If you’re looking for good books for business that go beyond theory and speak to real-world leadership, entrepreneurship and impact, you’re in the right place. 

At We Are PoWEr, we’re all about celebrating bold leadership, accelerating equality and equipping people with the knowledge to effect real change across industries and communities throughout the North, and beyond.  

Our community is filled with award-winning leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates who don’t just talk about change: they write it, live it and lead it. People who believe that business can be a force for good, not just profit. That’s why we’re proud to share this curated reading list of business and leadership books written by people from within our own WeArePoWEr community. 

These books are practical, honest and purpose-driven. Whether you’re scaling a company, stepping into leadership, or exploring the best books for starting a business, this list has something for everyone. 

A Little Book of Leadership Lessons — Steph Edusei 

(Northern PoWEr Women Awards Power List 2025 & Transformational Leader Winner 2022) 

At the heart of A Little Book of Leadership Lessons is a refreshingly honest take on what leadership really looks like. Steph Edusei explores authenticity, embracing imperfections, overcoming imposter phenomena and building inclusive, high-performing teams, all grounded in lived experience. Across ten raw and relatable leadership lessons, Steph shares how vulnerability can become a strength, why failure is often a stepping stone to success, and how leaders can build confidence in their own leadership style rather than trying to fit a mould. 

The Race to the Top: Structural Racism and How to Fight It — Nazir Afzal 

(Northern PoWEr Women Awards Agent of Change Commended 2018, Disruptor for Good Winner 2022 & Advocacy List 2024) 

The Race to the Top challenges the myth that racial equality in leadership will simply happen over time. Nazir Afzal exposes why, despite a more diverse society, Britain’s leadership remains drawn from a narrow pool, particularly in workplaces and public institutions. 

Drawing on his experience as the first Muslim Chief Crown Prosecutor and senior leader within the CPS, Nazir combines lived experience with insights from ethnic minority leaders across sectors to reveal the systemic barriers holding talent back. This is essential reading for business leaders committed to inclusive leadership and meaningful change. 

The Six-Minute Entrepreneur — Sara Davies 

(Northern PoWEr Women Awards Power List 2016 & Outstanding Entrepreneur Winner 2020) 

The Six-Minute Entrepreneur is a practical and motivating guide to building and growing a business through focused, consistent action. In this Sunday Times bestseller, Sara Davies distils the lessons, habits and strategies behind her success into six-minute weekly actions. Across 52 lessons, Sara shares real stories from her entrepreneurial journey, covering everything from developing ideas and finding mentors to overcoming challenges and sharpening time management. The result is a clear, no-nonsense approach that shows how small, intentional steps can drive long-term business success. 

From Unknown to Unforgettable: How to Build a Personal Brand That Goes Beyond the Bio — Sophie Milliken 

(Northern PoWEr Women Awards Future List 2018) 

Like it or not, everyone has a brand and From Unknown to Unforgettable shows you how to shape yours with clarity and confidence. This book breaks down what personal branding really means beyond social media and job titles. With clear strategies and practical ‘take action’ activities throughout, Sophie guides founders, senior leaders and those early in their careers to define what they stand for, overcome imposter syndrome, and intentionally build a profile that reflects their values, expertise and ambition. 

The Second Brain: Consulting’s Unspoken Code. Revealed — Reshma Mahapatra 

(Northern PoWEr Women Awards Future List 2023) 

The Second Brain takes readers inside the hidden world of elite consulting, where influence is subtle, stakes are high and leadership often happens without formal authority. Through compelling real-life stories, sharp insights and practical frameworks, Reshma Mahapatra reveals the invisible skillset that defines trusted advisors, from shaping direction behind the scenes to building trust in complex, high-pressure environments. Whether you’re an ambitious consultant, a senior executive or a leader navigating change, this book challenges traditional ideas of power and shows how real influence is built quietly, intentionally and effectively. 

Building A Culture Of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — Advita Patel

(Northern PoWEr Women Awards Future List 2018) 

Building a Culture of Inclusivity is a practical guide for organisations serious about turning DEI intentions into meaningful, sustained action. Drawing on deep expertise in internal communications, Advita Patel provides a clear roadmap to help leaders, HR and communication professionals engage employees, navigate DEI language with confidence and embed inclusion into everyday culture. Packed with real-world case studies, self-assessment exercises and practical templates, the book tackles performative approaches head-on and shows how consistent, authentic communication can drive real change, ensuring every colleague feels valued, heard and included. 

Some of the best books for business don’t just teach strategy, they challenge how we lead, who gets heard and what success really looks like. Each book reflects the power of lived experience, purpose-driven leadership and collective progress. This reading list is proof that when leadership is rooted in authenticity, inclusion and courage, business becomes a force for lasting change. 

Together, WeArePoWEr.