Ratio Reads May: Sustainable Business Books for Women in AEC

If April was about reconnecting to your spark, May is about deciding how you want that spark to grow.

We’re constantly told that “growth” means more: more clients, more team members, more revenue, more everything. But real, meaningful growth doesn’t always follow that script. Sometimes it’s about becoming more intentional, more profitable, and more at ease – not necessarily bigger.

During a introduction call with a (now long term) highly, talented client, I asked what she wanted for her firm’s future, she said: “I don’t want to manage a big team or feel responsible for a dozen livelihoods. I want to grow financially, but not by adding more people or more chaos.”

Together, we focused on refining her systems and simplifying her operations. Today, she’s earning significantly more than she ever thought possible – with just me and one other contractor supporting her.

Her story is proof that success can look a thousand different ways – and the most important definition is your own.

This month’s Ratio Reads is your invitation to explore exactly that: defining growth on your own terms, strengthening your business from the inside out, and building a future that feels spacious and aligned – no giant team required.

📖 Company of One by Paul Jarvis

What if growth wasn’t the only goal?

In Company of One, Paul Jarvis challenges the idea that bigger is always better. Instead, he invites us to consider staying intentionally small, agile, and independent – designing a business around freedom and fulfillment rather than endless scaling.

When I first read this book, it gave me language for feelings I’d had for years: that success isn’t always about headcount or revenue milestones. Sometimes, it’s about more space, more creativity, and more control.

What you can implement:
Take a moment this week to write down what enough looks like for you – financially, emotionally, and creatively. Define what success truly means so you can intentionally build toward it, rather than defaulting to someone else’s version.

📖 The Long Game by Dorie Clark

If you’ve ever felt pressured to achieve big, flashy wins overnight, The Long Game is your gentle (and strategic) reminder that sustainable success is built slowly and intentionally.

Dorie Clark encourages us to focus on deep relationships, thoughtful strategy, and actions that move us toward a long-term vision rather than immediate gratification.

This book helped me shift from measuring success by daily checklists to asking: Are these choices moving me closer to the life and business I want in five or ten years?

What you can implement:
Identify one long-term project or relationship you want to invest in this year. Set aside consistent (even small) time blocks each week to nurture it. Remember: slow progress is still progress.

📖 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

You didn’t start your business to stress endlessly over cash flow.

Profit First flips traditional business finance on its head by encouraging you to pay yourself first, then run your business on what remains – rather than hoping something is left over.

This book has helped me and so many of my clients feel empowered about money again. It’s a strong reminder that profitability isn’t selfish – it’s the foundation for a healthy, lasting business. And ladies – a friendly reminder: when we make more money, we don’t just keep it for ourselves. Statistics show that women reinvest in our families, our teams, and our communities. When we rise, we all rise together.

What you can implement:
Open a separate “profit” or “owner pay” account. Even if it’s just a small percentage, start paying yourself first consistently. This single habit can transform your relationship with your business finances.

Ratio Resource:

I personally use Relay for my business banking and I love it! They are perfect for you if you’re looking to implement the Profit First system and need multiple accounts (and virtual cards to make things super easy).

📖 Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

Our culture loves to celebrate hustle and busyness, but constant movement doesn’t always mean meaningful progress.

In Slow Productivity, Cal Newport invites us to step away from urgency culture and focus on doing fewer things, better. Deep work, focus, and realistic pacing are at the heart of building something that lasts.

Reading this book felt like a nice long exhale – a reminder that quality and intentionality create true impact, not frantic to-do lists.

What you can implement:
Try setting one “deep work” day each week – no meetings, minimal email, and full focus on strategic or creative projects. Protect it fiercely and see how it changes your energy and momentum. I make this mandatory for my clients! It takes some getting used to, but I’ve only ever received positive feedback after its been implemented.

Why these books matter (and why now)

There is no one-size-fits-all growth strategy.

These books are here to remind you that you get to choose what growth looks like, how fast it happens, and what you’re willing (or not willing) to trade for it.

Your business can reflect your values, protect your energy, and support your vision for life — all while being financially strong and strategically sound.

Tell me: what does growth mean to you?

Have you read any of these? What would it look like to define success entirely on your own terms this year? Hit reply or drop a comment — I’d love to cheer you on.

Missed one of our other Ratio Reads? You can find the previous ones here:

P.S. Some links are affiliate links, which means if you buy a book, I get a few extra cents to fuel my next iced coffee purchase. Win-win! I only recommend books I truly love and use in my own business and with my clients.