MEET ARIANA
When was the last time you read a good book? In our highly technological world, reading on the go has been made super easy with all kinds of devices and downloads, except for those of us who still really prefer flipping through the pages or the smell of a book, I kid. Reading for fun is perhaps the most valuable hobby.
As leaders and professionals, it’s high time we embrace reading as a personal and or leadership tool that has the potential to change the dynamics of one’s life positively forever. There has been a saying for decades on how knowledge is power and how utilizing good knowledge can set you free. One of the best ways of acquiring knowledge is reading. It’s like with each book you are taking on new challenges to become a better version of yourself. Such golden nuggets of wisdom gotten through volumes of pages and on variety of topics / fields would always give you an edge over others, provide you with insight over certain simple and complex subject matters.
As we are into another quarter in a brand- new year, 2021. It’s right about that time to sign up for a new habit, we sincerely hope it will be reading. To lure you in we have listed seven (7) life-changing books you can’t afford to miss, all written by women leaders that we admire and love.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
If you have ever felt uncertain about the future, dreams, ambitions, looking for the courage to chase them against all odds, then this is the book you should be reading.
A #1 bestseller; winner of the 2020 Audie award for autobiography /memoir; fifteen million copies sold worldwide, and also a Sunday Times memoir of the year amongst others.
This book would leave you spellbound. Michelle Obama takes you through her journey to success, reminding us that you can achieve anything you want through hard work and possessing the never quitting spirit. No matter the negative pressures, critics, you can still achieve your dreams. An all-time inspiring book.
Why we love this author? A whole lot?
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She is the only black female in American history to become the first lady when her husband won the presidential election from 2009 to 2017.
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To top it all, she is an active lawyer.
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A goal-getter who understands what she wants.
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
In this book, Sheryl Sandberg talks about the need for gender equality, especially in the workplace. The need to challenge the status quo of policies made decades ago also affecting women today.
In the book’s introduction, she cites examples of countries that deny women their civil rights. Over four million women get sold into prostitution, while in countries like Sudan and Afghanistan, girls receive little or no education, women get raped. It has constantly become a saddening reality to see these women get blamed for the BABARIC acts. Although situations have improved over the years, things could have been much worse.
She also gives an insight on how to manage the home and be an ambitious career woman. Do you ever wonder why ambitious men are honored over their equally ambitious female colleagues? Do you wish to bridge the gap to achieving success, then this book by a #1 international bestselling author is a must-read for you.
Why This Author?
As a chief operating officer of Facebook and Co-author of Option B, Sheryl Sandberg lends a hand. She takes the lead, showing women that achieving their professional goals shouldn’t be taboo. Also, she helps men realize that supporting women in the workplace and at home is the best thing ever because we all can rise together.
Dare to lead by Bréné Brown
A well-researched book using real-life examples, this book was written by a New York Times bestseller Bréné Brown. It answers questions and gives strategic guidelines on how you can be a better leader.
According to the author, Bréné Brown, “Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and lean into courage. The world is desperate for braver leaders. It’s time for all of us to step up. To scale daring leadership and build courage in teams and organizations. We have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.”
Why This Author?
She recognizes the vulnerability involved in taking leadership roles and gives guidelines on how you can step up and take on risks to bring you to the next stage of greatness. This book is a must-read for everyone.
To find out more about the book, you can visit https://daretolead.brénébrown.com/ she has some life-changing questions prepared to help you decide your next big step in life.
Know your value by Mika Brzezinski
Reviewed by Atlantic.com as a rallying cry for women to get the money they deserve. The book ‘Know your value’ was first published in 2011. It’s aimed at teaching women how to find their voices, how to best communicate their values effectively at every stage in life, either work or home. It also shows women how apologizing and being unintentionally self-disapproving depreciates their values at the point where they should be cashing in.
It serves as a guide on what to do rather than what not to do, with Mika Brzezinski citing her personal experiences in life. If you wish to learn how to make more money, more work recognition? Then you need to add this bestselling motivational guide to your library.
Why This Author?
Mika Brzezinski is a co-host of the American talk show GOOD MORNING JOE. She has expressed her views on a lot of gender-dynamic topics and was also a part of the #metoo movement (a movement that brought forward the voices of women who have been victims of any form of sexual indecency in all works of life in America).
We should be feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This book-length essay analyzes what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century. She clears the air on feminism, labeled a social movement that focuses on reversing gender roles, thereby making men inferior. She also points out why everyone should embrace feminism (men and women) and not see it as an insult. Only then would women’s rights be sincerely fought for, sexual crimes against women stopped and equality in the workplace achieved. “Therefore, becoming a feminist normalizes women’s success and allows men to strive to achieve even more in life.”
Why This Author?
According to The Times Literary Supplement, she is “the most prominent” of a “procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African Literature. Particularly in her second home, the United States.
Apart from the book-length essay, ‘We Should All Be Feminists‘ published in 2014. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a true feminist, has written novels such as Purple Hibiscus published in 2003, Half of a Yellow Sun in 2006, and Americanah in 2013. The short story collection, ‘The Thing Around Your Neck‘ published in 2009, and Her most recent book, Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen language suggestions published in March 2017. In 2008, she was awarded a MacArthur Genius Grant amongst other notable awards.
I’m judging you by Luvvie Ajayi
–A New York Times Bestseller, #1 Washington Post Bestseller
-USA Today Bestseller
-Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee
-Book Riot “100 Must-Read Hilarious Books”
“This truth-riot of a book gives us everything from hilarious lectures on the bad behavior all around us to razor-sharp essays on media and culture. With I’m Judging You, Luvvie brilliantly puts the world on notice that she is not here for your foolishness or mine.” Shonda Rhimes, New York Times bestselling author of Year of Yes and executive producer of Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy
“I don’t know how Luvvie Ajayi got so smart so young about so many things, from feminism to social media, from the pervasiveness of rape culture to the excellence of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits. I’m just grateful she has chosen to share her wisdom with the rest of us in this warm and witty book.
“You will love Luvvie Ajayi’s I’m Judging You, and you will argue with it, laugh hysterically at it, shout “AW HELL YES” at it, and carry parts of it in your heart to dissect or inspire. Perfect for starting important and meaty discussions about all of the topics your mama told you never to bring up at polite dinner parties. Religion, race, relationships, reality t.v. Read the book. Have the discussions. You’ll be better for it.” Jenny Lawson, New York Times bestselling author of Furiously Happy.
In her book, she also talks about the domino effect, being a catalyst. It may not be about starting a movement, but doing a little can change a lot. You can use your power to change something neither should you be scared of the pressure that comes with standing up for what you believe.
Why This Author?
As a Nigerian writer who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, Luvvie Ajayi urges people to step up, speak up for themselves. About their beliefs, what they deserve, and get more out of life and also have a backup. She hopes that more people can often support each other in the future.
Leave it to Naasu: How to Take Charge and Go for what You Want by Naasu Genevieve Fofanah.
The opinion of others combined with lack of willpower and self-worth is a recipe for disaster – how can you trust your judgment when you are focused on obtaining validation from others? Through her own story, Naasu will show you how it is possible to take control of your life, tackle challenges head-on, and achieve your goals.
By reading Naasu’s book, you will understand the power of resilience and the importance of:
– Self-worth – regaining your faith
– Leadership – leading by example
– Assertiveness – taking advantage of opportunities
– Power – knowing what you want
– Determination – overcoming challenges and taking your place in society as reviewed by google books.
Why This Author?
Naasu Genevieve Fofanah is a gender and global public policy expert. The Deputy Leader of Unity Party and Board Chair of the Sierra Leone Rugby Union, Naasu was a Special Gender Adviser to former President of Sierra Leone and Vice-Chair of UNECA Bureau on Women Development.
