Books like Lean In

A pragmatic, rallying cry for women to claim their space and ambition in the professional world. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Lean In.

motivating
ambitious
empowering
reflective

01
The Confidence Code
Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
A science-backed pep talk that dismantles imposter syndrome and hands you the blueprint for self-assurance.
Shares:
- empowering
- reflective
- pragmatic
- encouraging
02
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office
Lois P. Frankel · 2004
A pragmatic, tough-love coaching session designed to help women unlearn the polite habits holding them back at work.
Shares:
- empowering
- reflective
- pragmatic
03
Rising strong
Brené Brown
A compassionate, research-backed roadmap for turning your greatest failures into your most profound moments of growth.
Shares:
- reflective
- encouraging
- earnest
04
Option B
Sheryl Sandberg
A compassionate, research-backed lifeline for navigating the darkest chapters of life and slowly learning how to breathe again.
Shares:
- reflective
- pragmatic
- earnest
05
The Making of a Manager
Julie Zhuo
A warm, practical mentor-in-a-book that transforms the terrifying leap into leadership into an approachable, step-by-step journey.
Shares:
- pragmatic
- encouraging
- earnest
06
Originals
Adam Grant
An invigorating intellectual dinner party that leaves you feeling equipped to change the world, or at least your workplace.
Shares:
- encouraging
- analytical
07
Dare to lead
Brené Brown
A warm, challenging invitation to drop the armor and lead with a whole heart.
Shares:
- reflective
- earnest
08
Presence
Amy Cuddy
An empathetic, science-backed guide to shedding imposter syndrome and stepping into your personal power.
Shares:
- empowering
- encouraging
- earnest
09
The defining decade
Meg Jay
A compassionate but firm wake-up call that transforms the overwhelming ambiguity of early adulthood into an actionable roadmap.
Shares:
- motivating
- empowering
- reflective
- pragmatic
10
Rage becomes her
Soraya L. Chemaly
A galvanizing and intellectually rigorous exploration of how women can reclaim their anger as a profound force for positive change.
Shares:
- empowering
- reflective
- analytical
11
Quiet
Susan Cain
A deeply validating exploration that gives you permission to stop pretending and embrace the quiet power of your own mind.
Shares:
- reflective
- earnest
- analytical
12
Grit
Angela Duckworth
An empowering, research-backed dismantling of the talent myth that leaves you ready to tackle your most daunting long-term goals.
Shares:
- encouraging
- earnest
- analytical

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