5 books every (girl) boss should read
anyone that knows me knows i love a good book. i try to read for 30 minutes every day, although sometimes that looks like 5 minutes before work, 2 minutes here, another 7 there, and then a mad-dash to catch up at the end of the week. i’ve always loved business books because they tend to be straight to the point with concepts illustrated through real-life examples. i’m sure most of you have read #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso, but you don’t have to be a girl to be a boss, so i wanted to create this post with some of my favorite “boss” books.
5 books every entrepreneur should read
Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done by Laura Vanderkam
this is a quick, easy read that will transform the way you view time. Vanderkam is busy, and knows you are too, so she proposes six straightforward tips that are simple yet effective to incorporate into your life to help take control of the way you spend your time.. something we always seem to want more of.
one major takeaway: we remember memories more than we do routine, so make them a priority. tuesday afternoons shouldn’t be sworn off just because you’re tired from work; make the effort and you’ll remember that art gallery opening for years to come, as opposed to the time spent scrolling through instagram or watching netflix.
The Laws of the Ring by Urijah Faber
this may seem like an off-the-wall pick, but remember, there’s a reason why athletes are so superior at reaching their goals. Urijah Faber is no different and in this book, he describes the “laws” that have led to his success, both inside and out of the cage. you may find yourself surprised at the different areas in which he has demonstrated his entrepreneurship. consider it an exclusive look into exactly how a leader seizes every possible opportunity - and then shares the wealth with his community.
one major takeaway: the significance of personal branding has risen stratospherically over the past few years, but consequentially, one principle that seems to be overlooked is personal credit - who you are, how you conduct yourself, and what you can be counted on for. let it guide your decisions in life, and you’ll reap the benefits.
Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own Terms by Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon
think of this book as your handbook to discovering your why and letting it guide you down the rabbit hole of entrepreneurship. this was a random find at Barnes & Noble and i’m so glad i picked it up. in addition to this book, they have a podcast where they talk about the highs and lows of being your own boss.
one major takeaway: add white space to your life. for one of the authors, this is a day with zero obligations or commitments. no matter how “busy” you are, giving yourself this kind of freedom feels like ditching school all over again - a major refresher that prevents burnout.
Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba
i’m sure most of you are familiar with Cara Alwill Leyba and already know why she is such a magnetizing force in the world of entrepreneurship. her niche is working with women, so her writing is definitely feminine, but don’t let that deter you. she’s always willing to share the secrets of her success, and reading Girl Code is like having a casual talk with a friend who wants bring out the best in you.
one major takeaway: “there is an answer for every question and a solution for every problem and i decided i was going to figure it all put just by taking action every single day.”
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant
i know what you’re thinking.. why read a book on how giving can help you? shouldn’t giving be unconditional? that’s exactly Grant’s point - and he takes this argument further, breaking down the difference between three major groups - the givers, quid pro quo’s, and takers - to explain exactly why givers come out on top.
one major takeaway: how often do we do the “eye for an eye” proposition - i’ll help you with this if you help me with that - when it comes to doing favors for others? it’s not helping you; it’s doing you a complete disservice, even more so than to the people who just take, take, take. you’ll have to read the book to learn exactly why and how that is.
and in true over-achiever fashion, here are a few bonus picks:
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
ideal for anyone in a marketing role or looking to learn about why certain things grow to be so popular. this was a required reading in my entrepreneurship class, so thank you to my professor for introducing me to it.
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
another required book from university that is definitely a classic for a reason. the title suggests something sinister, but the content is all about engaging with others in a way that is mutually beneficial - not shady.
Rich Bitch: A Simple 12-Step Guide for Getting Your Financial Life Together… Finally by Nicole Lapin
don’t let the title throw you. this book lays out all the financial principles you need to make sound decisions, both professionally and personally.