We all know that the number of female CEO's heading up major companies is lacking, in fact women currently hold 22 (that's a measly 4.4%) of CEO positions at S&P 500 companies *eye roll*. Well rather than dwell on this I thought I would put together a list of some books to inspire us to take some steps to change that. If you are looking to become the next female boss then you should take some inspiration from some of the women who have overcome hurdles in their careers and penned it all down...yep all for you to read. So what are you waiting for? Shake those January blues off and grab yourself one of these books for some career inspiration. Your future self will thank you later on down the line.... 

#GirlBoss - Sophia Amoruso

With the Netflix original series inspired set to hit digital platforms this year now is the best time to read the book. As Washington Post rightly said it's the 'Lean in for misfits'. Amoruso shares how she went from hitchhiking and pretty much doing nothing to founding one of the fastest-growing retailers in the World. It's a fun, witty read and a great way to get inspired by none other than the ultimate Girl Boss. 

Another way to keep the Amoruso inspiration in your life is via Girl Boss Radio, check it out if you haven't already! 

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - Sheryl Sandberg

Who best to get some inspiration from then the COO of Facebook - Sheryl Sandberg is a personal favourite of mine and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her book which makes for an informative read for women looking to bridge the gap between who they are and who they want to be. 

I also recommend you check out the Lean In website, great way to carry on the inspiration after reading the book. 

Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make that Sabotage their Careers - Lois P. Frankel

The title sounds a bit drastic but the book makes for an insightful read as Frankel uncovers the 101 mistakes women are apparently imbibed with from a young age and can later on harm them in their adult life. It makes for a good read for those of you starting out in your careers, be it working for a company or starting your own business. 

Girl Code - Cara Alwill Leyba

Cara Alwill Leyba is someone who I admire, partly because she worked in the same field I'm currently working in (same company too) and decided to give it all up to start her own business, which is all about inspiring women! Girl Code is just one of the many books she has written and it's all about unlocking the secrets to success, sanity and happiness, perfect for your inner female entrepreneur. It's an easy read and great if you are in need of some quick motivation. Leyba has written a number of other books since, which I do need to read. If you've read them feel free to leave my your thoughts! 

Further to reading her books I also recommend you check her website out and follow her on Instagram for some daily motivation! 

Some others...

A few other books, which I am yet to read, but come highly recommended and you should thus read include I Shouldn't Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know by Kate White (the editor of Cosmo, so yeah she knows what she's talking about),  Get Rich, Lucky B*tch! by Denise Duffield Thomas, Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to up your Earnings and Change your Life by Barbara Stanny and The Next Generation of Women Leaders: What You Need to Lead but Won't Learn in Business School by Selena Rezvani. 

With Valentines Day approaching forget about taking your significant other to some snazzy restaurant get her one of the above books. Who knows, you might inspire the next female CEO and what's not to love about that....

XxX