The 5 Books to Read This Summer
May 15, 2024
Anybody who knows me, knows that I love to read. It’s more than an escape, but rather a chance to explore an untapped side of myself and dive into topics that nourish my mind and spirit.
While beach reads and breezy novels typically dominate summer reading lists, I have curated a selection that offers tech professionals books that ignite curiosity, spark innovation, and empower self-exploration.
For women in tech, these reads are especially powerful, paving the way for personal and professional growth.
With these goals in mind, here is my list of the top 5 summer reads for my tech sisters and brothers:
1. Reshma Saujani’s “Brave, Not Perfect: How Celebrating Imperfection Helps You Live Your Best, Most Joyful Life”
Saujani is a trailblazing author, activist, and founder of Girls Who Code, an organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. I am inspired by Saujani’s remarkable journey and vision. The book is a powerful read that also incorporates solid research and facts about the challenges of balancing work and life commitments without succumbing to burnout. Through inspiring stories and practical advice, Saujani encourages readers to embrace imperfection, shed the fear of failure, and embrace a bolder, more courageous approach to life.
2. Ginni Rometty’s “Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World”
In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, women still face unique systemic challenges. Ginny Rometty's book, "Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World," serves as a guiding light—part memoir and leadership development. Rommetty utilizes storytelling to share leadership strategies that worked and didn’t through her lens in a male-dominated industry. By exploring the concepts of power, change, and personal growth, Rometty equips the reader with practical insights into how she navigated the complexities of leadership while harnessing her unique strengths.
3. Amy Cuddy’s “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges”
Asserting ourselves is a hot topic in the work I do with clients, and even though Amy Cuddy’s 2012 TedX talk has more than 70 million views and her research is readily available in her national bestseller, we still struggle. The book is overflowing with research evidence and case studies that “our body language governs the way other people perceive us, more importantly, our body language governs the way we perceive ourselves.” In fact, it plays a pivotal role in how successful we are. Finding and asserting your authentic leadership style is key to success, and this book is a crucial tool for overcoming some of the barriers that we face as women in male-dominated fields.
4. Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith’s “How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job”
In "How Women Rise," Sally Helgesen, an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and leadership development consultant, tackles the topic of professional advancement for women. Based on extensive research and interviews with successful women leaders, the book identifies 12 common habits and behaviors that can hold women back in their careers. These habits include putting others' needs before their own, expecting perfection, and avoiding conflict.
5. Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”
Gilbert's book is a guide for women looking to tap into their creative potential and overcome the fears that hold them back. Drawing on her own experiences as a writer, Gilbert shares insights and anecdotes about the creative process and the importance of pursuing one's passions. The book encourages women to embrace their curiosity, seek out the unknown, and take risks in order to unlock their creative potential. It also explores common barriers to creativity, such as fear and self-doubt, and provides practical strategies for overcoming them.
