14 Essential Books for Women Entrepreneurs to Succeed

Last Updated: 

April 16, 2025

Starting and running a business is exciting and challenging. Women entrepreneurs benefit from having the right knowledge and attitude. Want to grow and learn? Reading is the ticket. Entrepreneurs, business experts, and inspiring leaders share their wisdom in books. Grab a copy and start learning!

Whether you're just starting or want to grow your business, the right books can give you the necessary tools and motivation.

For women business owners, these books are top-notch. They cover key topics like business, leadership, money management, and self-confidence, with practical and valuable insights. Many of these titles can be accessed through local libraries or digital reading apps, making them easily available without a large upfront cost. Additionally, there are plenty of websites where you can buy books cheaply, like BookScouter, allowing you to compare prices across online retailers quickly. 

Key Takeaways on Essential Books for Women Entrepreneurs

  1. Knowledge is a powerful business tool: Reading books gives women entrepreneurs the insight and strategies needed to navigate challenges and grow successfully.
  2. Confidence is built, not born: Titles like The Confidence Code help women overcome self-doubt and build strong inner belief systems.
  3. Purpose drives progress: Understanding your "why" as explained in Start with Why ensures your business decisions align with long-term goals.
  4. Support beats competition: Girl Code reinforces the importance of women lifting each other up rather than competing in business spaces.
  5. Leadership thrives on vulnerability: Daring Greatly shows how open, honest leadership builds trust and enhances team dynamics.
  6. Money mindset influences success: Books like You Are a Badass at Making Money and We Should All Be Millionaires challenge limiting beliefs around wealth and earning.
    Creativity fuels innovation: Titles such as Big Magic encourage readers to embrace creative risk and silence fear.
  7. Time is a valuable resource: The 4-Hour Workweek teaches efficiency and automation so entrepreneurs can focus on what truly matters.
  8. Personal stories inspire action: Memoirs like Becoming and Boss Up! offer relatable journeys that motivate readers to take bold steps.
  9. Every path is unique: In the Company of Women proves there’s no single formula for success—authenticity and perseverance are key.
  10. Management is a learned skill: The Making of a Manager provides accessible advice for new leaders learning to guide a team.
  11. Your brand is your business: Crushing It! underlines the importance of personal branding in today’s digital marketplace.
  12. Balancing family and business is possible: Books like Boss Up! show that motherhood and entrepreneurship can coexist harmoniously.
  13. Affordable access to knowledge matters: Many of these titles are available through libraries or budget-friendly platforms, removing cost barriers to personal growth.
Want to Close Bigger Deals?

1. “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg

If you're a woman with a career, particularly if you're leading a company, you must read this book. Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook's COO) explores the challenges women face in the workplace through personal accounts and research. She gets into it. Women are encouraged by her to take charge and go for it in their careers.

Here's the main point. Hold nothing back; express yourself fully. Self-belief is powerful. Speak your truth. Step outside your comfort zone.

2. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

Every business needs a purpose. Learn from Simon Sinek: Start with "why" to win over customers and keep them coming back. It’s a standout among the best leadership books for women who want to lead with clarity, vision, and impact. Entrepreneurs? This is a helpful tool for you, regardless of gender.

Key Takeaway: Know your purpose. That's your special something.

3. “Girl Code” by Cara Alwill Leyba

Written for women supporting other women, this book dives into the importance of connection over competition. We rise by lifting others; the same is true for business.

The bottom line is... A winning attitude and the right support system are just as important as business smarts.

4. “The Confidence Code” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Confidence is key in business. Self-doubt? Many women experience it. This book helps you overcome it and build lasting confidence. This includes hard scientific facts and the personal accounts of women who triumphed. It's a powerful combination.

Key Takeaway: Confidence is not something you’re born with—it’s something you build.

5. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

Leadership requires courage and vulnerability. Brené Brown found that leaders who are open and honest are more effective. This is because vulnerability builds trust. Trust your gut and leap! This book will show you how.

Here's the main point. Don't be afraid to let your guard down; how much you gain might surprise you.

6. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Creativity plays a big role in entrepreneurship. Is fear holding you back? This book helps you break free and start creating. In *Eat, Pray, Love*, author Elizabeth Gilbert shares her wisdom on living a creative life.

Key Takeaway: Don’t wait for permission—just start.

7. “In the Company of Women” by Grace Bonney

This book features interviews with over 100 women entrepreneurs and artists. Dream-chasers? We've got you covered! This section features inspiring photos, helpful advice, and real-life stories.

Key Takeaway: Every woman’s path is different—but all can succeed.

8. “You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero

Money mindset matters. Are you facing money anxieties? Jen Sincero's approach—a blend of humor and motivation—can help you overcome them and increase your income. Practical and fun—that's what it is!

Key Takeaway: Believing you can succeed is the first step to financial freedom.

9. “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss

While not aimed specifically at women, this book teaches how to run a business more efficiently. Automation and outsourcing free you up; it's all about working smarter, not harder.

Key Takeaway: Time is your most valuable asset. Use it wisely.

10. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama's memoir isn't a business manual but full of lessons on leadership, determination, and grace. Leading with strength and authenticity? Her life proves it's possible for any woman.

Here's the main point. Your experiences are valuable. Speak up; be heard.

11. “We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers

This bold book encourages women to think bigger financially. Learn how to change your life and build wealth. Rachel Rodgers shows women, and particularly women of color, the way.

Here's the main point. Wealth is within your reach—get it!

12. “Boss Up!” by Lindsay Teague Moreno

This is the perfect book for moms who want to start a business while raising a family. Lindsay shares her journey and offers valuable advice on juggling business and motherhood.

Key Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between business and family—you can do both.

13. “Crushing It!” by Gary Vaynerchuk

This book is for you if you’re into social media and personal branding.   Want to know how people built successful online businesses? Gary Vee's got the inside scoop – he shares stories of their experiences, the good and the bad. While not female-focused, the tips work for everyone.

The key idea is this: Your brand is your business. Use your voice online.

14. “The Making of a Manager” by Julie Zhuo

Julie Zhuo shares what it’s like to lead a team, especially if you're new to leadership. Her friendly style is easy to understand, and beginners will love it!

Key Takeaway: Good managers are made, not born.

Why Reading These Books Can Empower Your Journey as a Woman Entrepreneur

As a woman entrepreneur, reading the right books will help you succeed. Need help with confidence? Money? Creativity? Leadership? These titles have you covered, and then some! Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you'll handle the tough stuff and build a bigger business. Think of it like this: every new skill you learn is a new weapon in your arsenal.

So grab a book, take notes, and apply what you learn. Your next big idea could be just a page away.

People Also Like to Read...