20 Inspiring Books For Female Entrepreneurs You Need to Know

We all have those days.

Do you know the ones where you’re ticking all the boxes but missing that internal force that gives purpose to your day?

You might have created and established a successful business, but maintaining it on days where you can see little, if any, progress can be tough.

It’s in times like this that I like to surround myself with other unapologetically ambitious women who know exactly how hard it is to show up every day, even when there are no instant results. Thanks to The Société, I’m part of a thriving community of female entrepreneurs that are there to support each other, but it never hurts to get another view.

That’s why I love inspiring business books written by women who have built successful businesses and aren’t afraid to talk about their failures. You can learn so much from reading other people’s stories and even be motivated by their successes.

To help you find your motivation again, I’ve shared 20 of my favorite inspiring books for female entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just starting out or already established, these books are sure to relight that fire.

I am a huge Emma Gannon fangirl so it would only be right to start this list with one of her incredible books. The Multi-Hyphen Method is for anyone who is frustrated by the idea of a traditional 9-5 job. Inspiring you to work less, but create more, this is a great one for those who have more than one project on the go. SHOP NOW

Jo Malone is known as the driving force behind leading beauty brands Jo Malone and Jo Loves, but do you know how she did it? Sharing her journey from leaving school with no qualifications to becoming one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, this is one of the most inspiring books for female entrepreneurs. SHOP NOW

Have you ever felt like the only woman in the room? It’s no secret that there are fewer women in the boardroom than men and that is why getting inspiration from those who have achieved it is so important. With insights from senior women in organizations such as the University of Cambridge and Microsoft, you’ll find out what it’s really like to be a female CEO in Beyond the Boy’s Club. SHOP NOW

Are you deep in a motivation rut? Read Do It Like A Woman and discover some truly remarkable women that not only overcame huge obstacles but went on to become revolutionary pioneers. SHOP NOW

One of Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business and Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg knows exactly what it is to be a woman with ambition. Sharing her own experience of working in some of the most successful businesses, you’ll find out what small changes you can make so you can reach the top too. SHOP NOW

From solopreneurs to multimillion-dollar success stories, this book is a collection of over 60 letters from women who know exactly what it takes to run a business. Providing inspiration and lessons, it’s a great one to dip in and out of when you need a business boost. SHOP NOW

If you’re looking for inspiration for public speaking, this is the book for you. Shining a light on incredible speeches made by women throughout history, you can’t help but feel motivated. Featuring everyone from Boudica to Greta Thunberg, there is bound to be a speech that will speak to you in She Speaks. SHOP NOW

One of my own personal inspirations, Karren Brady has defied the odds. Told that she had a brain aneurysm by doctors following a routine scan and that she must have an operation with a 30% chance of not surviving, Karren went on to become Vice-Chairwoman of West Ham United. Balancing a family and business, this is a great one for all you mumpreneurs. SHOP NOW

A history of women in business, Women Who Launch is one of the best inspiring books for female entrepreneurs. Profiling some of the most influential women such as Estee Lauder and Julia Ward-Howe, you’ll be inspired by the true stories of women who have achieved lasting success. SHOP NOW

If you’ve ever wondered how accurate The Devil Wear’s Prada is, Inside Vogue is the book for you. The secret diary of British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Alexandra Shulman will show you that it takes a lot of hard work to create glossy results. SHOP NOW

The perfect coffee table book for female entrepreneurs, In The Company of Women, will introduce you to over 100 influential and creative women. Covering all ages, races, backgrounds and industries you are sure to find someone who you can identify with and inspire you. SHOP NOW

Growing up as a trouble maker in a large family, Mary Portas understands the value of using your background as motivation. Working for retail icons such as Harrods and Topshop, Mary is best known for her work as the Creative Director of Harvey Nichols, transforming it into one of London’s most loved luxury fashion destinations. SHOP NOW

The best-selling author of Girl Code, Girl on Fire shows you how you can start creating the life you dream of without asking for permission from anyone else. Championing women creating their own opportunities, you’ll soon be inspired to push through any hurdles in your business. SHOP NOW

Founder of the global beauty success, Rodial, Maria Hatzistefanis was branded an ‘overnight success’ following the launch of the cult ‘snake’ serum. However, if you read this book, you’ll soon learn that this achievement was the result of 18 years of hard work. Full of advice and top tips, Maria shares some of her most important lessons and teaches you the importance of patience. SHOP NOW

Real and honest, Dear Female Founder is a collection of 66 letters from women entrepreneurs who have made $1 Billion in Revenue. Sharing the advice they wish they had been given, you’ll be able to learn from the wisdom of women who have done it before you. SHOP NOW

Arriving in England as an unaccompanied Kindertransport refugee during World War Two, Dame Stephanie Shirley, CH went on to become a pioneer in technology. From creating a software company to transferring ownership to her staff, Stephanie’s story will make you focus on what you can give rather than receive. SHOP NOW

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post. She is also unarguably one of the most influential women in the world. Showing you that you should be looking for more than just money and power, Thrive is one of the most inspiring books for female entrepreneurs. SHOP NOW

Co-founder of the iconic Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon shares how she became one of the most successful self-made British businesswomen. This book is ideal for fashionistas and entrepreneurs. In My Shoes is an honest account of the highs and lows of building a successful brand. SHOP NOW

The story of 60 inspirational from all walks of life, The Female Lead will inspire you to take charge of your business. Profiling everyone from firefighters to film stars, you’ll be able to see what women who are unapologetically ambitious can achieve. SHOP NOW

What happens when you ask 200 women from all types of background the same five questions? You find out what mindset truly drives success. Featuring influential women such as animal welfare activist Jane Goodall and Nobel Peace laureate Rigoberta Menchu, you’ll soon discover that your outlook on life is your biggest asset. SHOP NOW

Comment below some of your favorite inspiring books for female entrepreneurs is and let’s help each other succeed!

Jessica Riley is a Virtual Marketing & Blog Assistant from Manchester, UK.

With an M.Sc. in Marketing, she helps bloggers and small business create click-worthy content through a wide range of services including content planning, blog post writing and, social media management and engagement.

She also writes a Travel & Lifestyle Blog called The Crown Wings and has worked with leading brands such as St. Tropez and Icelolly.com.