The Best Leadership Books for Working Moms (That Won’t Waste Your Time)

Let’s be real—if you're a working mom, your free time is basically... a unicorn. Between Zoom meetings, soccer practice, laundry piles, and keeping everyone alive and fed, sitting down with a book feels like a luxury.

But sometimes, just sometimes, you get a pocket of time—maybe during a late-night bath soak or in the pickup line at school. And when you do, it helps to read something that fills your cup, sharpens your skills, and reminds you that you are more than just a snack-fetching superhero.

So here’s a roundup of leadership books that get it. They’re practical, empowering, and written with women like us in mind—ambitious, exhausted, and ready to grow.

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

If you’ve ever doubted whether vulnerability belongs in leadership, this one’s for you. Brené gives permission to show up as you are, even in tough rooms. It’s not a fluffy read, but it’s relatable, research-backed, and might just change how you lead at work and at home.

Best for: Working moms struggling with self-doubt or perfectionism.

Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu

Game-changer. Tiffany tells the truth about how she stopped doing it all and started leading more effectively because of it. As moms, we carry so much mental load. This book is a gentle, powerful reminder that delegating isn’t failing—it’s leadership.

Best for: Type-A moms trying to do it all and burning out in the process.

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

This one is especially good if you're leading a team at work (or even managing the chaos of home life). It teaches how to be honest and kind, whether giving feedback at work or setting boundaries with your teenager. No BS. Just straight talk.

Best for: Moms who want to lead effectively without becoming the “mean boss.”

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

Need a pep talk in book form? This one delivers. Marie’s approach to problem-solving is full of energy, real-life stories, and motivation. It’s part mindset shift, part kick-in-the-pants to go after what you want—even with a messy house and a jam-packed calendar.

Best for: Working moms who feel stuck and need to believe in themselves again.

The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma

Okay, don’t roll your eyes—this isn’t about becoming a morning martyr. It’s more about creating space for your growth before the chaos of the day starts. Even if 5 AM sounds like torture, there’s value in the structure and habits this book lays out. Adapt what works for your season.

Best for: Moms craving structure and some quiet time to think.

Lead to Win by Carla A. Harris

Carla is a powerhouse executive and mentor who breaks down how to get ahead without losing yourself. She talks about authenticity, relationships, and how to build power the right way. Bonus: She’s a working mom, so her insight hits different.

Best for: Career-driven moms who want the playbook for real leadership success.

Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

This is technically a book about household division of labor, but it’s absolutely a leadership book. It teaches you how to build systems at home so you’re not constantly running the show solo. Because running a family takes serious leadership skills, and you deserve support.

Best for: Every mom ever. Just trust me.

Final Thoughts:

Leadership doesn’t always look like boardrooms and power suits. For moms, it looks like calming chaos, leading teams at work and at home, setting boundaries, and modeling resilience for your kids. These books are here to guide you through that.

Read them in your own time. Highlight what hits. Skip what doesn’t. The goal isn’t to become someone else’s version of a leader—it’s to become your version, with a little more confidence and a lot more clarity.

Got a favorite leadership book I missed? DM me or comment—I’m always looking to add to my nightstand stack (even if it takes me six months to finish one!).