
These Books Are Giving All The Goods On Career Fulfillment, Success, And The Glow Up

Y'all know we love a good book list over here at xoNecole (as if you don't already have dozens on your bookshelves that you have yet to finish. We're with you, sis.)
Well, the next time you're lounging by the pool, waiting on that last dryer cycle to finish, or simply needing something enlightening to listen to during a session on the cycling machine, you'll be glad you added these inspiring books to your cart. They're all by ambitious and smart Black women giving all the goods on career advancement, life fulfillment, and professional glow-ups.
You're welcome.
'Choosing to Prosper' by Bola Sokunbi
Written by the mind behind Clever Girl Finance, an empowering online platform and community centered on financial literacy, this book gets into Sokunbi's Nigerian background and upbringing, finding financial freedom, and guidance into the self-awareness and confidence to take on your lifestyle goals.
'Manifesto: On Never Giving Up' by Bernardine Evaristo
This author and scholar's bold memoir will definitely spark introspection and self-exploration, especially for all the ambitious baes out there who aren't afraid to push the envelope and fight the status quo.
'I Am Debra Lee' by Debra Lee
Serving as BET's CEO for more than a decade definitely gives Lee the cred to share just what it means to be a Black woman leading one of the most iconic, bankable TV networks of all time. It's no small feat to break glass ceilings and stomp with the big dogs in corporate America, so there's a lot to be learned from the life of a true boss.
You've Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected
Written by the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks---the first Black woman to hold such a role in the NBA---this book features elements of perseverance, hard work, faith, and positivity that are sure to get you pumped up to achieve your own greatness.
'Agent You: Show Up, Do the Work, and Succeed on Your Own Terms' by Nicole Lynn
This one is especially for those who are struggling with purpose and fulfillment and offers easy-to-read tips and advice on how to become clear on just what you want out of your work, life, and legacy. An added plus: Lynn's record-breaking boss moves in the NFL and her pivot into becoming an agent and sports operator.
'The Fear-Fighter Manual: Lessons From A Professional Troublemaker' by Luvvi Ajayi Jones
If you're into a candid insightful read about being unapologetically you, this is perfect, and Jones is one who knows more than a thing or two about that since paying her dues and becoming a successful podcast host, digital strategist, entrepreneur, and speaker. Sis just knows how to bring out the best in folk through honesty, humor, and smarts.
'I'm Not Yelling: A Black Women's Guide to Navigating the Workplace' by Elizabeth Leiba
This is a love letter to any Black woman who has felt misunderstood, misrepresented, and stifled in the workplace and includes insights on ways to be your full authentic self and achieve success without wearing a mask or code-switching.
'We Should All Be Millionaires' by Rachel Rodgers
If the title alone doesn't move you, the fact that the author is a 7-figure business owner, attorney, and mother should. She's all about empowering people to make more money and think bigger about the possibilities in life, and this book does not disappoint in that area.
'Make Money Move: A Guide to Financial Wellness' by Lauren Simmons
Her story of becoming the youngest woman to serve as a full-time trader on the New York Stock Exchange went viral, and this book is one that gets to the core of investing in sustainable wealth, which in turn can exponentially change your life for the better.
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Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole