Being in business requires courage, resilience, and continuous learning, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

As a woman, you would need not only determination but also the right knowledge to navigate challenges, build confidence, and make smart decisions.

Successful businesswomen understand the importance of developing strong leadership skills, learning from others’ experiences, and staying inspired through valuable resources.

One of the easiest ways to grow is by reading books that offer guidance, strategies, and real-life lessons.

In this article, we are going to look at some of the best books to read for businesswomen.

These books will motivate you, equip you with practical tools, and help you handle both personal and professional challenges with wisdom.

Whether you are starting a business, trying to scale your brand, or simply seeking growth, the right book can spark new ideas and push you toward achieving your goals with confidence.

Best Books to Read for Business Women

1. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

“Lean In” is a groundbreaking book that encourages women to pursue their ambitions and assert themselves in professional environments.

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, combines personal anecdotes with research-backed advice to address common workplace challenges women face.

The book emphasizes leadership, negotiation, mentorship, and balancing personal and professional life.

It inspires women to take risks, speak up, and embrace opportunities for advancement.

With practical tips and motivational insights, “Lean In” remains a must-read for women aiming to break barriers and achieve long-term career success.

2. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis’ “Girl, Stop Apologizing” empowers women to embrace their goals unapologetically.

The book highlights how societal pressures often hold women back and provides actionable strategies to overcome fear, self-doubt, and procrastination.

Hollis emphasizes personal accountability, vision-setting, and consistent effort as tools for success.

It inspires women to stop minimizing their ambitions and instead take bold steps toward entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-development.

This motivational read encourages women to claim their power, pursue dreams relentlessly, and cultivate a mindset geared toward achievement and fulfillment.

3. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

“The Confidence Code” explores how confidence influences women’s success in business and life.

Authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman combine scientific research, interviews, and personal stories to explain why women often undervalue their abilities.

The book provides practical techniques to build self-assurance, take risks, and speak with authority. It emphasizes the importance of action and resilience over perfection.

For business women seeking to overcome hesitation, communicate effectively, and thrive in competitive environments, this book is an essential guide to developing the mindset and courage needed to succeed.

4. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead” focuses on cultivating courageous leadership through vulnerability, empathy, and trust.

The book encourages women to embrace authenticity, take risks, and foster meaningful relationships in professional settings.

Brown provides actionable strategies to overcome fear, navigate difficult conversations, and create inclusive workplaces.

Emphasizing courage over comfort, the book empowers women to lead with integrity, innovation, and confidence.

With relatable examples and research-backed insights, “Dare to Lead” is invaluable for business women who aspire to inspire teams, influence change, and thrive as bold, empathetic leaders.

5. Women Who Launch by Marlene Wagman-Geller

“Women Who Launch” celebrates successful female entrepreneurs and explores the unique challenges they face when starting businesses.

Marlene Wagman-Geller combines inspiring stories, practical advice, and actionable strategies to guide women through the entrepreneurial journey.

The book covers leadership, risk-taking, networking, and overcoming societal barriers.

It highlights the power of creativity, resilience, and persistence in building sustainable businesses.

For aspiring business women, this book serves as both inspiration and a practical blueprint, offering lessons from real-life trailblazers who have successfully transformed their ideas into profitable, impactful ventures.

6. Playing Big by Tara Mohr

Tara Mohr’s “Playing Big” is a guide for women who want to make a meaningful impact in their careers and personal lives.

The book addresses self-doubt, fear of failure, and internalized limitations, offering strategies to cultivate courage, confidence, and clarity.

Mohr encourages women to pursue bold goals, make decisive moves, and embrace their unique strengths.

Through exercises, insights, and empowering narratives, “Playing Big” equips women with the tools to overcome hesitation, step into leadership roles, and make choices aligned with their true purpose and ambitions.

7. Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny

Barbara Stanny’s “Secrets of Six-Figure Women” analyzes how women earn, manage, and grow their wealth in business. The book combines interviews, case studies, and practical guidance to uncover behaviors, mindsets, and strategies that differentiate high-earning women.

It addresses money mindset, negotiation skills, confidence, and career advancement.

Stanny provides actionable advice for women aiming to achieve financial independence, scale their businesses, and command higher salaries.

For business women seeking both inspiration and a step-by-step blueprint for success, this book offers invaluable insights into earning potential and long-term wealth-building strategies.

8. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” inspires women to embrace creativity in business and life.

The book explores how curiosity, passion, and courage drive innovation and personal fulfillment.

Gilbert encourages readers to overcome fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism, providing practical strategies for pursuing creative ventures.

This book is particularly valuable for women entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders seeking inspiration to think outside the box.

With a mix of personal anecdotes, wisdom, and encouragement, “Big Magic” motivates women to pursue ideas boldly, transform challenges into opportunities, and cultivate a creative mindset for success.

9. Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu

Tiffany Dufu’s “Drop the Ball” encourages women to let go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations to achieve success in business and life.

The book highlights strategies for delegating, prioritizing, and focusing on high-impact goals.

Dufu emphasizes self-care, resilience, and teamwork while challenging societal norms that pressure women to do it all.

By sharing her personal experiences and actionable advice, she empowers women to create balance, pursue ambition, and cultivate meaningful leadership.

10. Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel

Lois P. Frankel’s “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” addresses the behavioral habits that hold women back in corporate and entrepreneurial environments.

The book offers practical advice for building assertiveness, negotiating effectively, and developing leadership skills without compromising authenticity.

Frankel identifies common mistakes, such as over-apologizing or avoiding conflict, and provides actionable strategies to overcome them.

For business women seeking advancement, increased influence, and professional respect, this book serves as a guide to recognizing patterns, leveraging strengths, and confidently pursuing career and entrepreneurial goals.

11. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Stephen Covey’s classic book provides timeless principles for personal and professional effectiveness.

It emphasizes proactive behavior, goal setting, prioritization, and cultivating win-win relationships.

Women in business can apply these habits to enhance leadership, decision-making, and productivity.

Covey’s strategies encourage aligning daily actions with long-term values and purpose.

By fostering discipline, self-awareness, and collaboration, this book helps businesswomen navigate complex challenges, manage teams, and achieve sustainable success.

Its practical framework and actionable insights make it indispensable for career growth and entrepreneurial excellence.

12. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass at Making Money” combines humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice to help women overcome limiting beliefs about wealth.

The book focuses on mindset shifts, goal-setting, and confidence-building, empowering women to pursue financial success without fear.

Sincero emphasizes self-worth, creativity, and consistent action as keys to attracting money and business opportunities.

For businesswomen and entrepreneurs, this book inspires bold decision-making, risk-taking, and wealth creation, making it a practical and motivational guide for cultivating financial independence and achieving career ambitions.

13. The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

Melinda Gates’ “The Moment of Lift” explores the transformative power of women’s empowerment in business, communities, and global initiatives.

Gates combines inspiring stories, personal experiences, and social insights to show how investing in women changes societies.

The book highlights education, leadership, and economic opportunities as critical factors for success.

For business women, it emphasizes the importance of mentorship, social impact, and leveraging influence responsibly.

This book motivates women to pursue leadership roles, create meaningful change, and contribute to sustainable growth while balancing professional and humanitarian objectives.

14. Radical Candor by Kim Scott

“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott provides a framework for effective leadership through honest communication, empathy, and constructive feedback.

Businesswomen can apply these principles to build stronger teams, foster collaboration, and navigate workplace challenges confidently.

Scott emphasizes caring personally while challenging directly, creating a culture of trust and accountability.

The book offers actionable strategies for managing difficult conversations, inspiring performance, and encouraging innovation.

For women leaders and entrepreneurs, “Radical Candor” serves as a practical guide to leading with integrity, confidence, and influence while achieving professional growth and team success.

15. How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith

“How Women Rise” addresses the specific habits and behaviors that can hinder women from reaching leadership positions.

Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith identify patterns like reluctance to claim achievements, perfectionism, and over-pleasing others.

The book provides actionable advice to overcome these barriers, build influence, and advance professionally.

Businesswomen gain insights into communication, networking, and decision-making strategies that accelerate career growth.

With real-life examples and practical tips, this book serves as a roadmap for women seeking leadership roles, confidence, and the ability to make impactful contributions in their organizations.

16. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Carol Dweck’s “Mindset” explores the power of adopting a growth mindset for achieving success in business and life.

The book contrasts fixed and growth mindsets, emphasizing resilience, learning from failure, and embracing challenges.

For women entrepreneurs and professionals, this mindset encourages innovation, adaptability, and self-improvement.

Dweck provides practical strategies to cultivate determination, overcome obstacles, and pursue ambitious goals.

By fostering a mindset focused on progress rather than perfection, business women can unlock potential, make smarter decisions, and confidently navigate career and entrepreneurial paths toward long-term success.

17. Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu (Expanded deeper perspective)

Tiffany Dufu’s “Drop the Ball” offers businesswomen strategies to balance ambition with personal life by letting go of perfectionism.

It highlights the importance of delegation, prioritization, and focusing on meaningful goals.

Dufu shares personal anecdotes that resonate with women juggling professional responsibilities, family, and personal aspirations.

The book empowers women to overcome societal pressures to “do it all,” encouraging efficient work practices and boundary-setting.

Businesswomen gain practical advice for maintaining energy, pursuing leadership, and achieving success while managing life’s competing demands without unnecessary stress.

18. Originals by Adam Grant

“Originals” by Adam Grant explores how individuals, including women, can champion innovative ideas, challenge the status quo, and bring creativity into business.

The book blends research, case studies, and real-world examples to show how originality drives success.

Women in business can learn strategies for risk-taking, persuasion, and influencing decision-makers effectively.

Grant emphasizes the importance of proactive thinking, persistence, and courage to pursue unconventional paths.

For entrepreneurs and professionals, “Originals” provides actionable insights for creating value, fostering innovation, and distinguishing oneself in competitive industries.

19. The Likeability Trap by Alicia Menendez

Alicia Menendez’s “The Likeability Trap” examines how societal expectations affect women’s professional advancement.

The book discusses the pressure to appear agreeable while maintaining authority, offering strategies to balance authenticity and influence.

Businesswomen gain insights into negotiating, building confidence, and asserting themselves without compromising relationships.

Menendez combines research and real-life examples to help women navigate biases, manage perceptions, and succeed in male-dominated industries.

This book encourages women to embrace their voice, develop leadership presence, and overcome systemic challenges to achieve recognition, respect, and career growth.

20. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” combines humor, autobiography, and lessons on leadership, creativity, and resilience.

Through her experiences in comedy and entertainment, Fey shares insights on navigating male-dominated industries, embracing authenticity, and finding confidence in professional pursuits.

Businesswomen can learn about self-advocacy, overcoming setbacks, and balancing ambition with personal life.

Fey’s witty storytelling makes complex career lessons relatable and enjoyable.

This book inspires women to approach challenges with courage, humor, and originality, offering motivation for professional growth, entrepreneurship, and leadership in any field.