These nine books (all written by women) each taught me things I desperately needed to learn about how to BE in the world and in my career.

Like how to:

• Be more confident in myself as a human and a leader

• Navigate the obstacles and indignities of a male dominated workplace

• Earn more respect, recognition, and opportunity

• Feel less socially awkward and anxious in rooms where I felt unwelcome and out of place

• Take better care of my health and energy

• Feel less crazy about the things that happen to me as a woman in the world

• Show up more present, generous, and kind with the people around me

These aren’t books I admire from a distance. They’re books I’ve used—ideas I’ve returned to and shared with others, and often leaned on when I needed to find a way forward.