15 Must-Have Career Books Written By Inspiring Women

In the digital era, it helps to have advice from someone who has built their career from behind the camera and laptop screen. YouTube sensation, Lilly Singh has accumulated over 14 million subscribers since starting her channel in 2010, so she certainly knows a thing or two about how to build your own empire while staying true yourself as you achieve your goals like a bawse.

If you’re just starting out in your career than fashion communications executive, Aliza Licht is the right fit for you. Licht found massive success creating the voice behind DKNY’s PR Twitter account and details how that all came together in Leave Your Mark. She also gets down to the nitty-gritty, with lessons in how to respond properly to emails and how to manage Devil Wears Prada-esque individuals in the fashion industry and beyond.

This book is perfect for anyone who works more than one job. We live in a time where one job is no longer enough as we find ways to make our career dreams come true outside of a regular 9-to-5. Emma Gannon explains how you can work another job and channel your entrepreneurial spirit without feeling like you never have time for yourself.

In her third memoir, Elizabeth Gilbert places her focus on how to build the creative life of your dreams. By covering things like attitude, action and habits; Gilbert describes her process and explains how to apply her techniques towards creative life in a way that all readers can get on board with. It’s not a typical career advice book, but it’s full of positive advice and encouragement aimed at those wishing to live their best creative life.

If you were a fan of The Hills than you already know how harsh Kelly Cutrone can be. Despite her blunt way with words, Cutrone delivers career advice that’s useful at any age. Her ability to hit you upside the head with her words is the exact wake-up call you need to get your career moving back in the direction you intended it to. She doesn't hold back and neither should you.

By sharing her unique rise up the entrepreneurial ladder, Sophia Amoruso was able to prove why she is the original #GIRLBOSS. Her no-BS approach to building her career is exactly what catapulted Nasty Gal all the way to the top of the fashion food chain. The lessons she shares in this book led her to an original Netflix series and subsequent digital publication focused entirely on empowering women as they build the career they’ve always wanted.

Aspiring writers will eat up every one of Jennifer Romolini’s words in her first book, Weird In a World That’s Not. As a self-proclaimed awkward girl, Romolini admits that it took a minute to keep herself in check while still trying to find her edge at the beginning of her career. She also carefully explains the value in saying yes to all of your opportunities and bestows helpful advice like how to navigate office politics and drama. As a woman who became an editor-in-chief, an editorial director, and a vice president all within little more than a decade—you’ll want to see what she has to say.

This memoir doubles as a career advice book for women who find themselves in industries generally dominated by men. As a writer for some of the most popular shows on television, Nell Scovell knows a thing or two about navigating the complicated waters of Hollywood and showbiz. Whether you’re an inspiring writer or someone who wants to learn to bite her tongue until the right time—Scovell is your gal.

When you’re stuck in a rut and the urge to reinvent yourself is just too real it’s Wendy Sachs to the rescue. In Fearless and Free, Sachs teaches you how to own and expand your skills, nurture your network, gain confidence, manage setbacks and ultimately brand yourself while also embracing the uncomfortable.

Financial expert and serial entrepreneur, Nicole Lapin describes her take on how to rise to the top while being your most confident, savvy, and ambitious self. In her relatable tone, Lapin explains exactly how to become a boss in twelve easy steps that cover not only the right attitude and goals—but also the finer details involved in raising money and getting a first-time business off the ground successfully.

This manifesto for gaining self-confidence was dreamt up by women’s leadership expert Maxie McCoy after realizing women were still missing some of the encouragement they need to get started. With stories from other inspirational women and thought-provoking exercises, you’re guaranteed to find something that sparks your determination to aim higher in your career and your life.

For those that are ready to succeed without compromising the person they are, you need to grab of a copy of Fran Hauser’s The Myth of the Nice Girl. This book is all about teaching women how to remain true to their values and unique voices while still reaching their goals and enjoying success. Filled to the brim with personal anecdotes and strategies, Hauser dispenses her advice with a refreshing dose of honesty.

As the author of Life After College and former career development program manager at Google, Jenny Blake is a trusted resource when it comes to career advice. In Pivot, Blake covers the “what’s next?” portion of career minded individuals who don’t know better. More specifically, her advice describes how you can switch career paths, start your business or simply move into a new role in your current job.

World-travelling success coach, Jen Sincero created a book that spells out all the ways you are getting in the way of not only your career—but your life! By pairing together inspiring stories and sage advice; Sincero describes in detail how to change your way of thinking in order to succeed in anything your heart desires. She also includes small exercises throughout to further help drive the message home.

Surviving and thriving at work and at home is achievable if you follow the advice found in Mumboss. Vicki Psarias, founder of HonestMum.com shares how she juggled work and family and worked to regain her confidence after having a baby and battling imposter syndrome. As an award-winning blogger and vlogger, Psarias knows exactly how to build a successful business model that you can be proud of, while still enjoying the beauty of everyday life.