Have you ever felt like everyone else seems to know something about business that you don’t?
Maybe you’re launching a coaching business, growing a side hustle, or trying to move up in your career. You know you need to keep learning—but between work, kids, and life, reading often falls to the bottom of the list.
The truth is, some of the most successful entrepreneurs are lifelong readers.
In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, I sat down with Jen Kornoely, founder of the She Reads, She Leads Book Club, to discuss why reading business, finance, and mindset books can completely transform your confidence, your career, and your business. She is going to share with us the best business books for women entrepreneurs.
If you’ve ever wondered what books are actually worth reading—or how to find the time—this episode is for you.
Why Business Books Matter
When Jen left her corporate career to start a real estate photography business, she quickly realized something.
Being good at photography wasn’t enough.
Running a business required entirely new skills:
- Marketing
- Sales
- Financial management
- Leadership
- Confidence
- Mindset
She didn’t learn those skills in school.
She learned them through books.
Every book became another mentor, helping her avoid mistakes and think differently about business.
The more she learned, the more confident she became.
That’s why Jen believes every woman—whether she’s an entrepreneur or climbing the corporate ladder—should be reading business books.
Even if your current job is going well, increasing your knowledge makes you more valuable, prepares you for future opportunities, and helps you have better conversations with clients, coworkers, and leaders.
You Don’t Have to Love Reading
One of the biggest myths is that successful entrepreneurs sit down with a cup of coffee every morning and read for an hour.
Most busy women don’t have that luxury.
Instead, Jen encourages women to use whatever works.
For many people, that’s audiobooks.
Listening while driving, walking, folding laundry, or exercising allows you to turn ordinary moments into learning opportunities.
Small pockets of learning add up over time.
Books or Masterminds?
One question I loved asking Jen was:
If someone has limited money, should they invest in books or a mastermind?
Her answer was refreshing.
Books are one of the lowest-cost ways to dramatically improve your knowledge.
For less than the price of lunch, you can access years of experience from world-class experts.
Masterminds are powerful because they add accountability, discussion, and relationships.
The sweet spot?
Read the book first.
Then discuss it with other people who are applying the ideas.
That’s exactly why Jen created the She Reads, She Leads Book Club—to combine learning with community.
Why Community Accelerates Growth
Reading by yourself is valuable.
Reading with other ambitious women is transformational.
When you’re part of a learning community, you hear different perspectives, discover new ideas, and stay accountable to actually implementing what you’ve learned.
Knowledge without action doesn’t change your business.
Community helps bridge that gap.
Jen’s Favorite Business Books
If you’re wondering where to start, here are a few of Jen’s favorite recommendations.
The ONE Thing
If you’re constantly overwhelmed, this book teaches you how to focus on what matters most instead of trying to do everything.
It’s one of the best books for entrepreneurs who want more results with less stress.
Anne of Green Gables
While not a business book, Jen loves this classic because of its themes of resilience, imagination, and personal growth.
Jane Eyre
A timeless reminder of courage, independence, and staying true to your values.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
A classic story that reminds us of hope, leadership, and perseverance.
Jen believes great stories can shape us just as much as business books.
How to Build a Reading Habit
If you’re busy, don’t wait until you have “more time.”
Instead:
- Keep an audiobook ready on your phone.
- Read just 10 pages before bed.
- Listen while walking or commuting.
- Join a book club for accountability.
- Apply one lesson before moving to the next book.
Remember:
Reading isn’t about finishing the most books.
It’s about becoming the person your future business needs.
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest investments you’ll ever make isn’t another certification or another course.
It’s becoming someone who is committed to learning for life.
The women who continue growing are the women who continue reading, asking questions, surrounding themselves with other learners, and putting new ideas into action.
Whether you’re building a coaching business, growing your career, or simply becoming the next version of yourself, one great book could completely change your future.
Listen to the Full Episode
In this episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, Jen and I discuss:
- Why every woman should read business, finance, and mindset books
- How audiobooks can help busy moms learn more
- Books vs. masterminds—which offers the best return?
- How to build a lifelong learning habit
- Jen’s favorite business book recommendations
- Why community makes learning more powerful
If you’re ready to grow your confidence, your business, and your career, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Free Resource
Jen is also sharing her Must-Read Business Books List to help you know exactly where to start.
👉 https://shereadssheleads.myflodesk.com/read-these-3-books-first
