15 Best Leadership Books for Women: Smart Reads by Powerful Female Leaders

If you’re a woman in business, chances are you’ve been on the lookout for resources that actually speak to your experience — beyond the generic leadership advice recycled for decades. That’s why we created this curated list of the best leadership books for women that are actually authored by trailblazing women who’ve walked the walk.

Whether you're leading a team, building your own business, or stepping into a new role, these books about female leaders offer insight, inspiration, and actionable strategies to help you grow with confidence.

This guide is a sister piece to our popular post on the best goal-setting books to become successful, and we designed it with the same intention: to help women like you lead boldly and build a business you’re proud of.

The Best Leadership Books for Women (Written by Women)

1. Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership by Kirstin Ferguson

This recent release is redefining what leadership looks like. Ferguson blends intellect and empathy in her approach, helping women embrace both head and heart in their leadership style. Even Adam Grant loves it, calling it “A timely, actionable book on the virtues that every great leader needs to learn.”

2. I Wish I’d Known This: 6 Career-Accelerating Secrets for Women Leaders by Brenda Wensil & Kathryn Heath

Packed with practical advice, this book is written specifically for women climbing the leadership ladder. It tackles the real-world challenges many of us face and delivers tools to navigate them with clarity and confidence.

3. How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith

This standout among books about women leaders focuses on 12 habits that can hold women back from the success they deserve and how to overcome them. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to break through to their next level.

4. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

While this look was published back in 2018, it’s just as relevant today because Brené Brown has a knack for speaking straight into your heart and soul. In Dare to Lead, she takes a deep dive into courageous leadership, showing us how vulnerability, empathy, and clear communication are key to leading well in today’s world.

5. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

If self-doubt has ever crept into your leadership journey (and let’s be honest, it happens to all of us), this book is your new best friend. It unpacks the science of confidence and gives women a toolkit to build their own.

6. Making Waves: A Memoir by Lisa Lutoff-Perlo

As the former CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Lutoff-Perlo shares her rise in a male-dominated industry with honesty, humor, and grace. This is one of the most compelling books about female leaders released recently. And it’s absolutely perfect for those who love a good memoir with a dose of leadership wisdom.

7. She Thinks Like a Boss: Leadership – 9 Essential Skills for New Female Leaders in Business and the Workplace by Jemma Roedel

This practical guide is tailored for women stepping into leadership roles, offering strategies to build confidence, set boundaries, and effectively lead teams. Roedel addresses challenges such as imposter syndrome and communication hurdles, providing actionable advice to navigate the workplace with assurance. It's an empowering read for those seeking to develop their leadership skills and influence.

8. The Little Black Book of Success by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood & Rhonda Joy McLean

This book is especially for Black women navigating leadership spaces. It blends career advice, personal stories, and practical tools in an empowering and uplifting way. One reviewer said, “Black women need more inspiration and a manual to navigate their success. This book was all of that for me. This book is the perfect support for black woman trying to reach their goals.”

9. Radical Candor by Kim Scott

While not only for women, Kim Scott’s voice is strong, clear, and deeply relevant. She gives leaders permission (and tools) to care personally while challenging directly—something many women in leadership struggle to balance. Plus it’s been a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller multiple years running, and has been translated into 20 languages, with more than half a million copies sold worldwide, so you know it’s the real deal!

10. You Are More Than Magic by Minda Harts

Written for women of color, this book is part career guide, part pep talk. Harts is honest about the challenges of navigating leadership as a woman of color, and her wisdom is energizing and deeply validating. “Every parent of a Black or brown girl should buy this book, read it to their child, and pass it along to the other parents in their circle,” said Evette Dionne

11. Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu

One of the best books for female leaders who often find themselves “doing it all” despite knowing better! Dufu’s honest story about letting go of perfection is a powerful reminder to lead from your priorities — not from expectations.

12. Lead to Win by Carla A. Harris

Carla Harris, a Wall Street powerhouse, shares battle-tested lessons for success in the workplace. It’s smart, strategic, and full of stories that help you rethink your leadership approach.

13. Hers for the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite & Beyond by Carolyn Buck Luce

Carolyn Buck Luce brings decades of executive experience and coaching to this guide designed for ambitious women aiming for senior leadership. With a blend of personal stories, strategic insights, and practical exercises, this book encourages women to define success on their own terms—and claim it unapologetically. A refreshing addition to the best books for female leaders, it’s especially powerful for those eyeing the C-suite or making bold career moves.

14. Wolfpack by Abby Wambach

Inspired by her viral commencement speech, Wolfpack is a call to action for women leaders. It’s short, fierce, and packed with reminders to lead together, not apart. “Received this book this afternoon and read it in one sitting - which I never do,” said one reader. And frankly, you might just tear through it too because it’s fantastic!

15. Lead from the Outside by Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams argues that knowing your own passion is the key to success, regardless of the scale or target. Part memoir, part manual for change, this book explores what it means to lead when you’ve never been invited to the table. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider in leadership, this one’s for you.

Why These Are the Best Books for Female Leaders

Every book on this list was written by a woman who has either led at the highest levels, coached women into leadership, or helped change the conversation around what it means to lead. These aren’t just books about women leaders — they’re playbooks, permission slips, and personal guides for becoming the leader you want to be.

At Hatch Tribe, we believe (and know) your voice matters. And when women lead with clarity and courage, we change the game — not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.

If you loved this list, be sure to also check out our top goal-setting books—because big goals and bold leadership go hand in hand.