With everything that is going on in the world right now, we must not forget to take a moment to look after ourselves. To shut everything out, even if it is just for a peaceful half an hour, reset our systems before getting back to the chaotic every day.

My head-space half hour involves whatever drink I’m in the mood for (tea, sparkling water with fresh lemon or G&T… depending on the time of day), ensuring that everyone in the house knows I’ll be taking some time for myself so I won’t be interrupted, putting my phone on silent or even better, do not disturb mode – which is a god send for those pesky notifications that just don’t seem to stop. And then I grab my book and lose myself for just enough time for all the buzzing in-between my ears to mute.

I’m going to take you through some of the books you should definitely have in your book case or on your Kindle that will energise your brain, ignite a spark and support our fellow sisters. I’d love to know whether you have already read any of these and what your thoughts are surrounding them.

This list has been inspired by our very exciting upcoming event which we are hosting on June 11; an interactive discussion surrounding Noeline Kirabo's TED Talk “2 questions to uncover your passion - and turn it into a career”. We cannot wait to get together with you, discuss our learnings from her powerful TED Talk and how we will take her words and put them into practice. Further details on our event and how you can be involved can be found below. We can’t wait to have you join!

If you are interested in joining our interactive discussion, you can RSVP to the event here: https://lnkd.in/dj3wiZ8

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men - Caroline Criado Perez

This book brings together, for the first time, an impressive range of case studies, stories and new research from across the world that illustrate the hidden ways in which women are forgotten, and the profound impact this has on us all. Discover the shocking gender bias that affects our everyday lives.

Available to buy HERE.

Beyond the Boy’s Club: Strategies for Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male-dominated Field – Suzanne Doyle-Morris

Suzanne will show you how to develop your career strategy, break though the glass ceiling and completely raise your game. Packed with vital insights and inspirational ideas from senior women in organisations ranging from the University of Cambridge, Microsoft and Barclays among others, the book is written specifically for professional women to enable strategic advancement ...where ever they are in their career.

Available to buy HERE.

Why Didn’t Anybody Tell Me This Sh*t Before: Wit and Wisdom from Women in Business – Marcella Allison

A collection of more than 60 letters from female leaders of multimillion dollar companies, to solopreneurs and every kind of woman in between, these stories are both a lifeline and a roadmap for women navigating our increasingly complex world.

From being the only woman in the room in ‘old boys’ club’ businesses, to making the impossible choices between cherished work and family, to dealing with loss, anger and fear, these stories have hard-earned lessons to teach all of us. But it’s not all battle scars and suffering—like all good stories, these pages are shot through with laughter, growth and triumph too.

Available to buy HERE.

200 Women: Who Will Change The Way You See The World – Ruth Hobday

In this ambitious global project, two hundred women share their inspiring stories of success and courage, love and pain, redemption and generosity.

This updated, abridged edition includes powerful new interviews and stirring quotes alongside selections from the original book, all answering the same five questions.

Available to buy HERE.

We Should All Be Feminists – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

In this personal, eloquently-argued essay, adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness.

Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author's exploration of what it means to be a woman now - an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.

Available to buy HERE.