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)

Speaks to an executive mom's soul!

What did you love best about Lean In?

Very affirming of my own struggles as a woman in leadership positions

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lean In?

Definition of leadership....humanizing moments when she was "less" than perfect as a mom...encouragement to LEAN IN

Which character – as performed by Elisa Donovan – was your favorite?

Sheryl Sandberg

Any additional comments?

I'm recommending it to all women who are in a career!

Inspiring

I felt that this was a really thoughtful book and well worth the listen. Sheryl contributes personal stories and a variety of evidence that supports her assertions. This book does not solve any major issues but it brings up the topic for conversation and invites readers to become involved. As a young woman I found a lot of her advice to be both practical and useful.

Reinvigorated me

Would you listen to Lean In again? Why?

So many great tips that I would definitely listen again - with a notebook this time - so I could jot all of the tips down!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously my favorite character was Sheryl Sandberg as this book was choc full of anecdotes from her professional career.

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

I wouldn't listen to this in one sitting just because there are SO MANY great tips to try and absorb.

Any additional comments?

Entering my 8th year of my career, I was feeling apathetic toward my job. This book invigorated me and recharged my confidence levels. I put her advice into practice immediately and have been LEANING IN!

Full of Great Advice to Tailor To Your Own Story

I'm on the newer end of entering the work place as a woman and while I haven't directly felt some of the sexism that my older colleagues have, I still need to be aware of it. It's easy to take all of the hard work strong women have done before me and take it for granted, but it's helpful to know when I am feeling vulnerable at work and holding myself back that it's okay to lean in and take chances. In my own career I will have my ups and downs and I will turn to this book when I need reassurance that I can do it.

Liberation from constant mommy guilt

Would you consider the audio edition of Lean In to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

Empowering feminism without man bashing

Have you listened to any of Elisa Donovan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Women owing their part

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book - Saffie Muna Jeter

chapter 10 and 11 on point great for mothers

Loved the book I do not have children that I did not relate but valued the information it provided chapters 10 and 11 resonated with me most and it's insight on sexism in the workplace the information is invaluable.

Empowering and Thought Provoking

What made the experience of listening to Lean In the most enjoyable?

Listening to this on the commute to my job made me feel empowered to change. I wished I had read this in high school before making college decisions.

love love loved it

amazing! well written and thoughtful. well worth every penny and every manager should read this.

Should be required

Should be required reading/listening for all women (ok and men too). Very inspiring and insightful.

Profound Effects

I had no idea how much I needed this book! It provides great insight to our culture, and how we unconsciously make decisions within the workplace. Saying I feel empowered after reading it seems trivial to state. I feel as if with every every chapter I read, it arranged another block in the foundation of my career sector.