how it all started

I was on my way home. I had just finished attending a three-day leadership conference to which I had secured one of the limited, coveted seats. The airport was abuzz with people coming and going.

Yet I didn’t feel excited, not as I would have expected following a conference or when heading back home. I should have been feeling completely invigorated but there I was, walking through the busy airport, reflecting on how I had contributed nothing and said nothing for the three full days of the conference. I had been feeling inadequate and unworthy and now I was feeling bitter and disappointed.

Yep, there in the airport, I was suffering from an imposter syndrome hangover.

So I was in a surprisingly low place when I passed the gaping bookstore entryway and saw the bright, yellow cover blaring “You Are a Badass!” It was like a magnet drawing me in. It was as if it were speaking to me directly, declaring that I was a badass.

 “Then why aren’t I acting like it?” I asked.

Needless to say, the book “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero boarded the plane with me.

Forty pages later I felt significantly more empowered, more confident and more positive about myself and my abilities. The book didn’t solve all my problems, but it definitely marked a turning point for me.

You see, I’ve spent the better part of my professional life working in industries dominated by women.  And I’ve noticed over the course of my career that I’m not the only one struggling to live my best life. Just as my own journey to awareness and empowerment came through the pages of a book , I suspected the same could be true for other women. I believed that there was strength to be gained from reading the stories, advice and encouragement written by other badass women.

The Badass Women’s Book Club was born.

I approached my local book store (shout out to Bards Alley in Vienna, Virginia!) and asked if I could start a monthly “Badass Women’s Book Club” for all of us badass women. And Bards Alley said yes.

Today the Badass Women’s Book Club has over 100 badass women hosts all over the country; over 10,000 women follow us online and in person.  

I choose a powerful book every month.  I create and share insightful discussion guides for each book. I challenge women to live their best lives. And I invite you to join us!

I also take this work beyond the pages, through online coaching and in-person workshops, where I speak to women about how to live intentionally empowered lives - how to show up, speak out and step forward with strength and confidence.

For more information on how to work with me, email hello@badasswomensbookclub.com

- Gina Warner

Founder of Badass Women’s Book Club