Recommended Reads: What's on Regular Rotation with The51 Team
School’s back in session—and not just for your little ones.
You may not be headed back to the classroom yourself, but fall usually means getting back into a routine and rhythm, which for some (like us), it’s back to picking up a book before bed or intentionally carving out time to read and learn.
And if you’ve stumbled across any of our other reading lists, you’ll know we’re big fans of reading material that stirs up inspiration and drive to rethink how you participate in today’s economy.
We’ve got you covered with a curated selection of books and podcasts to inspire you in building a women-led future. This collection includes recent picks from The51 team, along with some that we revisit regularly—because sometimes, it takes more than one listen or read to discover new insights or experience that ‘aha!’ moment.
For when you want to build a solid foundation—AKA on regular rotation with The51 team:
The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk
By Patience Marime-Ball and Ruth Shaber
"When women are empowered to lead, they don't just participate—they transform. The ripple effects of gender diversity can be seen in everything from better decision-making to improved financial performance and enhanced innovation."
Takeaways:
Gender diversity drives better financial performance: Statistic after statistic (*ahem* women and gender-diverse founded businesses perform 63% better than those of their male counterparts) highlight companies with gender-diverse leadership tend to outperform those without it. This diversity fosters different perspectives, leading to better decision-making, innovation, and ultimately higher returns.
Investing with a gender lens reduces risk: Incorporating a gender lens into investment strategies can lower risk. Companies that prioritize gender diversity often exhibit better governance and resilience, making them more stable investments.
Impact beyond returns: Investing in women and gender-diverse teams not only yields financial benefits but also creates positive social impact. This approach aligns financial returns with broader societal goals, such as gender equality and inclusive economic growth.
A Herstory of Economics
By Edith Kuiper
"The history of economics is not just a story of ideas and theories; it is also a story of the people who have been excluded from its telling. Recognizing the contributions of women is not merely an act of inclusion but a necessary step towards a more complete and truthful understanding of the discipline."
Takeaways:
Women’s contributions to economics have been overlooked: Diving into the history of economics, it’s clear that many significant contributions by women have been ignored or marginalized. Reexamining the field through a feminist lens brings to light the work of female economists who played crucial roles in shaping economic thought.
Gender bias in economic theory: Traditional economic theories have been shaped by gender biases, often reflecting and reinforcing patriarchal structures. It can be argued that by incorporating feminist perspectives, economics can better address issues such as inequality and social justice.
The need for inclusive economic history: By recognizing and integrating the contributions of women and other marginalized groups, economics can become a more comprehensive and equitable discipline, better equipped to address the complexities of modern economies.
When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them
By Julia Boorstin
"Women don't succeed despite their differences; they succeed because of them. The very traits that have been historically undervalued—empathy, collaboration, resilience—are the ones that give women a competitive edge in leadership today."
Takeaways:
Superpowers don’t always look like powers: Traits that might be perceived as weaknesses can become superpowers. Effective leadership doesn't conform to a single mold; success in leadership is often tied to unique and nuanced approaches, which may not fit traditional stereotypes and male leaders we've typically seen in the mainstream business world.
Embrace vulnerability and collaboration: Successful women CEOs and leaders share common traits that set them apart: they are highly adaptive to change, display empathy in their management style, and prioritize integrating diverse perspectives into their strategies, addressing voids overlooked by men counterparts. It’s all about balancing self-confidence and humility for growth and trust in leadership.
The future of business: Take a peek at the blueprint for the future of business, where women leadership qualities and our potential can disrupt industries, drive innovation, and achieve substantial profits.
Girls Just Wanna Have Funds: A Feminist's Guide To Investing
By Camilla Falkenberg, Emma Due Bitz, Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen
"Investing isn't just about growing your money—it's about growing your power. When women invest, they claim a stake in the future and begin to shape a world that reflects their values and priorities."
Takeaways:
The power of financial literacy: It’s no surprise coming from us to hear that financial independence is crucial for gender equality. By equipping women with the knowledge and tools to invest, it encourages them to take control of their financial futures and break free from traditional gender roles that often limit their economic power.
Investing isn’t just for the wealthy: This is a good demystification of investing, making it accessible to women of all income levels. Get a breakdown of complex concepts and practical advice, showing that anyone can start investing, regardless of their financial background.
Building a feminist investment strategy: A feminist approach to investing allows women to not only aim for financial returns but also consider the social impact of their investments. This involves supporting companies that promote gender equality, sustainability, and ethical practices, aligning financial goals with personal values.
For when you’re looking for some entertaining, recent reads:
Circe
By Madeline Miller
“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment’s carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.”
Takeaways:
The strength of self-discovery and transformation: Circe is a story of a woman who, despite being born into a world that seeks to define and limit her, discovers her own strength and identity. Her journey of self-discovery and transformation is a powerful narrative showing that true power comes from within and that one’s identity is something to be crafted and owned.
Resilience in the face of adversity: Challenges of exile, loneliness, and betrayal are woven throughout the novel. Circe’s ability to endure and grow stronger from these experiences highlights the theme of resilience, and her journey demonstrates that hardship can be a catalyst for growth and that resilience is a key component of personal empowerment.
The pursuit of autonomy and self-determination: Circe’s story is one seeking autonomy in a world dominated by powerful gods and men. She defies the expectations placed upon her and chooses her own path, making decisions based on her desires and values rather than conforming to the roles others try to impose on her.
The Curve of Time
By M. Blanchet
“Our world then was both wide and narrow -- wide in the immensity of sea and mountain; narrow in that the boat was very small, and we lived and camped, explored and swam in a little realm of our own making.”
Takeaways:
The deep connection between humans and nature: The book details Blanchet’s adventures with her five children on a small boat along the rugged coast of British Columbia—we adore a story of resilience that hits close to home. Throughout the narrative, Blanchet’s profound connection to the natural world is evident as she describes the beauty and challenges of the wilderness with vivid detail, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment. This is such a refreshing reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.
Resilience and adaptability: Navigating the challenges of the sea, unpredictable weather, and the responsibilities of single motherhood is undoubtedly a testament to Blanchet’s resilience and adaptability. Her ability to survive and thrive in uncertain conditions highlights the strength and resourcefulness needed to overcome adversity.
The power of independence and self-reliance: Blanchet’s journey is one of independence, both in terms of her decision to explore the coastline on her own terms and in her ability to care for her family without traditional support systems. The book underscores the importance of self-reliance and the empowerment that comes from making independent choices, particularly in a time when women’s roles were often confined to the domestic sphere.
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health
By Casey Means
“Disease isn’t some random occurrence that might happen in the future. It is a result of the choices you make and how you feel today. If you are battling annoying and seemingly nonlethal health issues-like fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, arthritis, infertility, or chronic pain—an underlying contributor to these conditions is generally the same thing that will lead to a “major” illness sometime later in life.”
Takeaways:
Metabolism as the foundation of overall health: A healthy metabolism is the cornerstone of overall well-being. Metabolic health impacts everything from energy levels and mental clarity to disease prevention, and by understanding and optimizing metabolic function, we can achieve better health outcomes and higher energy levels.
The role of diet and lifestyle in metabolic health: Diet and lifestyle choices can profoundly impact metabolism. A holistic approach—including a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet, regular physical activity, and stress management—is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. This approach underscores the interconnectedness of these lifestyle factors in achieving optimal health.
Empowerment through knowledge and action: By understanding how our bodies work, we can take control of our health. Get actionable advice to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and habits to enhance metabolic health. This empowerment is particularly relevant for women, as the book acknowledges the unique metabolic challenges they may face due to hormonal changes, emphasizing the importance of personalized health strategies.
For when you’d rather listen in on compelling discussions…
All-In Podcast
With Chamath, Jason, Sacks, & Friedberg
“Industry veterans, degenerate gamblers & besties Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks & David Friedberg cover all things economic, tech, political, social & poker.”
Themes:
Unfiltered analysis of tech, politics, and markets: Tune into candid discussions on the latest trends and developments in technology, politics, and financial markets. The hosts, who are all successful entrepreneurs and investors, provide in-depth analysis and often challenge conventional wisdom—making us big fans for their fresh perspectives on current events.
Emphasis on first-principles thinking: A recurring theme in the podcast is the importance of first-principles thinking: breaking down complex problems into their most basic elements to find innovative solutions—an approach that can be applied to various aspects of business, investing, and even social issues.
The power of contrarian views: Get a contrarian POV to think critically and question mainstream narratives. Hear hot takes on unpopular opinions that spark thought-provoking discussions that challenge alternative perspectives on technology, economics, and global affairs.
The Purse Podcast
With Jana Hlistova
“We are changing the conversation about money and investing. Our focus is on women's economic empowerment, financial independence, gender equity and closing the gender investment gap. Women are the driving force behind the changes we want to see in the world. We talk to change makers, entrepreneurs, financial experts, economists, wealth managers, angel investors and fund managers, who shine a light on the key trends in money and investing.”
Themes:
Championing women through financial literacy: Breaking down financial concepts with a spotlight on accessible and actionable advice for women. Here’s to taking control of our finances and making informed investment decisions.
Gender-smart investing: Discussions on investing in ways that support gender equality and benefit women, which includes highlighting investment opportunities in women-led businesses and considering the social impact our choices have.
Closing the gender wealth gap: Navigating the structural challenges women face in building and preserving wealth. Jana and her guests explore strategies for overcoming these barriers, such as advocating for equal pay, creating more inclusive financial systems, and encouraging women to actively participate in investing and financial planning.
With women set to control 65% of the wealth in Canada by 2030, there’s an extraordinary opportunity for women to soak up more knowledge, smash that status quo, and make bolder decisions.
What’s a book, podcast, or show that you keep coming back to? Or what’s something you’ve recently picked up that you can’t put down? We love a good recommendation and book swap!