Books to Read Reading Recommendations for Women Leaders & People Who Want to Step Into their Power

Reading is one of the most effective ways to develop as a leader and a human. I read voraciously and highly recommend the following eight books based on their significant impact on my life and development as a parent, friend, partner, and leader:

1. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown
Brene Brown, a renowned social scientist, is best known for her research on shame. Daring Greatly is the result of her research on vulnerability. In accessible prose, Brown encourages us to embrace vulnerability, to “dare greatly” and find the courage to lead with our whole heart. Favorite quote: “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.”

2. “Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav
I read this book in my early twenties. It serves as a guided tour to understand yourself and humanity. Zukav fundamentally reshaped how I view love (of the soul), fear (personality & ego) and money (energy.) Favorite quote: “If you choose unconsciously, you evolve unconsciously. If you choose consciously, you evolve consciously.”

3. “Emotional Intelligence” by @Daniel Goleman
In a nutshell, EQ is more important than IQ. Leadership isn't just about logic; it's about detecting, mastering, and recognizing emotions in yourself and others. Emotional regulation of self, empathy for others, and predicting the consequences of emotional reactions is a superpower. Favorite quote: “There is an old-fashioned word for the skills that emotional intelligence represents: character.”

4-6. “The Tipping Point,” “Blink,” and “David and Goliath” by @Malcolm Gladwell
If Gladwell writes it. I read it. In these three “must reads” we can learn who drives change in “Tipping Point,” how to make fast, informed decisions in “Blink”, and understand that sometimes being the underdog is exactly where your power lies in “David and Goliath.” Favorite quote: “Acquaintances represent a source of social power, and the more acquaintances you have, the more powerful you are.”

7. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by @Robert Kiyosaki
Kiyosaki teaches there are people who work for people and there are people for whom people work. Which are you? Money is a tool, a resource, and a form of energy. When respected and used wisely, it flows. Favorite quote: “Rule #1: You must know the difference between an asset and a liability, and buy assets. …Rich people acquire assets. The poor and middle class acquire liabilities that they think are assets.”

8. “48 Laws of Power” by @Robert Greene
There is a reason this book is banned in prisons. Greene teaches us how to master the dynamics of manipulation and how to use power to navigate real-world leadership. Essential lessons include: Use your enemies, keep others dependent on you, say as little as possible, take credit for others’ work, control all the options, don’t take sides, create a cult following, and don’t get your hands dirty. Favorite quote: “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

Success is about how you show up in the world and how you wield your energy. It’s time to level up. These books will help.