10 Essential Leadership Books For Women In 2025

Arts & Culture, Books

Women are ascending to leadership roles in record numbers, according to McKinsey and LeanIn.Org’s latest Women in the Workplace report—just as all leaders face unprecedented challenges around digital transformation, economic volatility and hybrid work, according to Harvard Business Publishing’s global survey of leadership development professionals.

This context requires nuanced guidance for women advancing their leadership. The best leadership books for women tackle the complexities of professional advancement head-on, moving past platitudes to deliver concrete strategies for specific challenges.

What makes today’s leadership literature particularly powerful is the diversity of voices—from women who are Fortune 500 executives to tech innovators—sharing their hard-won wisdom.

These ten standout books provide tried-and-true leadership principles and targeted insights for women leaders.

Mastering The Basics
For broad leadership fundamentals, Katty Kay and Claire Shipman’s The Confidence Code: The Science And Art Of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know examines the science behind self-assurance and how to apply it for career and leadership success. Also essential in this category is Brené Brown’s Dare To Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts., which emphasizes vulnerability, courage and accountability in leadership, presenting a broader framework for effective and impactful leadership.

Nailing The Details
To add a more tactical lens to leadership, consider Sylvia Ann Hewlett’s Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit And Success, which explores developing the precise qualities that convey leadership potential and influence others’ perceptions of you. Meanwhile, Step Up: How To Live With Courage And Become An Everyday Leader by Ash Beckham focuses on inclusive leadership and creating meaningful change through authenticity.There is a diversity of voices sharing strategic advice in today’s leadership literature.getty

Lessons From Black Women Leaders
However, the most compelling additions to the leadership canon come from women of color sharing their distinct experiences. Shellye Archambeau’s Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, And Create Success On Your Own Terms delivers candid insights from her journey as one of Silicon Valley’s first Black woman CEOs. The Little Black Book Of Success: Laws Of Leadership For Black Women, authored by three senior Black executives—Marsha Haygood, Elaine Meryl Brown and Rhonda Joy McLean—addresses specific workplace challenges while providing actionable strategies for advancement.

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Arlan Hamilton’s It’s About Damn Time: How To Turn Being Underestimated Into Your Greatest Advantage flips the script on being underestimated, sharing how she built a venture capital firm from the ground up while couch surfing and living out of her car. Her perspective is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs and leaders from under-represented backgrounds.
A Global Leadership Lens
For global context, Women And Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala features conversations with women who are heads of state and executives worldwide, examining leadership through a variety of cultural lenses.
Challenging The System
Emily Chang’s Brotopia: Breaking Up The Boys’ Club Of Silicon Valley and John Gerzema’s The Athena Doctrine: How Women (And The Men Who Think Like Them) Will Rule The Future round out the collection by examining systemic challenges and advocating for leadership styles that embrace traditionally feminine qualities.
Together, these works create a comprehensive leadership library that acknowledges both universal principles and unique challenges faced by different groups of women. Whether you’re planning your 2025 leadership journey or seeking meaningful gifts for aspiring leaders, these books offer valuable insights for navigating today’s—and tomorrow’s—complex professional landscape.

MINT tops the charts: Redefining reach and engagement in business news

Business News

Mint isn’t just climbing the ranks—it’s revolutionising business journalism. According to Comscore’s October 2024 data, Mint has surged to the #2 spot, emerging as the go-to platform for India’s top decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs. With unparalleled reach, engagement, and innovation, Mint is setting new standards in the business news landscape.
AdvertismentDominating the numbers
In October 2024, Mint recorded a remarkable 42.3 million unique visitors, outperforming The Economic Times across all platforms. It also achieved a stellar 39.4 million unique visitors on mobile, reflecting its connection with India’s mobile-first, digital-savvy audience.
Engagement that matters
Mint readers spent an impressive 103 million minutes on the platform in October, generating 161 million page views. These metrics underscore Mint’s ability to captivate a premium audience with deep, engaging, and impactful content.
The trusted choice for business leaders
This performance cements Mint’s position as the preferred partner for India’s business community. As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, brands seeking to influence a high-impact, premium audience will find Mint the ideal platform to amplify their message and maximise visibility during this pivotal season.
Mint remains committed to delivering authoritative reporting and sharp analysis, empowering readers to navigate India’s dynamic economy. With its relentless pursuit of excellence, Mint continues to set the agenda for business journalism in India.
Source: Comscore MMX Multi-Platform, October 2024, Business/Finance News Publishers, India
About Mint
Mint is India’s #2 business daily, reaching 42 million unique visitors and driving 161 million page views monthly. With 648,000 premium readers and 72% reader exclusivity, Mint is trusted by business leaders, founders, and policymakers. It empowers decision-makers globally to understand and navigate one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

Who Is Divya Prabha? All We Imagine As Light Actor Reacts To Film’s Nudity Scene

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Divya Prabha, known for her powerful performance in her latest film, All We Imagine As Light, has addressed the controversy surrounding a leaked scene. The film, directed by Payal Kapadia, was released on November 22 and features Divya as Anu, a young Malayali nurse. The controversial scene, which included frontal nudity, had been approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) without any cuts.
AdvertismentActor Speaks Out On Leaked Scene from ‘All We Imagine as Light’
In an interview with Onmanorama, Divya condemned the leak and the reactions it sparked. She said, “It is really pathetic. However, I had anticipated such a response from a section of the people in Kerala even when I signed up for the role. We are a community that celebrates filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos and even the actress who won the Oscar for her work in the film. But we are intolerant of Malayali women doing such roles.”
Divya also criticised those who shared the video clips online, emphasising that they represent a small minority. “Those who shared the leaked videos comprise 10 percent of the population, and I don’t understand their mindset. Malayalis were also part of the Central Board, which gave us the approval,” she said.
Addressing accusations that she did the scene for fame, Divya added, “Some people criticised me, saying that I did the nude scene for fame. I have won several awards and have also been part of critically acclaimed movies. I don’t think I need to strip naked to earn fame.”
Similar incidents have occurred with actors Tamannaah Bhatia and Triptii Dimri following their bold scenes in Lust Stories 2 and Animal, respectively.
Who is Divya Prabha?
AdvertismentDivya Prabha hails from Thrissur, Kerala, and is celebrated for her performances in arthouse and non-commercial films. She gained prominence through movies like Take Off and Thamaasha. In 2015, she won the Kerala State Television Award for Best Second Actress for her role in the TV serial Eswaran Sakshiyayi.
Her global recognition includes a nomination for Best Actress at the 2022 Locarno Film Festival for her performance in Ariyippu, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film competed in the international section and was nominated for the Golden Leopard.
In addition to All We Imagine As Light, Divya has appeared in notable films like Lokpal, Mumbai Police, Kayal, Vettah, Malik, and Prathi Poovankozhi. 

Who Is Divya Prabha? All We Imagine As Light Actor Reacts To Film’s Nudity Scene

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Divya Prabha, known for her powerful performance in her latest film, All We Imagine As Light, has addressed the controversy surrounding a leaked scene. The film, directed by Payal Kapadia, was released on November 22 and features Divya as Anu, a young Malayali nurse. The controversial scene, which included frontal nudity, had been approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) without any cuts.
AdvertismentActor Speaks Out On Leaked Scene from ‘All We Imagine as Light’
In an interview with Onmanorama, Divya condemned the leak and the reactions it sparked. She said, “It is really pathetic. However, I had anticipated such a response from a section of the people in Kerala even when I signed up for the role. We are a community that celebrates filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos and even the actress who won the Oscar for her work in the film. But we are intolerant of Malayali women doing such roles.”
Divya also criticised those who shared the video clips online, emphasising that they represent a small minority. “Those who shared the leaked videos comprise 10 percent of the population, and I don’t understand their mindset. Malayalis were also part of the Central Board, which gave us the approval,” she said.
Addressing accusations that she did the scene for fame, Divya added, “Some people criticised me, saying that I did the nude scene for fame. I have won several awards and have also been part of critically acclaimed movies. I don’t think I need to strip naked to earn fame.”
Similar incidents have occurred with actors Tamannaah Bhatia and Triptii Dimri following their bold scenes in Lust Stories 2 and Animal, respectively.
Who is Divya Prabha?
AdvertismentDivya Prabha hails from Thrissur, Kerala, and is celebrated for her performances in arthouse and non-commercial films. She gained prominence through movies like Take Off and Thamaasha. In 2015, she won the Kerala State Television Award for Best Second Actress for her role in the TV serial Eswaran Sakshiyayi.
Her global recognition includes a nomination for Best Actress at the 2022 Locarno Film Festival for her performance in Ariyippu, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film competed in the international section and was nominated for the Golden Leopard.
In addition to All We Imagine As Light, Divya has appeared in notable films like Lokpal, Mumbai Police, Kayal, Vettah, Malik, and Prathi Poovankozhi. 

New Amount Business Owners Will Pay for Certificate Services

Business News

The government has announced that business owners in the export business in the country will now be able to receive assistance in applying for the Certificate of Origin (COO).In an official announcement dated Thursday, November 28, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has informed exporters that it will set up a service desk and offer the services to its members and non-members at a fee of Ksh200.
“As part of our commitment to supporting exporters, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)  is mandated to issue Ordinary/Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (COO) for goods originating from Kenya.”
“To enhance accessibility, our COO Service Desk assists with issuing COOs to both KNCCI members and non-members at a fee of Ksh200,” part of the notice read.

A photo of Kenyan vegetables being loaded onto a cargo plane for export.

Photo

Logistics Update Africa

A certificate of origin is an important document that indicates the country where the exported goods were manufactured or obtained. 
The service desk is aimed at facilitating faster and easier certification of origin processing.
It is also aimed at supporting Kenyan businesses and exporters to succeed in the global market.
Apart from improving competition with the services, the government also aims to reduce the cost by avoiding inflated fees charged by intermediaries.
With these new services, exporters get personalised assistance navigating exporters’ regulations and documentation.
Business owners have been advised to KNCCI Head Office, located at Telkom Plaza, 2nd Floor, Ralph Bunche Road, next to CITAM Valley Road, Nairobi to access the services from December 1, 2024.
When exporting goods by air or sea, importers often need a certificate of origin (COO). This important document tells customs officials where the goods were made or obtained. 
A COO is presented to customs authorities in the importing country to prove the product’s eligibility for entry.
It also helps establish whether the goods qualify for preferential treatment under any trade agreements between the countries of origin and import.

Trade CS Salim Mvurya appears before the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources, on September 21, 2023.

Photo

Parliament of Kenya

Celebrating Picture Book Month at the library

Arts & Culture, Books

Breadcrumb Trail LinksOpinionColumnPublished Nov 28, 2024  •  Last updated 1 hour ago  •  2 minute readArticle contentFilled with colourful illustrations and engaging stories, picture books are an excellent introduction to lifelong reading for young children. November is Picture Book Month, and the library staff have some reading recommendations that the family can share.Advertisement 2Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentAward-winning author Corey R. Tabor’s tale of a catfish with a unique perspective, Ursula Upside-Down, is library technician Janet’s pick: “Ursula Upside Down is a flipped-format picture book that kids will love. Ursula is a happy catfish swimming through the river. Is Ursula upside-down or right-side up? It’s all a matter of perspective in this silly but innovative book.”Intergenerational family bonds are lovingly illustrated in library technician Laura’s choice, The Blue Pickup, by Natasha Tripplett: “Grandad has stories to share and lessons to teach. The relationship between a Grandad and granddaughter is captured perfectly in this wonderful story. The vibrant and expressive illustrations add a level of joy to this wonderful intergenerational story.”Advertisement 3Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentEncouraging young readers to explore patterns in nature and daily life is explored in librarian Danielle’s selection, Patterns Patterns Everywhere, gorgeously illustrated by Kellie Menendez: “This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces young children to patterns and encourages them to look, listen, and feel for the patterns within the book and all around them. The rhyming text makes this a joy to read aloud!”Young readers eager to learn the alphabet will love library technician Cassandra’s selection The Imaginary Alphabet by Canadian author and illustrator Sylvie Daigneault: “The classic animal alphabet is elevated to an enchanting work of art in this picture book by Sylvie Daigneault. Each page features alliterative text and drawings which invite readers to look closely to find all the subtle ways each letter is represented.”Advertisement 4Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentIn addition to the enormous collection of print picture books at both Library branches, an impressive selection of digital picture books is also available for free. Install the free Libby app from Overdrive on your device and download classic and contemporary picture books from Curious George to Pete the Cat.The online TumbleBook collection is available through the Library’s website and offers an impressive collection of picture books from favourite authors such as Robert Munsch. Picture books in Spanish and Mandarin are also available.Explore French-language digital picture books for free through Cantook Station. Just log in with your library card and PIN to download up to seven titles each month. In addition to Cantook Station, Tumble Biblio Enfants also offers digital picture books in French.At Your Library is a weekly column provided by the staff of the Brantford Public Library. Readers requiring more information can visit www.brantfordlibrary.caArticle contentShare this article in your social networkComments Join the Conversation Featured Local Savings

Where is The Holiday filmed? Locations featured in the iconic Christmas film

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The 2006 film The Holiday, has become a staple of Christmas viewing schedules up and down the country. From chocolate box UK to contemporary stateside locations, viewers always want to know where the timeless movie filmed.Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet continue to steal hearts every year at Christmas, when festive favourite The Holiday is watched by those looking for some warming yuletide romance. The leading ladies portray two women, Iris and Amanda, engaging in a house swap over the Christmas holidays – both are looking to escape their recent relationship heartbreak.Amanda lands a quaint cottage in the English countryside, and Iris a huge modern dream house in the US. Apart from a rocky and sometimes hilarious ride to the pair finding happiness, the stunning scenery providing a backdrop to the action also steal many scenes. Read on to find out exactly where The Holiday was filmed, a romcom that continues to delight audiences year after year.Where is Iris’s house in The Holiday?Iris’s home, Rosehill Cottage doesn’t exist in real life, but was based on a cottage named Honeysuckle Cottage, in Holmbury St Mary, near Dorking. The exterior of the cottage was constructed by film crews, while interior shots of the cottage were recreated to emulate the real Honeysuckle Cottage in a studio.The cottage was last sold in June 2019 according to Rightmove, and listed for £625,000. The couple who purchased the property were unaware of its links to the film, and were surprised to find tourists regularly visiting their home asking if they’d met Jude Law. They briefly made the cottage available to rent on Airbnb in 2022, although it’s no longer listed on the site.Speaking about the enduring popularity of the film on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on November 26, Jude Law explained a little more about how the cottage for the film came to be constructed. “So the director, she’s a bit of a perfectionist, toured that whole area and didn’t quite find the chocolate box cottage she was looking for,” he said, adding, “So she just hired a field and drew it and had someone build it.”(Image credit: Colombia Pictures/AJ Pics/Alamy)Was The Holiday filmed in The Cotswolds?Most of the UK village scenes depicted in The Holiday were filmed in Surrey, specifically Shere, Godalming, and Wonersh. The only part of the Cotswolds to appear in the film was Cornwell Manor in Cornwell, near Chipping Norton.Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.One scene in the film depicts Amanda and Graham going on a date and stopping for lunch, with Cornwell Manor being used for their lunch spot. Although not open to the public, the picturesque manor house is occasionally available for wedding and event hire.Found in Surrey’s Guildford, Shere is considered just as quintessentially British as the Cotswolds, and is famous for also featuring in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and The Wedding Date.In Godalming, Cameron Diaz’s character can be seen shopping in the town, while Wonersh village played host to Mill House, the exterior Jude Law’s character’s house.(Image credit: Graham Prentice/Alamy)Where is the pub in The Holiday movie? The pub featured in The Holiday is actually The White Horse in Shere, Surrey. The pub’s website describes it a former 15th century farmhouse and Grade II Listed building. The description reads “In its former life, The White Horse was a 15th century farmhouse called ‘The Cripps,’ and it became an inn sometime in the 17th century.”The site continues, “It is also rumoured to be a former smugglers’ pub after a secret cellar was discovered during extensive renovations. Authentic timbers taken from Nelson’s ship, ‘Victory,’ are thought to be part of the pub, and there are also some traditional village stocks on the premises too.”Inside the pub, you’ll find two private dining rooms that can be hired out for functions, along with “plenty of nooks and crannies” for diners to have their food and drinks. After taking root in the 15th century, an inglenook fireplace and new wing were added to the building in the 16th century. By the late 18th century, the farmhouse became an alehouse with its own brewery, meaning this ancient pub has a huge amount of history.Where is Amanda’s house in The Holiday?Amanda’s house can be found in San Marino, California. The Tuscan-style property was designed by Wallace Neff, who has built homes for celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston.The property features seven bedrooms, and six bathrooms, and can be found at 1883 Orlando Road in San Marino. However, only the exterior was used during filming, and interior shots of Amanda’s house were shot in a studio.How to watch The HolidayIn the UK, you can watch The Holiday for free if you have a Prime Video subscription. If you aren’t a Prime Video member, you can rent the title from Amazon for £3.49 or buy it for £5.99. Alternatively, you could try a 30 day Prime Video free trial and watch the film within that time if you aren’t a subscriber, before cancelling at the end of your trial period. The Holiday is also available on Apple TV, but there are no free options for viewing it – you still have to purchase it even if you subscribe to the streamer. Here, it will cost you £3.49 to rent or £5.99 to buy.

Merck Life Science Partners with DPIIT to…

Science and Health

New Delhi, Nov 28 (KNN) In a significant push for India’s biotech ecosystem, Merck Life Science has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India initiative.

This partnership aims to empower emerging biotech startups by providing access to cutting-edge global technologies, fostering innovation, and nurturing new product development.

The collaboration is anchored in the shared vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), with an emphasis on strengthening the nation’s manufacturing ecosystem.

By equipping startups with state-of-the-art resources and expertise, the initiative seeks to close critical gaps in the innovation lifecycle—particularly the “valley of death,” where promising ideas often fail to transition into market-ready products.

This effort represents a strategic move to support India’s burgeoning biotech sector, which is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth.

The initiative will inspire startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore novel solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

As part of the partnership, Merck Life Science will offer its cutting-edge technological platforms and global expertise to drive product development and scale manufacturing processes.

This collaboration is expected to create a fertile ground for startups to thrive, bolstering their capacity to contribute to a resilient and self-reliant India.

“By integrating the best of global technologies with local talent, this partnership signifies a transformative step in building a strong innovation ecosystem in India,” remarked a DPIIT spokesperson.

This initiative comes as India continues to solidify its position as a global biotech hub, supported by initiatives like Startup India and Make in India.

With Merck’s global expertise and DPIIT’s policy framework, this collaboration promises to act as a catalyst for creating a new wave of biotech solutions that are both innovative and impactful.

In a rapidly evolving biotech landscape, this partnership underscores the potential of public-private collaboration to drive progress, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship.

(KNN Bureau)

Navigating AI in Business: Balancing Regulation and Ethics

Business News

As AI continues to transform business operations across sectors, organizations are faced with the dual challenge of adhering to stringent regulations while upholding ethical standards. The EU AI Act, a landmark regulation, sets a new global standard for AI governance by mandating transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights. While compliance with regulations is crucial, businesses must also look beyond legal requirements and embrace ethical AI practices to differentiate themselves in a competitive market and to nurture customer trust.The Regulatory Roadmap: What Must Businesses DoRegulation and ethics, though closely related, serve different purposes in the realm of AI. Regulation—such as the EU AI Act—dictates a risk-based approach to governance. The EU AI Act provides a comprehensive framework for businesses developing and deploying AI technologies. It requires companies to implement rigorous measures, including detailed risk assessments and the classification of AI systems based on their risk levels. However, compliance with regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a critical aspect of maintaining business integrity and avoiding substantial financial consequences. Meeting regulation requirements is essential to avoid penalties, which can be as severe as fines of up to 7% of annual global turnover for non-compliance.Related:How the Middle East is Becoming the Next AI Infrastructure Hub of EMEA The global regulatory landscape is complex and will continue to evolve, varying by region and sector. Businesses face the challenge of keeping pace with the evolution of legal requirements and with rapid AI advancements, which often outpace the speed at which new regulations are being introduced. Here are a few practical ways  companies can keep pace:Build on existing compliance frameworks. Organizations should make AI risk assessments an integral part of their new product introduction processes, add AI to their third-party risk management, embed AI reviews in the privacy review and data protection impact assessment processes, and conduct regular audits.Establish cross-functional AI governance. Companies can do this by bringing together the key functions that are involved in the development or deployment of AI, to ensure strategic alignment, development of thoughtful policies, sharing of information, and maintaining an AI inventory.Bring employees up to speed. Invest in training staff on the latest regulatory requirements, the risks and benefits of using AI in the workplace and their rights when it comes to AI.Related:AI in Language Learning: The Promise and PitfallsThese combined approaches may help businesses remain compliant while mitigating risks associated with the evolving AI regulatory environment.Ethics as a Strategic AdvantageEthics, on the other hand, guides businesses to act with the interests of all stakeholders in mind. Ethical considerations go beyond the minimum legal standards, by looking at the impact that a company’s choices can have on all stakeholders, leading companies to adopt morally and socially responsible practices, such as transparency, fairness, and non-discrimination. These guiding principles are essential for building and maintaining public trust, which is increasingly vital as AI becomes more integrated into our digital experience.Ethical AI involves creating transparent systems that allow users to understand how AI operates, makes decisions and uses data. Companies embracing an ethical approach to the development of AI should also prioritize fairness to not perpetuate biases or inequalities. This requires diverse and inclusive development teams, ethical review processes and bias testing to assess the impact of AI systems before they are deployed.By developing forward-looking AI ethics policies that anticipate future technological advancements, businesses will ensure that AI systems remain responsible and aligned with societal values even as technology evolves.To successfully navigate the AI landscape, businesses must recognize that a comprehensive approach involves both strict regulatory compliance and a strong ethical foundation.Shaping Tomorrow: The Convergence of Regulation and EthicsAs AI advances, the interplay between regulation and ethics will become increasingly important. Businesses must stay informed about emerging regulations and be prepared to adapt their practices accordingly. At the same time, they should cultivate a culture of ethical responsibility.The future of AI will be shaped by the actions that businesses take today. By embracing both regulatory obligations and ethical considerations, companies will meet current standards but also foster the development and adoption of AI, establishing the foundation of responsible AI development in the years to come. In doing so, they will help create a culture of awareness and trust that will support the development of AI innovation and the consolidation of public trust in AI.