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The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Balance For Better’. It’s about building a gender balanced world. That means a gender-balanced government (hi Theresa May) and gender-balanced media coverage (here’s looking at you to fix up MailOnline). It also means a gender-balance of employees. A gender balance in sports coverage (can you name 3 women England football players?).

In a perfect world, men and women would be treated equally. Now, I know we have already come some way. Women are no longer tied to the kitchen but can be seen in the office. Wealth is no longer the reserve of men but women too (go Kylie Jenner!). There’s been more of a gender balance in Hollywood (thanks Meryl Streep!) with even the #MeToo movement exposing those who’ve taken advantage of their position and sex. But we still have a way to go.

Not only is gender balance important for our human rights it’s important for social and economic growth. It’s important for a woman’s self esteem. It’s crucial for female confidence. Women have proven they can make influential leaders. They can compete in the same remit as their male counterparts. They can smash through the glass ceiling and get paid what they deserve.

Believe me I’ve worked in some awful places. It was only the other day I was chatting to an old colleague about an environment where “wow this room smells of FemFresh” (a declaration made by a man, addressing a room full of women) was the norm. Even “hello sugar tits” was a natural greeting. Gender balance that is not.

So in light of championing gender balance and celebrating women’s achievements, I’ve teamed up with Wordery to discuss my favourite books (by female authors) that have really helped me in my career.

you are a badass – jen sincero

This book shows you how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life.

Hey, it does what it says on the cover!

This book is kind of a self help book but refreshingly funny and not at all dictatorial. It’s how to realise your self worth and improve your confidence.

The author, Jen, is a life coach with all the answers! From making money to creating a joyful life, it’s a great read and discounted at Wordery.

secrets of six-figure women – barbara stanny

Knowing your worth, experience and competition are fundamental in any successful career no matter what industry.
In Secrets of Six-Figure Women, Barbara Stanny, journalist, motivational speaker, and financial educator, identifies the seven key strategies of female high earner. These are A Profit Motive, Audacity, Resilience. Encouragement, Self-Awareness, Non-Attachment, and Financial Know-How.
This book is great for women looking for an extra boost in confidence at work. Also entrepreneurs who have an insatiable appetite for money and even those who are looking for a bit more motivation.
You will definitely feel empowered to make more money!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

leave your mark – aliza licht

I have to be honest, this was a book I flicked through rather than read in detail. Essentially because I too have worked in media for a very long time and being a blogger, I’m already au fait with lots of success stories.
That said, I know this book is beyond useful for many other career women, particularly those who want to achieve and be recognised. From getting promotions confidently to all the juicy gossip on Aliza’s role as the former @DKNYPRGirl, it’s a must read.
Furthermore, Aliza had to keep her identity on social media a secret and really created a picture perfect character behind the globally famous fashion brand. This was back in the day before social media got big and the account gained so much traction to the point of ridiculous.
Aliza Licht is like a mentor in this book, brimming with positivity and tips on how to keep your head high.
 

nice girls (still) don’t get the corner office – lois p. frankel, phd

I’ve written on the blog before a post on self sabotage and how us as women can often sabotage our own happiness or success.

This book is a no nonsense guide on how to recognise and identify your mistakes and how to change your behaviour going forward. It helps change habits (some that we don’t even realise we have) and how to push through in your career.