Inspiring reads
New books by top female execs and entrepreneurs
Since the start of the pandemic, many of us have been operating in pure survival mode— trying to stay safe, caring for loved ones and navigating those perpetual Zoom calls fromchaotic work-from-home environments. Achieving our biggest career aspirations hasn’t exactly been a top priority (and for good reason).
But with fall upon us— and 2021 right around the corner— I’m personally feeling the need to get revved up and resetmy personal and career goals.
One ofmy guaranteedways to get some inspiration is to learn howother women inmy career field and notable female entrepreneurs created success in their own lives. If you’re overdue for a shot of positivity right now, or simply want to add some personal development to your reading/listening rotation, give these titles a try.
“#GIRLBOSS” by Sophia Amoruso
AsCEOof Girlboss and founder of the multimillion-dollar online retailer Nasty Gal, Sophia Amoruso didn’t take the tried and true path to success. After a difficult childhood, dropping out of college andworking several minimumwage jobs, Amoruso decided to take charge of her future by founding her own vintage clothing business.
In “#GIRLBOSS,” Amoruso shares howshe learned the rules— and then learned to break them— in order to achieve success at such a young age. This “tell it like it is” tome will really connect withwomen who’ve felt a bit like an outsider in the past, and Amoruso shareswhy that’s a very good thing when it comes to business.
“Year ofYes” by Shonda Rhimes
One ofmy favorite “topwomen in content” not only did aTEDtalk about her “Year of Yes,” she wrote a book, too. And it’s a must-read.
Rhimes’s rise to fame didn’t happen overnight, and manywouldn’t believe she’s actually an extreme introvert who doesn’t love public appearances.
After a heated family discussion that inspired the challenge, Rhimes embarked on a “Year of Yes,” where she accepted every opportunity thrown her way for one year.
Rhimes’s story details all of the new adventures she encountered and the lessons she learned during that year. It demonstrates exactly what can happen if you face career anxiety head-on— and open yourself up to new, potentially game-changing experiences.
“Shark Tales: HowI Turned $1,000 Into a BillionDollar Business” by Barbara Corcoran
Long before shewas a “Shark,” Barbara Corcoranwas a poorly performing college student who struggled to find herway in theworkingworld.
In her autobiography, Corcoran details how, after failing at 22 jobs, she borrowed $1,000 froma boyfriend to launch a small real estate firm.
Despite facing serious competition in a traditionally male-dominated business, Barbara used her scrappiness and savvy to outwit her competitors and eventually growher brand into a $6 billion business.
You’ll learn howCorcoran listened to her instincts— along with the wisdom of her mother— as she forged each step along the path to success. I love that this book has clearly defined lessons thatwe all can followto make our own businesses and brands even more successful.
“GirlWash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis
Okay, so this isn’t exactly a business book. But I still felt this listwouldn’t be complete without RachelHollis’ massively popular memoir about themyths that holdwomen back and howto overcome them.
In “GirlWash Your Face,” Hollis lays out the 20 lies she once told herself— the very things thatwere keeping her fromachieving success and happiness. In each chapter, she breaks downthese thoughts and shares her personal stories of getting past the negative self-talk.
If you’ve been feeling less than empowered, this book will put you in a more positive headspace and give you the confidence to throwyourself back into your passions. Also check outHolllis’ much-anticipated followup, “Girl Stop Apologizing.”
“Leapfrog: TheNewRevolution forWomenEntrepreneurs” by Nathalie MolinaNio
NathalieMolinaNio, CEOof Brava Instruments, shares her tips on howto start a businesswithout the established network and safety net most successful entrepreneurs have access to.
“Leapfrog” is ideal for anywoman looking for a guide filled with practical advice on taking her business idea to the next level.
The namesake of the book comes fromNathalie’s idea that there are certain uncontrollable hurdles facing many women whowant to become entrepreneurs.
She explains 50 different “leapfrogs,” loopholes and shortcuts to help tackle and overcome these obstacles.