Lean In

Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

By: Sheryl Sandberg

Narrated by: Elisa Donovan

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • “A landmark manifesto" (The New York Times) that's a revelatory, inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth that will empower women around the world to achieve their full potential.

In her famed TED talk, Sheryl Sandberg described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which has been viewed more than eleven million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto. Lean In continues that conversation, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can. Sandberg, COO of Meta (previously called Facebook) from 2008-2022, provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career. She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment, and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women both in the workplace and at home.

©2013 Sheryl Sandberg; 2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Lean In is an inauguration more than a last word, and an occasion for celebration ... Many, many women, young and old, elite and otherwise, will find it prescriptive, refreshing, and perhaps even revolutionary.” (Anna Holmes, The New Yorker)

“A landmark manifesto ... Fifty years after The Feminine Mystique ... Sandberg addresses 21st-century issues that never entered Betty Friedan’s wildest dreams ... Lean In will be an influential book. It will open the eyes of women who grew up thinking that feminism was ancient history, who recoil at the word but walk heedlessly through the doors it opened. And it will encourage those women to persevere in their professional lives.” (Janet Maslin, The New York Times)

“I approached it wearing two hats—one as CEO [and] the other as the parent of a nine-year-old daughter. In both capacities, I feel that Lean In is a must read.” (Mohamed El-Erian, CEO of PIMCO, in Fortune)

Fantastic book for everyone!

This book definitely met my expectations. As a husband, father and manager, this book is an inspiration. Great insight and call to action to make a positive difference in our community, workplace and society.

Stand Strong

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved this book I have recommended it to many of my friends and family. I feel that this book help to give a voice to women everywhere both in the workforce and on the home front.

What did you like best about this story?

I like that she was able to draw on personal expertise and explain feelings and emotions of the hard work that women do.

Wonderful!

This was by far one of the best audiobooks that I have ever listened to. Sheryl Sandberg's experiences that she shared as a Corporate Executive were eye opening, engaging and inspiring to us all!

A important and well-written book.

I'm thankful for Sheryl Sandberg's insights, passion, and expertise, as she exposes issues and gracefully enters conversation about a very challenging and important topic. It is a must-read for men and women alike.

Must read for any ambitious women.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'm about to buy copies of this for all my girlfriends.

What did you like best about this story?

It's an inspiring read packed with practical advice.

Thoughts From a Female Manager

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this, depending on who the friend was. While I think the message is important for many people, I think that only certain people are really open to hearing it.

What did you like best about this story?

Sheryl was open and honest about her own shortcomings, which "gives permission" to other people to own up to their own difficulties. It is always easiest to admit there is a problem when other people have already admitted the same.

Any additional comments?

I think the message that Sheryl Sandberg is looking to get across is an important one. I think she has the opportunity to make some incredible headway helping women make changes to help themselves. Her honesty and openness are welcome in an arena that often shies away from being too honest.

Just the thing I needed to hear as a professional

Would you listen to Lean In again? Why?

Yes - very inspirational and motivating to hear

What did you like best about this story?

It's something nearly all professional women can relate to and help us to understand the importance of finding the right partner.

What about Elisa Donovan’s performance did you like?

Very soothing voice and comforting to listen to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No - I listened to it in several separate sittings.

Great content, needs a new narrator

Great content, but found myself forcing myself to listen or having to go back to listen when I zoned out. The narrator's voice and enunciations are not my cup of tea.

Excellent book

great book, well read and very inspirational for women. allows for self reflection and how I treat other women in my work environment.

Excellent! Not just for aspiring CEOs!

Even if you are not looking to be the next CEO of your company, this book will still hit home and clearly express how women and men differ in the workplace. It was truly eye opening and has made me aware of actions that can hold you back and how to get past it. Well worth the time spent listening!