Leadership isn’t a fixed destination, it’s personal — and evolving. As we head into a new season of intention-setting, we asked Chief Members for some inspiration.
What are the leadership books that have had the biggest impact on their careers? The ones they are quickest to recommend to fellow women in the lead?
The titles that topped the list are insightful explorations into purpose, connection, and authenticity. They’re modern classics from ground-breaking thought leaders and introspective memoirs from women who challenged the status quo.
Read on for seven of the highlights worth revisiting or picking up for the first time in these last weeks of summer quiet.
Lead From the Outside by Stacey Abrams
There’s a unique strength in being an outsider, one that can be harnessed to make real change. In this playbook, Abrams — a past Chief speaker — offers a guide for doing just that. Writing for anyone who exists beyond the traditional definition of power, she draws on her extensive experience in entrepreneurship, community organizing, and voting rights advocacy to offer personal stories and practical leadership strategies.
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
For Brown, effective leadership is not about titles or status, it’s about empathy, connection, and courage. It’s about the power and potential that you unlock by daring to be vulnerable. In this smash bestseller and Chief Member favorite, she breaks down the four core skills for cultivating this more human approach to leadership.
“Leadership is synonymous with self-awareness, and this book makes it not only OK but places the expectation on us to show up authentically for everyone’s sake.”
— Chief Member Stacey G., Executive Operations Director
Members also recommend Brown’s Daring Greatly.
Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
The latest from the author of The Power of Habit explores “why some people are able to make themselves heard, and to hear others, so clearly.” In it, Duhigg breaks down the mechanics of the three types of conversations we are constantly having in work and in life. Once you are able to recognize these archetypes, he argues, you can better navigate emotions, negotiations, and beliefs they contain to connect with anyone.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
For every leader who has found themselves stretched too thin personally or professionally, McKeown offers a path to reclaiming control of their time and energy. By his definition, essentialism isn’t about doing more with less, it’s about doing the things that truly matter to deliver the highest value.
“There is truly an art in simplifying. If you can define what is essential to your business, to your life, and even in your closet, you will be able to do more for the things that really matter.”
— Chief Member Kristi R., Managing Director
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
The book that inspired a movement, Start With Why challenges leaders of all stripes to think differently about how they communicate. Drawing from the examples of some of the world’s greatest leaders, Sinek shows the integral role purpose plays in building loyalty among customers and teams — and how to define it for your organization. It’s not just about what your company does or how it does it, it’s about why.
Leading With GRIT by Laurie Sudbrink
Leading with passion and purpose (“grit”) alone can be a low morale, high turnover, and burnout. Instead, Sudbrink encourages readers to lead with GRIT — generosity, respect, integrity, and truth. Her values-based approach to leadership is rooted in sustainable change, offering professionals a way to balance their priorities effectively for themselves and their teams.
“I love the leadership approaches that emphasize authenticity, emotional intelligence, and sustainable growth — fueled by grounded values and practical strategies.”
— Chief Member Rejoyce O., Vice President
Good Power by Ginni Rometty
In her engaging memoir, the former IBM CEO and Chief speaker details her groundbreaking path to becoming one of the world’s most influential business leaders. Rometty shares the many different experiences that have defined her life — including personal hurdles, high-stake business decisions, and passionate advocacy — all while giving actionable advice on how to redefine power and use it for good as a leader.
