Read. Lead. Rise

Bailey and Carlotta

Join us online for an inspiring bookclub series designed to help you grow and shine. Lead with Intention is a three-book series designed for professional women who want to grow with purpose, not pressure. Together we explore how to stop shrinking (F*ck Being Humble*), lead with more honesty and heart (The Authenticity Upgrade), and build the habits that turn intention into lasting impact (Good Habits, Bad Habits). Across this series, you’ll unpack how ambition, authenticity, and behavior science work together to create confidence you can trust, presence you don’t have to perform, and habits

Episodes

  1. Nov 2

    Episode 6: Brave, Not Perfect: Why Women Need to Stop Chasing Perfection and Start Taking Risks

    What if the thing standing between you and your next big opportunity isn’t a lack of confidence, but the pressure to get everything right? In this episode of Read. Lead. Rise., Bailey and Carlotta explore Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani and unpack why so many professional women feel compelled to prove themselves through perfection rather than give themselves permission to try. From overthinking emails and endlessly editing presentations to struggling with self-promotion, delegation, and the pressure to excel at work and at home, we explore how perfectionism can quietly hold us back. They talk about why it isn’t always as simple as taking a leap of faith when financial security, privilege, workplace culture, and family responsibilities shape the risks we're able to take? And how can we practice small acts of bravery even when the stakes feel high?  Dive into topics like: Excellence vs. perfection: Knowing when to stop perfecting and start doing. The fear of failure: Reframing mistakes as part of growth rather than a reflection of our worth. Confidence and self-promotion: Owning our accomplishments without worrying about being “too much.” Women supporting women: Challenging double standards and creating space for other women to succeed. The pressure to do it all: Navigating motherhood, careers, impossible expectations, and the courage to let go of control. Bravery and privilege: Recognizing that risk-taking looks different depending on our circumstances and finding realistic ways to move forward anyway. Bailey and Carlotta are reminded that power lies in doing, not in doing it perfectly. You don't have to have everything figured out, be the most qualified person in the room, or know exactly what your “thing” is to take the next step. If you've ever held back because you weren't ready, second-guessed your accomplishments, or felt like you had to earn your place by being perfect, this conversation is for you. Read. Lead. Rise. is a book club and podcast for professional women who want to grow their confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and learn alongside women navigating similar challenges. And stay tuned! Our next series explores Boundaries, Burnout & Not Giving a Damn (in a productive way!) with three new books!

  2. Jan 15

    Episode 1: F**k Being Humble

    If you missed our first Read. Lead. Rise. Bookclub, catch up on what we talked about here! In our very first episode, Bailey and Carlotta dive into F*ck Being Humble by Stefanie Sword-Williams and let’s be honest, this book hits a nerve (in the best way). We talk about why self-promotion feels so uncomfortable for so many people, especially across cultures (hello American vs. British differences), and why waiting to feel ready or perfect keeps us stuck. We unpack self-worth, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear of failure, and how taking action (even when you feel awkward or unsure) is often the thing that builds confidence, not the other way around. We also get into: Asking for your worth (time, money, respect, balance) “Blagging” (Not just BS-ing, its trusting yourself before you have proof) Why community and mentors matter more than going it alone How documenting your wins and being prepared helps you clearly communicate your impact And how comparison and perfectionism quietly steal joy and momentum In the book Stefaniue Sword- Williams suggested having a go to  “f*ck you”  or "Celebration" song to go to when they're needed. So of course we talked about that and have started a playlist with the suggestions left by our audience. Check out the Spotify playlists inspired by the episode and add your favorite celebration or “f*ck you” song in the comments. Blag a little. Self-promote. Use this comment section to share something you’re proud of, something you’re working on, or a win you haven’t talked about enough. This is your permission slip. And don’t forget to save the date: March 16th Our next book club meeting will be all about The Authenticity Upgrade: Rebooting Leadership for Real Humans—and we can’t wait to dig into what authentic leadership actually looks like in real life. You’re doing better than you think.Let’s read, lead, and rise—together.

  3. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Episode 0: Welcome to the Book Club for Ambitious Women

    Read. Lead. Rise. is a book club-turned-podcast for professional women who want to grow their confidence, sharpen their communication, and lead with intention without adding more pressure to their already full lives. In this introductory episode, Bailey and Carlotta share who they are, why they teamed up, and what makes this community different. Every session will be a light, energizing look at ideas that help you understand yourself, strengthen your voice, build better habits, and connect with women who get it. Read. Lead. Rise. blends personal development, communication psychology, leadership tools, humor, and honest conversation. All of this through the lens of both corporate and entrepreneurial experience. We will  also explore how professional expectations differ across industries and even across countries. Every other month, one book guides a themed discussion with guests, key takeaways, and practical actions you can use right away. All live sessions are recorded and released as podcast episodes so you can listen anytime. The first series, Lead With Intention, features: F*ck Being Humble by Stephanie Sword WilliamsThe Authenticity Upgrade  by Amigoni & CullimoreGood Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy WoodTogether, these books will help you own your voice, lead as yourself, and build habits that make confidence stick. If you’d like to join the live Zoom discussions, Register on Eventbrite and be sure to learn more about Bailey and Carlotta on their websites (baileymasseyglobal.com & too-ambitious.com) and follow them on social media (@baileymasseyglobal and @tooambitiousofficial). We’re thrilled to read with you, learn with you, and lead with you. Welcome to the Read. Lead. Rise. Book Club!

Trailer

About

Join us online for an inspiring bookclub series designed to help you grow and shine. Lead with Intention is a three-book series designed for professional women who want to grow with purpose, not pressure. Together we explore how to stop shrinking (F*ck Being Humble*), lead with more honesty and heart (The Authenticity Upgrade), and build the habits that turn intention into lasting impact (Good Habits, Bad Habits). Across this series, you’ll unpack how ambition, authenticity, and behavior science work together to create confidence you can trust, presence you don’t have to perform, and habits