Top 10 Books for Female Founders (Especially Mums!) in 2025

Beyond the Bestseller List: My Personal Curation of 10 Transformative Books for Ambitious Female Founders (Especially Mums) to Master 2025 with Purpose & Profit

Hello lovely! Let's be totally honest for a sec. As female entrepreneurs, especially when we’re juggling motherhood & the beautiful chaos that comes with it, our to-do lists are already overflowing, aren't they? The idea of adding "read more books" can feel like just another pressure. You see those endless "must-read" lists, often packed with the same old titles, & think, "When on earth am I supposed to find the time for that?" I completely get it. Between school runs, trying to squeeze in focused work while a little one is discovering the joys of emptying kitchen cabinets (again!), & maybe, just maybe, attempting to finish a hot cuppa, time is our most precious commodity & let’s be honest, who has time to even think about all those “must-read” lists?

That’s precisely why I wanted to do something a bit different. This isn't just another list of bestsellers. This is my personal, handpicked curation of 10 truly transformative books that I believe can be game-changers for us – ambitious female founders, & yes, especially for my fellow mums in the thick of it – as we look to not just survive, but thrive in 2025. These are reads that have sparked something in me, resonated with my own journey through the entrepreneurial rollercoaster (often with a toddler on my lap & a teenager needing life advice simultaneously!), & offer insights that go far beyond surface-level tips. They’re about equipping you with the wisdom to build your business with both purpose & profit, holistically, fuelling your vision & building a business that helps you live your best life. If you want to know a little more about the journey that’s led me to these insights, you can read a bit about me on About Carlene Nisbett.

Think of this as your strategic shortcut through the noise, delivering high-impact, actionable wisdom that’s directly relevant to your journey.

Why Bother with Books When You’re Already Juggling So Much?

I can almost hear you thinking, "Carlene, seriously? Books? I barely have time to shower in peace!" & trust me, as a mum of four, currently navigating a PhD alongside running Femmeprenista, I know that feeling intimately. There have been countless times when my grand reading plans have been derailed by an impromptu art project involving glitter & most of the contents of the fridge, or my toddler daughter deciding that my highlighted notes look like a rather tasty snack. It’s that kind of beautiful chaos, isn’t it?

But here’s what I’ve learned, often the hard way: strategic reading isn’t a luxury; it’s a vital tool for growth. It’s not about devouring every book out there, but about selectively engaging with wisdom that can genuinely shift your perspective, sharpen your skills, & refuel your spirit. It’s about taking personal responsibility for our own learning & expansion. I remember when my second daughter was just a baby, & I was deep in my MBA studies – finding even 15 minutes to read something not on a syllabus felt like a miracle. But one particular book on mindset, read in those snatched moments, gave me such a profound shift in how I approached challenges that it impacted not just my studies, but how I was showing up as a mother & an entrepreneur-in-the-making. I vividly recall one particularly soul-crushing week where I felt pulled in a million directions – the baby wouldn’t settle, uni deadlines loomed, & I questioned everything. It was a point I felt completely overwhelmed, doubting that could actually manage being a mother, studying, & building a business, before I even really started. However, even small inputs of the right information can have an exponential output, & that book gave me the exact tools I needed to refocus & find a way through it.

So, let’s reframe "I don't have time to read" to "I can't afford not to invest strategic moments in wisdom that will propel me forward." These books are chosen to do just that – to help you build a business that truly flourishes, in harmony with the life you want to live & a thriving business, as we explore in our Business Flourish Framework, touches every part of your life, from your clarity & confidence to how you connect with your clients, streamline your days & nurture your own energy. I saw this firsthand with a client who implemented better AI-powered systems, & it meant that she was present at her daughter's school play (something she previously always missed).

My Curated List: 10 Transformative Books to Master 2025

Right, let’s dive in! Each of these books has earned its place for a specific reason, & I’ve shared a little about why it’s made my list & how I believe it can help you make 2025 your most purposeful & profitable year yet.

1. Start With Why by Simon Sinek

• My Take: If there’s one book that cuts to the heart of building a business with soul, this is it. Sinek’s message is simple yet profound: people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. Honestly, I wish I'd read this before starting my first business! I spent so much time chasing shiny objects & the wrong clients, because I hadn’t yet clarified what I truly stood for, costing me valuable time & money. This was a game-changer for me when crystallising the mission for Femmeprenista. It helped me move beyond just services to the core purpose of empowering women like you. It’s about creating a brand that genuinely connects & resonates on a much deeper level than just features & benefits.

• Transformative Power for 2025: In an increasingly noisy world, a clear "why" is your ultimate differentiator. This book will help you articulate your core purpose, ensuring your marketing messages have genuine flair & attract your ideal clients, those who believe what you believe. It’s foundational for building a resilient, mission-driven business that can weather any storm.

2. Abundance Now by Lisa Nichols

• My Take: Oh, Lisa Nichols! Her energy is infectious, & her wisdom on cultivating an abundance mindset is pure gold. This book is like a powerful pep talk & a practical guide rolled into one. She talks about filling your own cup so it overflows, which, as mums, we know is easier said than done, right? But she provides such actionable steps to shift from lack to abundance in all areas – mindset, finances, relationships. It’s about taking personal responsibility for your own well-being & energy.

• Transformative Power for 2025: To truly thrive, your inner game has to be strong. This book will equip you with the tools to build unshakeable self-belief, overcome limiting money blocks, & cultivate the resilience needed for the entrepreneurial journey. It’s about fuelling yourself so you can show up fully for your business & your family.

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear

• My Take: This book is a masterclass in making small changes that lead to remarkable results. As busy founders, we often feel overwhelmed by big goals. Clear breaks it down into such manageable, science-backed strategies for building good habits & breaking bad ones. I found his emphasis on systems over goals particularly powerful. It’s not about massive overhauls, but tiny, consistent actions that compound. Think about trying to implement a new marketing strategy or even just a consistent morning routine when you’ve got a toddler who views sleep as a mere suggestion – small, atomic habits are the only way!

• Transformative Power for 2025: Mastering your habits is key to creating efficient flow in your business & life. This book will help you build the consistent practices needed for marketing, sales, content creation, & even self-care:

• Start by implementing 10 minutes of dedicated social media posting each day

• Set an alarm for 30 minutes earlier, & dedicate the time to content writing for that high-value HVCO, that you want to launch.

• If you are struggling with your brand's social media content, take a look back at the "Star With Why," book so you can deep-dive your business's core values

Making progress feel less like a battle & more like a natural consequence of smart systems.

4. $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi

• My Take: Alex Hormozi tells it like it is, & this book is a no-nonsense guide to creating offers so good, people feel stupid saying no. It challenged me to think much bigger about the value I provide & how to articulate it. It’s not just about what you sell, but how you package it & the transformation you promise. It’s about understanding your client's deepest desires & crafting an irresistible solution.

• Transformative Power for 2025: If you want to increase your profit, you need offers that truly convert. This book will give you the framework to design & communicate high-value offers that stand out, attract premium clients, & make your sales process so much smoother. It’s pure gold for developing your business flair & impact. To implement this, try to give different payment options, give more than what you get and always be available for your clients.

5. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

• My Take: Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, & shame has been so influential. Dare to Lead takes these concepts into the realm of leadership, & it’s incredibly relevant for us as founders. It dismantles the myth that leadership is about having all the answers or being invulnerable. Instead, it’s about courage, connection, & empathy. Reflecting on some of my corporate experiences, where I often felt like a cog & saw leadership that was far from inspiring, this book provides a powerful antidote & a blueprint for leading with authenticity.

• Transformative Power for 2025: Whether you’re leading a team or just leading yourself & your vision, this book will empower you to show up as a more courageous, authentic, & effective leader. It’s about fostering a culture (even if it’s just a culture of one to start!) built on trust & psychological safety, which is crucial for innovation & sustainable growth, ensuring your well-being is part of your leadership style. This all serves towards having Focus & Clarity to show up to your true potential.

6. Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense by Rory Sutherland

• My Take: I absolutely adore Rory Sutherland’s take on marketing & human behaviour! He challenges conventional logic & shows how often the most effective solutions are psychological, not just rational. This book is packed with fascinating examples of how small, seemingly illogical changes can have a massive impact. It makes you realise that value can be created in the mind just as much as in the factory. It encourages a playful, curious approach to problem-solving, which is so refreshing.

• Transformative Power for 2025: In a world saturated with data, understanding the psychology behind why people choose what they choose gives you a serious edge. This book will spark your creativity & help you find innovative, often low-cost, ways to enhance your marketing, improve customer experience, & stand out. It’s a fantastic way to inject fresh flair & even a touch of smart, human-centred AI-driven thinking into your strategies, so you can connect to a brand new audience.

7. From The Trash Man To The Cash Man by Myron Golden

• My Take: Myron Golden’s story & teachings are incredibly inspiring. This book is about shifting your mindset from seeing problems to seeing opportunities for service, which in turn creates wealth. He emphasizes that money is a reward for solving problems. It’s a powerful reframe that can help overcome any discomfort around selling or charging what you’re worth. He really gets you to think about the immense value you bring to the table.

• Transformative Power for 2025: If you're looking to boost your profits with purpose, this book will help you refine your focus on high-value problem-solving. It encourages a proactive, value-driven approach to business that naturally leads to increased income & impact. It’s about understanding the direct link between the problems you solve & the profit you generate. This leads to a fantastic Flow & consistent approach.

8. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

• My Take: Ever felt like you’re on the verge of a breakthrough, only to unconsciously sabotage yourself? That’s the "Upper Limit Problem" Gay Hendricks talks about. This book was a revelation for me in understanding those invisible ceilings we hit. It’s about identifying & transcending those self-imposed limitations so you can operate in your "Zone of Genius." It’s particularly poignant when you’re juggling so much – it’s easy to believe you only have capacity for ‘so much’ success.

• Transformative Power for 2025: We all have upper limits. This book will help you identify yours & give you the courage to break through them. It’s about stepping fully into your potential, embracing your unique talents, & creating a business & life that truly excites you. Essential for sharpening your focus & achieving sustainable success. So make the steps today and set up your sales procedure.

9. Deep Work by Cal Newport

• My Take: In our hyper-distracted world, the ability to focus deeply is a superpower. Cal Newport makes a compelling case for cultivating deep work habits. As a mum trying to snatch pockets of focused time amidst the whirlwind of family life – you know, when my toddler daughter’s finally napping, my teenage daughter isn’t having a crisis, & Cappuccino, our older dog, isn’t demanding a walk right now – this book offered practical strategies that actually work. It’s not about working more; it’s about working smarter & with intense focus.

• Transformative Power for 2025: To achieve significant goals, you need dedicated, focused effort. This book will help you structure your days & weeks to carve out time for the cognitively demanding tasks that truly move your business forward, dramatically improving your productivity & the quality of your output. It’s a game-changer for achieving real flow & allows you to declutter that busy mind of yours.

10. Tech Humanist: How You Can Make Technology Better for Business and Better for Humans by Kate O'Neill

• My Take: With AI becoming such a huge part of our business landscape – & something we champion here at Femmeprenista through our Fusion pillar – it’s crucial to approach it thoughtfully. Kate O’Neill’s work beautifully articulates how we can use technology, including AI, in ways that are not just efficient but also ethical, empathetic, & human-centred. It really resonates with my belief, & my partner's PhD research into AI & micro-businesses, & also reflects my own PhD research, that tech should enhance our humanity, not replace it. It’s about finding that sweet spot where AI amplifies our efforts & helps us connect more meaningfully.

• Transformative Power for 2025: As AI continues to evolve, understanding how to integrate it strategically & humanly will be key. This book will help you think critically about technology, ensuring you leverage its power to create better experiences for your clients & build a business that aligns with your values, fostering a sense of well-being for everyone involved. So ensure that you set those boundaries early.

Beyond the Page: Turning Wisdom into Action

Now, lovely, reading these books is just the first step. The real magic happens when you take the insights & apply them. Pick one idea that resonates, one strategy that sparks excitement, & commit to implementing it. Remember, you are the CEO of your business & your life. Taking ownership of applying new knowledge is where transformation truly begins.

• Consider implementing a high-value system so you aren't missing bed-time stories.

• Implement the 15-minute rule when you're lacking inspiration (a timer is your friend!)

• Reflect & create that "Must-Have" offer by brainstorming with a friend (or your partner) & give each other honest & open feedback!

Small actions lead to big results.

Your Year of Purposeful Growth Awaits

I truly believe that arming yourself with the right wisdom is one of the most empowering things you can do as a female founder. These books aren't just about business tactics; they’re about holistic growth, personal evolution, & building a business that allows you to live a life you genuinely love – a core part of our ethos here at Femmeprenista.

So, which book will you dive into first to help you master 2025 with purpose & profit?

Ready to build a flourishing business? Discover how Ascend Executive Coaching helps visionary leaders scale to exponential growth here: https://www.femmeprenista.com/ascend

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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