Success should taste delicious

So why are we settling for crumbs?

What makes you hold back in a meeting, even when you know you’ve got the perfect answer? Why do you apologize when you’ve done nothing wrong? And why, despite everything, do you feel like you're still waiting for permission to take up space in the room?

If these questions hit home, you’re not alone. I’ve been there and I still catch myself in those moments sometimes. As women, we’re often made to feel like we need to prove ourselves more, work harder, or wait for the "right moment" to step into our power. Why is it that men of the same age are simply "professionals," while women are still labeled as "young professionals"? Why are we constantly held to a different standard?

The truth is, it’s not about working harder or waiting for permission to succeed. It’s about recognizing and confronting the invisible barriers that have been placed in front of us and then making intentional choices to break them down.

Having been raised in a country with its own set of deeply ingrained traditions and expectations for women, I often felt like I was navigating a maze of unspoken rules when I first started my career. There was always this pressure to be "better" – to outshine, to overdeliver, to prove I could succeed in a world that wasn’t necessarily built for women. And did I ever mention all the inappropriate questions during job interviews? The ones that assumed my career choices would be secondary to my future family plans? It’s no wonder that we, as women, often feel the weight of having to justify our very presence in the professional world.

As a result, I’ve made it my mission to create spaces where young women don't just survive but thrive. There’s a certain power in having access to the right resources at the right time – resources that can shift your perspective and help you see what's possible, long before you hit those invisible barriers.

These four books were pivotal in helping me redefine how I approach my career (but not only), my confidence, and my worth. They challenged me to look at work and success not as predefined paths, but as open, dynamic opportunities – ready to be shaped on our own terms.

So, I’m sharing these titles today – not as advice, but as an invitation. An invitation to question what we've been told about work, power, and success, and to carve out our own path, one that feels true to who we are and what we want to achieve.

1. ‘’How Women Rise’’ by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

Many women find themselves hitting a ceiling in their careers – not because of a lack of ability, but due to ingrained habits that unintentionally hold them back. Helgesen and Goldsmith explore these behaviors (ranging from downplaying achievements to staying too comfortable) and offer practical advice for recognizing them.

2. ‘’Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office’’ by Lois P. Frankel

A must-read for women seeking to step into leadership roles, this insightful work challenges the belief that being "nice" and avoiding conflict is the path to success. Frankel identifies key behaviors – such as apologizing unnecessarily or second-guessing decisions – that can undermine confidence and leadership potential. It encourages embracing assertiveness and claiming space in the workplace.

3. ‘’Women Living Deliciously’’ by Florence Given

For those wanting to live with authenticity and boldness, this empowering guide encourages embracing mistakes, learning from them, and stepping into one’s full potential. It reinforces the idea that success doesn’t look the same for everyone – it’s about discovering our own path and celebrating what makes us unique.

Bonus points for the layout: vibrant colors, flowers, and pops of pink that make the reading experience as delightful as the message itself. 🌸

4. ‘’Confronting the 10 Traps of Power – A survival guide for women (and men) in politics’’ by Katrien Van den Broeck

Food for thought for women navigating leadership and influence, this one delves into the unique challenges women face in the political arena, from bias and stereotypes to double standards. Drawing on real-world examples, interviews, and actionable strategies, Van den Broeck exposes the higher expectations and harsher scrutiny that women leaders often endure.

The Fil Rouge: Challenge the Status Quo

What ties these books together? They challenge us to think beyond the status quo. They encourage us to question why the rules are the way they are and whether they serve us. As (young) women professionals, we often feel the pressure to conform to established systems, but what if we’re the ones who can redefine those systems?

Let’s make a pact: let’s stop second-guessing, stop apologizing, and stop waiting for permission to take up space. We are already part of the change that’s needed. By challenging these outdated systems and creating our own paths, we’re not just moving forward for ourselves – we’re paving the way for the women who come after us.

Fun Fact: 3 out of 4 of these books were Christmas presents from my current line managers – either thoughtfully chosen by them or picked by me with a gift card they gave. A coincidence? Maybe. But sometimes, the right nudge at the right time makes all the difference.

[This article was originally published on LinkedIn].