#YouGoGirl
Sometimes you just want to hear about a woman’s success from her own perspective. Below are books that I’ve personally enjoyed written by and for women that have both given me insights and that feisty let’s-kick-some-a** fire-in-your-belly feeling. I especially find it motivating to read about remarkable women that have climbed the career ladder or created something powerful to offer society and have a family – two equally important focuses for me personally.
LEAN IN: WOMEN, WORK AND THE WILL TO LEAD
Backed with anecdotes, and some compelling research, Lean In uncovers issues and concerns of the modern day working woman. Sheryl Sandberg recollects her own struggles, mistakes and choices that have made her in every way the woman that she is. It’s both a witty and an informative read for aspiring women who are willing to bridge the gap between who they are and who they want to be.
THE CONFIDENCE CODE
Offering groundbreaking research in genetics, gender and behavior, this New York Times best seller by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman discusses the crucial role self-confidence plays in achieving professional success with contributions from powerful women like Sheryl Sandberg and Valerie Jarrett.
TIGER WOMAN ON WALL STREET
One of the first books I read in high school about capital markets and it definitely fueled me with a fire – if she can do it, so can I.
NICE GIRLS DON’T GET THE CORNER OFFICE: 101 UNCONSCIOUS MISTAKES WOMEN MAKE THAT SABOTAGE THEIR CAREERS
So… It’s Christmas morning 2014, and 16-year-old Katya is cheerfully unwrapping presents when she (aggressively) takes off the wrapping paper of this wonderfully bluntly-titled book. Wonderful, thank you, parents. However, the Don’t-s are equally important as the Dos and at times it is the former, which when not managed properly, can take in all our aspirations like quick sand. Lois P. Frankel has mentioned 101 unique set of behaviors that a woman is imbibed with as a child; and how these can later sabotage them as adults. The book also offers invaluable coaching tips which one can easily incorporate into their business. Worth keeping it as a reference book.
THRIVE: THE THIRD METRIC TO REDEFINING SUCCESS AND CREATING A LIFE OF WELL-BEING, WISDOM, AND WONDER
A deeply personal book where Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Huffington Post, talks about her challenges of juggling business while being a mother of two daughters. The book relates to every woman who struggles to manage home and work every single day of their lives. Drawing on path-breaking research and findings, Arianna reveals a path to mindfulness and meditation and its effects on our lives, our workplace, and our culture.
PRESENCE
Amy Cuddy shows how your body language influences others and even changes the way you see yourself. If you haven’t seen her viral TED talk, definitely give it a go. When I remember, I still do her “superhero” pose before an important meeting or even a phone call.
#GIRLBOSS
This book is written by Sophia Amorus, a #Girlboss who gets what she wants. Her book tells her own unique story that focuses on learning from your own mistakes and the mistakes of others.
YOU ARE A BADASS
A refreshing, entertaining how-to guide on, well, how to be a bada** in life. Preached by my friend Noa, a pretty bada** gal herself.
HOW TO TALK TO ANYONE: 92 LITTLE TRICKS FOR BIG SUCCESS IN RELATIONSHIPS
Leil Lowndes offers 92 easy and effective sure-fire success techniques in skillfully dealing with people —she takes the listener from first meeting all the way up to sophisticated techniques used by the big winners in life. Reads more like a reference book, but still offers good insights.
IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME?
Did you know that Mindy Kaling actually helped write material for The Office episodes? Mindy has worn many hats, and has a lot of life experience for being so young. And in this book she shares all her wisdom. If you haven’t watched her recent (amazing) commencement address at Dartmouth College, I would highly recommend.
Let me know what you think! I will be adding to this list as I read more books by kick-a** women. There are so many other novels that have influenced me, but these have definitely impacted me on a professional and personal development level. Feel free to comment your suggestions!
All the best,
Katya