Are you tired of business books by old men? Here’s my list of the best books for (female) entrepreneurs who want to build a successful business while making a positive impact on the world.
If you’re ready for inspiring books that don’t follow the same old narrative, read on!
But first, let me share how I got the idea to put this list together.
If women were the storytellers…
A few months ago, we had the insane honour of bestselling author Elizabeth Lesser joining us for a Book Club meeting in The Lab.
We’d read her latest book, ‘Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes’. By happy coincidence, Elizabeth found out about our community through Instagram and asked if she could come along to the Book Club!
As you can imagine, it was incredibly exciting and we had a fantastic conversation.
The main premise of ‘Cassandra Speaks’ is that women’s voices have been excluded and devalued over millennia.
Elizabeth believes that“if women’s voices had been equally heard and respected throughout history, humankind would have followed different hero myths and guiding stories – stories that value caretaking, champion compassion, and elevate communication over vengeance and violence.”
As you might guess, this is right up my street!
Books by Women are not just “Women’s Literature”
One of my favourite chapters is about “reading lists”. In this section, Elizabeth shares that the majority of books considered to be “the greatest of all time” are written by men about men. 
And even today, stories about men are considered classics and universally relevant, while stories by and about women are classed as “women’s literature”. As if women’s experiences are only relevant to other women, not the other 50% of the world.
This is one of my long-time pet peeves. For years, I’ve seen female entrepreneurs I look up to recommend the same old books written by men, often decades or centuries ago.
And this is the reason why we only read books written by women in our book club in The Lab. 
So, I was thrilled to read that Elizabeth recommends creating our own reading lists, both as a personal exercise, but also to share with our friends, communities, libraries and local book stores.
It inspired me to finally put together a list of books that I think can make us better business owners and people.
Not all of these are traditional business books. In fact, most are not, and I think that’s where the magic lies.
Women reclaiming power – but for what purpose?
As Elizabeth says “Doing power differently is about fuelling leadership with the energy of love. Women can do this; men can do this; everyone can do it. And what is the point of women claiming power if we don’t show the way?”
By reading the same old business books, we’ve been taught the same old rules and strategies that men have been using for centuries. And that only leads to women adopting these same patriarchal ways of doing business.
In Cassandra Speaks, Elizabeth writes “as women claim power – as we become protagonists in the stories that shape the world – we must keep asking these questions: Power for what purpose? Influence, why? Promotion, money, leadership, to what end? What are we going to use our power for?”
I couldn’t agree more! Let’s look beyond personal and financial success. Instead, let’s ask ourselves what kind of world do we want to create with our businesses and within the wider digital nomad movement.
So, here are my top suggestions for the best books for (female) entrepreneurs to read instead of (or at least in addition to) the ‘same old’ books by old dudes.
But really, everyone should read these books – they’re not just applicable to women.
I selected 9 of the most widely recommended books in different categories and offer a feminist alternative to each.
The Best Books for Female Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
1. Best Business Book for (Female) Entrepreneurs
Instead of: ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu
Read: ‘The Art of Gathering’by Priya Parker‘
‘The Art of War’ is still often named as one of the top business books of all time. But business isn’t war and we surely don’t want to treat our customers, employees or coworkers like the enemy, right?
The sexist, militaristic language of this ancient treatise (written in 500 BC) has infiltrated business culture. As a result, it’s given men leadership advantage and reinforced the status quo.
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
According to Priya Parker, “the way we gather matters.” Parker is a world class facilitator with a background in conflict resolution – no war language to be found here.
In ‘The Art of Gathering’ she shares her experience in designing purposeful and meaningful gatherings. Her tips can be applied to any business meeting, client workshop or team retreat you’ll ever host.
The lessons Parker shares about creating impactful gatherings are relevant to anyone who brings people together, whether that’s friends, family, or colleagues.
We all spend our days meeting with others. So, learning how to make the most of these gatherings will improve our relationships, both personally and professionally.
I believe that creating communities is essential for us to thrive as human beings. And I’ve been using Parker’s advice during gatherings in my own community, the Lab.
Favourite Quote:
“An essential step along the path of gathering better is making peace with the necessity and virtue of using your power. If you are going to gather, gather. If you are going to host, host. And if you are going to create a kingdom for an hour a day, rule it — and rule it with generosity.”
2. Best Leadership Book for (Female) Entrepreneurs
Instead of: ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey
Read: ‘Dare to Lead’ by Brené Brown
‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ is a worldwide bestseller considered a self-help classic. And to this day, it’s still touted as a top leadership book. First published in 1989, it does feel quite aged and definitely gives me a ‘pyramid scheme meets cult’ vibe.
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
In her previous books (Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness), Brené Brown taught us how to, well, Dare Greatly, Rise Strong, and find Belonging.
And in Dare to Lead, she applies all her research on shame, vulnerability and courage to a new kind leadership. The kind we now desperately need to transform our world.
Daring leadership is for everyone, not just politicians or CEOs.
“When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others.
We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work.”
Favourite Quote:
“I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.”
3. Best Book about Story Telling for (Female) Business Owners
Instead of: ‘Building a Story Brand’ by Donald Miller
Read: ‘Cassandra Speaks’ by Elizabeth Lesser
‘Building a Story Brand’ is basically a blueprint for how to apply the hero’s journey to your brand and marketing messages.
Besides the fact that the hero’s journey is considered outdated due to ethnocentric, sexist, and heteronormative biases, Donald Miller has come under criticism for how he uses his ‘storytelling’ skills to rebrand (aka clean up the image of) a former “Purity Culture” evangelist who now works for Miller as an official StoryBrand consultant.
As Spider-Man taught us, with great power comes great responsibility. But I’m not sure Miller is using his powers for good.
Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser
As I mentioned above, it was Cassandra Speaks that inspired this list of the best books for female entrepreneurs (when you’re tired of the same old books by old men). And so of course it deserved a place on this, too!
Storytelling is fundamentally human and also an important skill for business owners. So, it’s time we start doing it in new ways:
“Cassandra Speaks is about the stories we tell and how those stories become the culture. It’s about the stories we still blindly cling to, and the ones that cling to us: the origin tales, the guiding myths, the religious parables, the literature and films and fairy tales passed down through the centuries about women and men, power and war, sex and love, and the values we live by.
Stories written mostly by men with lessons and laws for all of humanity. We have outgrown so many of them, and still they endure.
This book is about what happens when women are the storytellers too. When we speak from our authentic voices, when we flex our values, when we become protagonists in the tales we tell about what it means to be human.”
Favourite Quotes:
“So much of the sorry state of our world hangs on the excess of the so-called masculine virtues in our guiding storylines.”
“If all we do is immerse ourselves in the stories of bad people doing bad things to each other and the planet, we will sink under the weight of a lopsided story.”
4. Best Productivity Book for (Female) Entrepreneurs
Instead of: ‘Getting Things Done’ by David Allen
Read: ‘Burnout – The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle’ by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
‘Getting Things Done’ is often referred to as the bible of productivity, and I’m sure it can still provide some useful nuggets of wisdom.
However, the bigger problem with ‘personal productivity’ books is that the more we ‘get done’, the more work will inevitably show up on our plate.
Many of us have already lost all boundaries between work and time off, and as business owners this is especially dangerous.
Burnout by Emily & Amilia Nagoski
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how organised you are, trying to get more and more things done and squeezing every ounce of efficiency out of each minute will eventually lead to burnout, even if you love your work.
I talk about this in my blog post about how to deal with overwhelm when working remotely, and share some tips that have helped me avoid overwhelm and burnout.
In ‘Burnout’, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski explain why women experience burnout differently to men (*cough* the patriarchy *cough*) and provide a simple, science-based plan and actionable tools to help women minimize stress, manage emotions and live a more joyful life.
So, don’t worry, it’s not another book about bubble baths and lighting candles.
Favourite Quotes:
“You are not here to be “productive.” You are here to be you, to engage with your Something Larger, to move through the world with confidence and joy.”
“Human Giver Syndrome – the contagious belief that you have a moral obligation to give every drop of your humanity in support of others, no matter the cost to you – thrives in the patriarchy, the way mold thrives in damp basements.”
5. Best Book about Influence/ Communication For Business Owners
Instead of: ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People‘ by Dale Carnegie
Read: “You’re Not Listening – What You’re Missing and Why It Matters “ by Kate Murphy
First published in 1936, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ still tops many book lists for entrepreneurs and leaders. And it probably contains a few interesting tidbits.
But despite the catchy title, it’s less about making friends and more about manipulating people to get what you want.
Instead of pretending to care or be interested in other people, let’s learn to be better communicators, which means learning to listen.
You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy
In the introduction, Kate Murphy writes about how most books, guides and advice about ‘communicating well’ are really only about talking, not listening:
“At work, we’re taught to lead the conversation.
On social media, we shape our personal narratives.
At parties, we talk over one another. So do our politicians.
We’re not listening.
And no one is listening to us.
We’re living in a world where technology allows constant digital communication and opportunities to connect. But despite this, it seems no one is really listening or even knows how. It’s making us lonelier, more isolated, and less tolerant than ever before.”
And while a book about listening might sound boring, it’s absolutely fascinating.
Murphy ties together the psychology, neuroscience, and sociology of listening while also sharing what she learned from some of the best listeners out there (including a CIA agent, bartender, hairdresser, focus group moderator, and top furniture salesman).
Favourite Quote:
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned as a journalist is that everybody is interesting if you ask the right questions. If someone is dull or uninteresting, it’s on you.”
6. Best Book about Confidence/Success Mindset for Entrepreneurs
Instead of: ‘Awaken the Giant Within’ by Tony Robbins
Read: ‘Playing Big’ by Tara Mohr
In ‘Awaken the Giant Within’, self-help guru Tony Robbins promises the secrets of “How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!”.
The whole book is based on NLP (neurolinguistic programming), which has been long discredited as pseudoscience and reads like one long infomercial.
Tony Robbins has a long track record of misogynist behaviour. He uses victim-blaming and shaming as a tactic at his “shows”. So, he isn’t the person I would turn to help me develop a ‘success mindset’.
Playing Big by Tara Mohr
Playing Big is one of my favourite personal development books. And in my opinion, it’s one of the best books for female entrepreneurs and business owners overall.
This book goes beyond just career or financial success. It’s an actionable guide to help all women play big and become leaders – something the world desperately needs right now.
Mohr defines Playing Big as “being more loyal to your dreams than to your fears” and every woman is encouraged to define for herself what that looks like.
Within these pages, Mohr explores the many reasons why women tend to “play small”. She gives historical and societal context as well as providing actionable tools and advice based on psychology and proven coaching practices.
Her approach is never about ‘overcoming’, ‘controlling’ or ‘banishing’ our fears or doubts. But rather, helping us understand and work with them.
And unlike most ‘self-help’ books, there’s a real focus on Playing Big in order to create good in the world, rather than just individual success.
Favourite Quote:
“Playing big doesn’t come from working more, pushing harder, or finding confidence. It comes from listening to the most powerful and secure part of you, not the voice of self-doubt.”
7. Best Money Mindset Book for (Female) Entrepreneurs
Instead of: ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill
Read: ‘The Art of Money – A Life-Changing Guide to Financial Happiness’
by Bari Tessler
by Bari Tessler
‘Think and Grow Rich’ is another classic from the 1930s and the OG “believe it and you will get it” type of money mindset book.
However, there are myriad problems with the “law of attraction” (first, it’s not a law…) and I would guess the only one who got rich from this book was the author himself.
The Art of Money by Bari Tessler
For full disclosure, I’ve not finished reading “The Art of Money” yet. I will update this once I have!
Most books on Money Mindset teach how to “manifest” your financial goals. In my opinion, this is a form of toxic positivity that blames people’s (financial) problems on their ‘negative mental state’.
What sets ‘The Art of Money’ apart is its holistic approach. It addresses our emotional relationship with money as well as providing practical financial tools and practices.
The author, Bari Tessler, is a financial therapist with a masters in Somatic Psychology. She uses her “somatic training to explore the hidden intersection of financial literacy and emotional literacy”.
And while Financial Therapy is a relatively new field, I appreciate the holistic approach (using emotional, body-based and financial tools) instead of just focusing on the mindset part.
Favourite Quote:
“Enough” isn’t out there; it’s a relationship to what you already have. Unless you work on that first (or simultaneously with how you’re making money), you will never feel like you have enough, and you will always feel poor. The thing that changes is your relationship with “enough.”
8. Best Book about Minimalism/Boundaries for (Female) Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
Instead of: ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ by Mark Manson
Read: ‘Drop the Ball: Expect Less from Yourself and Flourish in Work & Life’ by Tiffany Dufu
Mark Manson’s bestseller ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ has been described as “generation-defining” (by his publisher), and there’s a certain charm to the down-to-earth language sprinkled with swear words.
But while the premise resonates – we can’t give a f*ck about everything, so we need to be intentional with how we spend our lives.
Ultimately, it’s not much more than a regurgitation of Stoicism and Eastern philosophy, with a heavy dose of misogynist anecdotes.
Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu
Part memoir, part self-help book, ‘Drop the Ball’ addresses the same problem of “too much to do too little time”. But it has a specific focus on women, especially the high achievers amongst us.
Women have been trying to ‘have it all’ for decades. We’ve ‘leaned in’, delegated, negotiated and advocated for ourselves and others.
Yet, the gender pay gap persists, we still do most of the housework and we’re burning out. The solution? Stop trying: embrace imperfection, expect less of ourselves and more from others. Ask for help.
The concept isn’t 100% novel, but I appreciate that Dufu addresses some underlying systemic problems, including the “mental load” (which is explained really well by this comic).
Mental load describes the cognitive labour (thinking, planning, organising and emotional work) of running a household. This work is unpaid of course and doesn’t only apply to mothers.
Favourite Quote:
“Women need to support one another by being honest about the compromises we make and by speaking openly about the help we require from our partners and other support systems.”
9. Best Book about Starting a Business/Economy
Instead of: ‘The 4 Hour Work Week’ by Tim Ferris
Read: ‘Doughnut Economics– Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist’ by Kate Raworth
You might be surprised to find the 4 Hour Work Week on this list. That’s because it has been touted as the “digital nomad bible” since its publication in 2007.
The gist of the book is to start a business that sells *anything* at as much profit as possible, and then outsource as much work as possible. In this way, you can “get rich in your sleep” and thus join “the new rich”.
Sure, I see the appeal. But sadly, it’s not only unrealistic (why aren’t we all millionaires yet?) but it also relies on an outdated capitalist system that exploits people and the planet.
And though disguised as ‘geoarbitrage’, this book basically promotes colonialism and is only concerned with individual gain.
I personally think digital nomads and entrepreneurs are imaginative people. So we might as well use our imagination to usher in a better future instead of designing just another individualist lifestyle of chasing more and more (flights, passport stamps, “passive” income).
We have to start with building businesses that go beyond just creating profit and are a force for good in the world. That way, we can protect this beautiful planet that we love to explore.
And while building purpose-driven businesses is a crucial first step, ultimately we need to completely reimagine our capitalist system.
Enter…
Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth
So yes, technically this isn’t a business book. Instead, it’s a book that offers a new economic model, one fit for the 21st century and beyond.
Because as long as we measure success through growth (as individuals, entrepreneurs and economically), we won’t be able to solve our biggest problems: climate change, ecological breakdown, growing inequality & injustice, loneliness and disconnection.
I know we’ve been told GDP and growth are what matters most and that capitalism is inevitable, but it’s just an idea that humans came up with and we can come up with a new and better idea. One that puts people, animals and the environment before profit.
The doughnut model describes what this could look like:
“Moving beyond the myths of ‘rational economic man’ and unlimited growth, Doughnut Economics zeroes in on the sweet spot: a system that meets all our needs without exhausting the planet.”
Favourite Quotes:
“Today we have economies that need to grow, whether or not they make us thrive. What we need are economies that make us thrive, whether or not they grow.”“Inequality is not an economic necessity: it is a design failure.”“The Doughnut’s inner ring—its social foundation—sets out the basics of life on which no one should be left falling short.”
Conclusion
In my opinion, these are just a few of the best books for female entrepreneurs (but everyone should read them – not just women!)
I hope you added a few books to your “to-read” pile 📚 and I hope they inspire you to actively seek out more books by female authors!
You can find all the books here on our Bookshop.org shelf.
And if you’d like to read books like these together with other amazing location independent women, then come and join us in The Lab! 
The Lab is our virtual community for shared learning, accountability and experimentation. We host a monthly Book Club, run SkillShares, cowork together, host feedback sessions, run a Money Club, and loads more fun stuff!
If you loved this list, please share it with your friends and community, and maybe even your local bookshop!
A big thank you to Elizabeth Lesser for inspiring me to write this!
