Empower Your Leadership Journey With These 5 Books

 

For generations, Black women have been the backbone of their communities, demonstrating resilience, wisdom, and strength in the face of adversity. Our education and entrepreneurial success in recent decades position us not only as leaders in our homes and respective industries, but also as influential figures in our communities- a position that millennials and Gen Z joke about being woefully unprepared for. With the insanity taking place in today’s society, it felt more important than ever to put together a reading list designed to further enhance our leadership skills. The following five books are a few of my favorites geared towards Black women striving to become impactful leaders. 

 

Make Money Move: A Guide to Financial Wellness 

First up is, “Make Money Move”, an essential read for Black women leaders aiming to harness financial literacy in order to wield economic power. Lauren Simmons, who became the youngest full-time female trader at the New York Stock Exchange at twenty-two, offers a fresh and relatable perspective on personal finance. She demystifies complex financial concepts, empowering readers to take control of their financial futures and overcome barriers like income inequity.

Lauren’s dedication to empowering women, Millennials, Gen Zs, and minorities is one of the reasons I picked this book over all the other financial wellness books out there. Her insights and strategies in “Make Money Move” will be helpful to anyone looking to enhance their financial acumen and leadership skills.

Lead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment

 “Lead to Win” is another indispensable guide for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of modern leadership without the benefit of mentors or role models in their immediate circle. Carla A. Harris offers dynamic strategies for today’s and tomorrow’s leaders, addressing the evolving landscape of work and the critical skills needed to succeed. This book provides actionable insights on taking risks, creating a vision, and leveraging relationships and partnerships to enhance leadership capabilities.

Carla A. Harris is one of my favorite business writers. Her previous works, “Expect to Win” and “Strategize to Win,” reaffirm why she is a powerhouse in the realm of leadership development. “Lead to Win” continues this legacy, offering essential strategies that resonate deeply with anyone committed to leading with purpose and authenticity.

We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power

Rachel Rodgers’s willingness to give practical advice and her commitment to economic equality are on full display in “We Should All Be Millionaires”. This book is a game-changer for Black women leaders seeking to break through financial barriers and wield economic power. Honestly, what’s the point of the money if you’re not able to wield the power that comes with it? Rachel provides a realistic step-by-step path to financial success, addressing common obstacles like shaky confidence, knowledge gaps, imposter syndrome, and limiting money mindsets. This book shows readers how to clear every hurdle to achieve their financial goals.

“We Should All Be Millionaires” is not just a financial guide but a call to action for women to claim their rightful place among the world’s millionaires.

I Hope You Fail: Ten Hater Statements Holding You Back From Getting Everything You Want 

The voice in my head gets loud! And she isn’t always kind, so I was glad when my therapist recommended, “I Hope You Fail”. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination required for Black women leaders to achieve success. Pinky Cole shares her journey of overcoming obstacles and transforming failures into stepping stones for success. Her story is a reminder that every setback can equip you with the tools needed to build a thriving business and achieve financial security.

Pinky Cole is known for two things- an amazing vegan burger movement and her ability to turn adversity into opportunity and inspire others to do the same. “I Hope You Fail” is an essential read for anyone looking to transform their challenges into triumphs and build a successful, impactful career.

Freedom Is A Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement 

Last but certainly not least, is “Freedom is a Constant Struggle”. In this book, civil rights icon Angela Davis empowers readers by highlighting the importance of Black feminism, understanding intersectionality, and the continuous fight for justice. Angela Davis’s reflections provide valuable lessons in solidarity and persistent activism, crucial for effective leadership. In this collection of essays and interviews, Davis connects past liberation movements to contemporary issues, emphasizing that freedom requires continuous, collective effort.

Angela Davis’ fight for justice has had a profound impact in the way I view leadership and the role of writer. To quote Dr. Cornell West, who wrote the forward for this book, “she remains after more than 50 years of struggle suffering and service the most recognizable face of the left in the US Empire.” Her extensive body of work, including “Women, Race, and Class” and “Are Prisons Obsolete?”, solidifies her as a pivotal voice in Black liberation and prison abolitionism. This book is a must-read for those seeking to lead with purpose and conviction.

All of the books are available on Amazon, and their audiobooks can be found in the Spotify audiobook library.