8 Books For Success In Work And Life

Spending time with a good book can spark inspiration for both work and life. Books are also amazing for starting conversation, so in my office I have a bookshelf filled with my favorite books that everyone on the team can access. I love seeing the folded pages and "book marks," or notes scribbled in the margins. I wanted to share some of our favorite books by female authors recommended in the FQ Lounge.

WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game, by Abby Wambach

Based on her inspiring 2018 commencement speech at Barnard College in New York City, Abby Wambach’s WOLFPACK shares lessons she learned from years of success and failure—both on and off the soccer field.

The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates

For the past twenty years, Melinda Gates has been on a mission to create global solutions to global problems, including gender inequality. In her candid new book, Gates offers practical advice for how each one of us can invest in women. The main takeaway: When we lift up women and girls, we all win. 

How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results, by Esther Wojcicki

Renowned educator and mother of three—including YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, 23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki and professor of pediatrics Janet Wojcicki—shares her parenting philosophy, which focuses on the basic principles of trust, respect, independence, collaboration, and kindness (TRICK).

The Tampon Book: A Book Against Tax Discrimination, by The Female Company

To protest against the high tax rates on menstrual products in countries around the world, The Female Company is selling a 46-page book that doubles as packaging for 15 organic tampons as a way around the “Pink Tax.” In addition to tampons, The Tampon Book contains funny and surprising anecdotes about menstruation with bold illustrations—printed, of course, on recycled paper.

Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown

Dr. Brene Brown highlighted the power of vulnerability and of allowing yourself to be seen in her previous best-selling books, Daring Greatly, and Braving the Wilderness. In her latest book, Brown shares why vulnerability is essential for the best leadership today. The book helps people and teams become braver leaders by highlighting four skills sets that are 100% teachable, observable, and measurable.

Saturday’s Child: A Daughter’s Memoir, by Deborah Burns

Saturday’s Child chronicles Burns’ life being raised by an unconventional mother in 1950s America, and her midlife quest to uncover the truth about her family. As the story unfolds, Burns must confront the reality of her mother’s legacy and their complex relationship in order to better understand herself.

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be, by Rachel Hollis

Popular online personality and founder of TheChicSite.com, Rachel Hollis’ new book is funny and filled with tough love, exposing readers to the truth: “You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.”

I’d Rather Be in Charge, by Charlotte Beers

In this must-read classic written by Advertising Hall of Famer and the former Chairman/CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, Beer leads us through concrete steps as well as stories from her own life to spread an important message to women everywhere: finding your own personal leadership style is the only way to take charge.

These are all women who are part of our pack, so we’re happy to share them with you. Let’s keep sharing and start a virtual book club: Please send your favorite reads and “book marks” to me @ShelleyZalis.

This article was originally published on FORBES.