincero, You Are a Badass
This Is How We Rise: Reach Your Highest Potential, Empower Women, Lead Change in the World by Claudia Chan
Leadership expert and social entrepreneur Claudia Chan breaks down why people of all genders should work together for social change and follow a mission that’s bigger than personal success. In This is How We Rise, Chan advocates for entrepreneurs to become change makers while sharing insights from her own life. She also offers a blueprint that will help female entrepreneurs develop their purpose and start building a different world.
For more wisdom from female entrepreneurs, check out Novel Coworking’s previous blog post in which we share 5 Inspirational Quotes from Successful Women Entrepreneurs.
Dying to write your own entrepreneurial book? Check out Novel Client Holon Publishing, a book publishing company that works with brands and authors around the world to craft beautiful digital and printed media.
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