We were so inspired by NAWBO’s keynote speakers at our National Women’s Business Conference that we wanted to delve deeper into their messages within the pages of the books they’ve authored: #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso andDrop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu.
Sophia Amoruso: #GIRLBOSS
In her New York Times bestseller, #GIRLBOSS, Sophia Amoruso shares how her humble beginnings—including petty theft and dumpster diving—led her on a nontraditional path to achieve success as a fashion entrepreneur. By forgoing college and trusting her instincts, she founded Nasty Gal and Girlboss, and was later named by Forbes as “Fashion’s New Phenom.”
Part life story, part guide to empowerment, Sophia brazenly shares how she drew upon her passion for fashion to build a successful brand while enlisting her street smarts to triumph over roadblocks and naysayers. She encourages others who also grew up underprivileged to utilize their interests and insight to kick-start their own businesses.
Also a business memoir, #GIRLBOSS is written not only for women, but for anyone who is embarking on an atypical journey to achieve their dreams. While this book certainly offers career advice, it’s equally entertaining. Not only did #GIRLBOSS receive rave reviews, it also inspired the Netflix series Girlboss, which is loosely based on the book.
Tiffany Dufu: Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less
In this highly relatable read, Tiffany Dufu helps women zoom in on what really matters to them and their families, thus giving them the liberty to “drop the ball” on things that don’t. This grants women the time to forge ahead to achieve their professional goals—without guilt, judgement or regret.
Tiffany encourages women to refuse to absorb the pressure and stress that can accompany an incessant pursuance of excellence in their careers, communities and homes. She shares honest, and often humorous, real-life experiences and ready-to-use tools to foster a true career/home-life balance. In short, she’s a classic overachiever who learned to do less to get more. One reader states, “Tiffany makes you feel like you can do anything as a woman, without doing everything.”
Drop the Ball has not only enlightened women, but the men in their lives as well who’ve likened it to “couples therapy” by encouraging them to step up and share household responsibilities. What’s more, achieving a true balance can result in a ripple effect of women achieving leadership positions while maintaining a balanced, fulfilling family life.