Business Books Every Woman Should Read

Author: Brad Nakase, Attorney

Email  |  Call (888) 600-8654

In recent years, female small business owners have reached phenomenal levels of success in all areas of their lives. In fact, they are more likely to have higher levels of education and have a satisfying home life than their male counterparts in business. They have also shown that they are able and willing to break glass ceilings in many industries traditionally dominated by men.

However, pushing the envelope is hard and taxing on an emotional level; it can be very lonely for a woman in business. Therefore, it is important that modern businesswomen find ways to focus on their personal mental and emotional health. One way to do this is to read business books catering to female professionals.

Perhaps a businesswoman has faced challenges in her work or is worried about the future. Whatever her situation, she may benefit from reading the books included on this list, which can provide advice and insight into the struggles of female entrepreneurs.

How can I be the best business woman?

  1. Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur, by Cara Alwill Leyba

This book fits in alongside other “girl power” books like #Girlboss. Written by life coach Cara Alwill Leyba, it discusses the importance of women supporting and empowering one another in the business world. To quote the author: “Wisdom is meant to be shared, so let’s start sharing what we’ve learned to make each other better.”

Leyba addresses the unfortunate fact that our society often makes women view one another as competitors, rather than colleagues. Her message is that female business owners should network and collaborate so that all may enjoy success.

  1. Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, by Lois P. Frankel, PhD

Every businesswoman looking to build her career should pick up this book, where Frankel discusses the problem of women not advocating for themselves. She explains that this happens because women confuse negotiation with confrontation, and that they therefore shy away from making tough deals.

Frankel provides a list of more than 130 “nice girl” mistakes, showing how women are raised differently than men. She also offers tips for women who would like to be bolder in their work. If a businesswoman struggles with confidence or expressing herself, she should take a look at this book.

  1. Option B, by Sheryl Sandberg

This book may offer sympathy and comfort to businesswomen who have endured challenges in their personal or professional lives.

Sandberg’s first book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” caused controversy among readers for sharing radical ideas about women balancing their careers and motherhood.

However, in her new book, Sandberg shares her intimate feelings about the death of her husband as a way of inspiring others to process and overcome personal struggles.

To quote Sandberg: “Life is never perfect. We all live some form of Option B.”

  1. The Confidence Code, by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

While many businesswomen may already be confident figures based on the nature of their jobs, they may still suffer from destructive habits such as perfectionism and risk aversion.

This book explores the origin of self-doubt and explains how it may be holding a woman back in her career.

Offering both clinical analysis and empowering motivation, this book provides both fact-based research and anecdotes. These serve to show women who they may close the gender gap by displaying the self-assurance that society most often associates with men.

  1. Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman

Despite the book having been published over two decades ago, the term “emotional intelligence” is still in common usage. Managing relationships between individuals is still the core of business success, just as it was in 1995. Goleman provides a guide for understanding emotions, as well as how to maximize an entrepreneur’s productivity.

If a business owner wants to learn about personal growth, she would be advised to take a look at Emotional Intelligence. The book can help a female entrepreneur with personal and business development.

  1. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Many studies have shown that women in business suffer from fear of failure more than their male counterparts. This fear often presents as self-sabotage, which may include giving up without a fight or not applying for promotions. If a female entrepreneur does not know how to fight this destructive feeling, then her business prospects may suffer as a result.

Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love, has previously talked about her effort to push through fear in life. This book is her guide to living a fulfilling and creative life, no matter the profession.

  1. The 48 Laws of Power, by Robert Greene

This book refers to ideas from some of the world’s greatest philosophers. Because of this, it is a great book about business for ambitious entrepreneurs of either gender who are looking to build an empire.

  1. Drop the Ball, by Tiffany Dufu

Separating this business guidebook from the others, Dufu does not suggest that women can have it all. Rather, the Chief Leadership Officer of Levo advises women to drop the ball sometimes. Her memoir documents her personal journey running a company and managing a home life. She explains that women do not have to do everything perfectly in order to have a satisfying life, and to attempt this will lead to burnout.

This is a great book for female entrepreneurs who struggle with maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

  1. #GIRLBOSS, by Sophia Amoruso

This book details the author’s unique path to be the head of a self-made fashion empire. There is even a Netflix show based on her bestselling book, in case the reader would like to try a different medium!

This inspirational story follows Amoruso as she goes from smalltime thief to fashion influencer.

  1. Good to Great, by Jim Collins

This book is a bestselling manual that may appeal to anyone in any industry. It presents research that studies the differences between average companies and those that have achieved greatness. Because of its unique insight into the making of successful ventures, it is a great book for women in business.

Conclusion

At one time, the Business section in the bookstore only had books catered to male entrepreneurs. Today, things are different, and there are plenty of great reads for women in business.

Please tell us your story:

1 + 0 = ?

See all blogs: Business | Corporate | Employment

How to Transfer Business Ownership

How to Transfer Business Ownership?

Transfer business ownership through sales, gifts, leases, or share changes while addressing legal, tax, valuation, and debt considerations. Follow practical steps for sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations to support a smooth ownership transition.
SBA CAPLines - Business Credit Lines

SBA CAPLines: Business Credit Lines

SBA CAPLines offer short-term credit for small businesses with seasonal, contract, construction, or working capital needs. These SBA-backed lines can align repayment with cash flow, inventory, receivables, and project-based revenue cycles.
Business Partnership Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Business Partnership

See the advantages and disadvantages of a business partnership, including taxes, liability, profit sharing, privacy, and growth limits. Compare partnership types, partner duties, common risks, and agreement terms before choosing this business structure.
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur Mindset

What are the Qualities of an Entrepreneur Mindset?

An entrepreneurial mindset combines creativity, optimism, persistence, resourcefulness, and persuasive communication. These qualities help entrepreneurs spot opportunities, solve problems, build trust, and make stronger business decisions.
What is invoice reconciliation

What is Invoice Reconciliation? Definition & Process

Invoice reconciliation matches invoices with purchase orders, goods receipts, and payments to improve accounts payable accuracy and control. It covers the process, common failures, and automation steps that reduce exceptions, delays, errors, and manual work.
What Happens When Business Partners Disagree

What Happens When Business Partners Disagree?

Business partner disagreements can affect operations, finances, and ownership rights. Options may include negotiation, mediation, buyouts, litigation, dissolution, bankruptcy, or court action.
What Makes An Effective Advertisement

What Makes An Effective Advertisement?

Create stronger advertising campaigns with tips for brand names, referrals, media choices, signage, flyers, and print ads. Credibility, consistency, professional design, and honest messaging can help businesses attract buyers and increase sales.
Bank Statement Business Loans

Business Loans Based on Bank Statements

Funding based on bank statements can help self-employed borrowers and small businesses qualify through cash flow instead of tax returns. This option shows how lenders review deposits, expenses, loan types, benefits, risks, and approval requirements.
Starting a Bar Business- How to Open a Bar

Starting a Bar Business: How to Open a Bar

Open a California bar with steps for planning, licensing, permits, staffing, supplies, location, and POS setup. Review business licenses, occupancy certificates, food handler cards, seller permits, liquor licenses, costs, and application timelines.
Biggest Business Startup Costs

16 Biggest Business Startup Costs with Examples

Startup costs include equipment, rent, payroll, insurance, taxes, marketing, and software for new business owners. Review examples and budgeting steps that help founders estimate expenses before launching a company.
What does filing a UCC mean

What Does Filing a UCC Mean?

A UCC filing can affect business assets, loan collateral, liens, and lender rights in secured financing. This article explains UCC-1 forms, lien perfection, renewals, terminations, and how filings impact business credit.
How to start a business in California

How to Start a Business in California

Start a California business with steps for structure, filings, licenses, taxes, insurance, banking, trademarks, and online setup. This article covers state rules, required documents, tax duties, and ways to reduce personal financial risk.
Responsibility of a Trustee

Responsibility of a Trustee in Trust Management

Trustees manage trust assets, protect beneficiaries, keep records, pay bills, file taxes, and follow the trust document. Review trustee duties during incapacity, death, asset distribution, compensation, and resignation.
What is a demand letter for payment

What is a Demand Letter for Payment?

A demand letter for payment asks someone to resolve an unpaid debt before legal action begins. It states the claim, amount owed, deadline, and possible next steps if payment is not made.
Why Do Companies Incorporate in Delaware

Why Do Companies Incorporate in Delaware?

Why companies incorporate in Delaware often comes down to tax benefits, investor confidence, corporate courts, and privacy rules. This article covers the main costs, drawbacks, filing steps, and business factors tied to Delaware incorporation.
Businesses You Can Start with Less Than $1,000

Businesses You Can Start with Less Than $1,000

Start a business under $1,000 with low-cost ideas, startup expenses, and simple ways to test demand. Review 67 small business ideas covering services, online work, local ventures, creative projects, and home-based options.
Are Oral Contracts Enforceable in California

Are Oral Contracts Enforceable in California?

Oral contracts in California may be enforceable, but proof, terms, and statutory limits can affect a claim. Some agreements need writing, including real estate deals, long-term contracts, marriage agreements, and sales of goods over $500.
Average Income Small Business Owner

Average Income of a Small Business Owner

Average small business owner income varies based on industry, experience, tax setup, and local economic conditions. Get salary range data, profit insights, and key factors that affect small business owner earnings.
What is a Pro-Forma Financial Statement

What is a Pro-Forma Financial Statement?

Pro-forma financial statements show projected results and help businesses test assumptions, estimate outcomes, and plan future decisions. This article covers uses, invoices, forecasts, risks, and limits, plus how pro-forma reports differ from actual statements.

See all blog: Business | Corporate | Employment

© Copyright | Nakase Law Firm (2019)