Becoming a successful CEO takes more than ambition and talent. It demands vision, resilience, and the ability to lead with clarity and purpose. For women aspiring to reach the top, reading can be one of the most powerful tools for growth and empowerment. The right books can help sharpen business acumen, build confidence, and offer insights from those who have walked similar paths.
Here are five must-read books that every aspiring female CEO should add to her reading list.
1. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg, the former Chief Operating Officer of Meta, draws from her own experiences to explore the challenges women face in leadership. Lean In encourages women to step forward, embrace ambition, and challenge limiting beliefs about gender and success. It offers practical advice on negotiation, confidence-building, and leadership, making it an essential read for women looking to rise to executive roles.
2. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s work on courage and vulnerability has transformed the way leaders think about authenticity. In Dare to Lead, she shows that true leadership is not about perfection or control but about empathy, connection, and courage. The book teaches readers how to build trust, handle tough conversations, and inspire others to bring their whole selves to work.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Part memoir, part life guide, Becoming tells the story of Michelle Obama’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House. It is a deeply personal and inspiring account of hard work, balance, and staying grounded in one’s values. Aspiring CEOs can learn from her grace under pressure, her commitment to purpose, and her ability to lead with compassion.
4. How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
This book tackles the habits that often hold women back from achieving their full potential. The authors identify twelve common behaviours that can limit career growth and provide actionable strategies to overcome them. Whether it’s the tendency to overvalue expertise or to downplay achievements, How Women Rise helps readers recognise and change patterns that stand in the way of success.
5. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Confidence is a critical ingredient in leadership, yet many women struggle with self-doubt. The Confidence Code explores the science and psychology behind confidence, blending research with real-life stories of accomplished women. It challenges readers to take risks, embrace failure, and understand that confidence grows through action.
Reading these books is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about transformation. Each title offers lessons on leadership, self-awareness, and the power of perseverance. For every woman striving to become a CEO, these books serve as a compass.