Business bosses share inspirational books on international women's day

“One of the most inspirational books I ever read was Stephen Covey’s ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” explains Lisa.

“But the time management habit is one I’ve yet to perfect, as anybody who knows me will agree!

“I’m constantly striving to be better and, I suppose the reason I find this book so inspiring is because I don’t consider myself a highly effective person yet.

“But I’d like to be someday,” she adds with a grin.

She is, of course, being modest, with a host of impressive accolades to her name. As President Elect of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, and joint Managing Director for Airmaster, Lisa has more than proven she has what it takes in the business world. And it’s business achievements just like these that women across South Yorkshire will come together to celebrate next week.

March 8 marks International Womens Day and, at Tankersley Manor Hotel in Barnsley, some of the region’s most impressive women will come together to celebrate girl power in all its glory.

And as part of the proceedings, each women has been asked to bring along a book that has inspired them.

Lisa will be bringing a worn copy of the Stephen Covey book she first picked up nearly 20 years ago while studying for her degree.

“There were at least ten I could have chosen from, but the methods in this book are ones that I use consistently at work and it’s a book I’ve gone back to time and time again over the years,” says the 46-year-old.

The inspirational books can be of any genre and each woman has been asked to inscribe the book with a personal note, saying why it was enjoyable, inspirational or influential for them.

Jackie Freeborn, chair of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber’s Women In Business group, and one of the organisers of the event, explains: “The books women bring along will be put in our Nuggets of Knowledge corner at the event.

“On the day, we will pull people’s business cards out and place them on a book which will then be gifted to them. The instructions will be for them to read, enjoy, add their own note and pass it on to someone else during the year.”

And Jackie - keen to practice what she preaches - has already chosen the book she will donate.

“Like many other women, I found it hard to pick just one, but I went for Eric Berne’s Games People Play,” says Jackie, 57.

“It’s a book that really resonated with me and something that I go back to all the time. If I’m in a tough situation or I’m having trouble dealing with something or someone, it gives me a bit of a framework and it’s really helped me to build better relationships.

“According to this book, we all go through our lives operating in one of three modes - parent, adult or child. When you’re in situations you’re unsure of, or uncomfortable in, it’s easy to revert to the role of parent or child, usually without you even realising you’re doing it. This book is about learning to pull yourself - and others - back from these roles, to adulthood.

“It’s a book that has changed my life and my understanding of human relationships and I hope whoever receives finds it as useful as I have.”

Anne Wilson, managing director of Sheffield tool manufacturers Numill Ltd, chose Memoirs of a Geisha.

“I have it on my Kindle at the moment and it came to mind straightaway, so I’ve ordered a new copy for the event,” says Anne, 56.

“The struggles and strength in this book are so inspirational and it’s a book that has stuck with me since I first read it.

“It’s about finding inner strength and striving to be the best, which I think we can all relate to.”

Deborah Bullivant, creator of Rotherham social enterprise Grimm & Co, which encourages writing and story-telling among young people, chose Roddy Doyle’s The Meanwhile Adventure.

“I’ve always loved this book, it’s a great example to children of fantastic storytelling and is all about letting your imagination run wild.

“It was between this book, which I’ve read so many times since I first discovered it, or Winnie the Pooh’s quotes which I also use a lot in what I do. They’re just fantastic and come from such a humble place.”

The International Womens Day celebrations on Tuesday will feature inspiring speakers, interviews, networking events and awards.

Jackie adds: “This will be a fantastic afternoon with driven and dynamic speakers flying the flag for Yorkshire, sharing wonderful stories that will leave guests inspired and empowered.”