Discovering the inner leader is in part a deeply spiritual process. It is for this reason that many of my clients are female executives and why I found this list particularly interesting and relevant. From top executives and members of Chief, here is a list of 7 books that have influenced their careers the most.
“This book speaks to the power of authenticity and leading from your own area of strength and true nature.” — Paramita Sarkar, Head of Product Strategy, Management and Analytics at Ameriprise Financial
2. First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman
“It taught me to...find everyone’s strengths and design positions for them to shine.” —Heather L. Beach, VP Enterprise Risk & Compliance at Xome
3. Rocking the Boat: How Tempered Radicals Effect Change Without Making Trouble by Debra Meyerson
“Helped me understand how....to influence change as a woman leader.” — Melissa Welch, Chief Medical Officer at Health Catalyst
4. The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business by Patrick Lencioni
“It really helped me take a step back to look at organizational leadership and how to build a culture that attracts and retains [top talent].” — Charlene Coughlin, President and Partner at TWIST Creative
5. It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor: Free Yourself From the Hidden Behaviors Sabotaging Your Career Success by Rebecca Shambaugh
“[This book] inspires women to know and be themselves, to balance work/life, to embrace being good enough, to form your own BOD, to have political savvy, to make your words count, and to ask for what you want and choose not to be stuck.” — Windy Nicholson, VP Technology & Product Mergers & Acquisitions Integration at Salesforce
6. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek
“I love this book because it speaks to the core of what I consider to be real leadership. Your actions should inspire others to do more and dream bigger.” — Christie Blake, VP Analyst Relations at Talkdesk
7. Successful Women Speak Differently: 9 Habits That Build Confidence, Courage, and Influence by Valorie Burton
“[This book has] simple nuggets...for how powerful our words are, and it’s based around nine habits.” — Rhonda Whyte, VP Convention Management at Events DC
*Original article dated January 4, 2023.