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)

Highly recommended for all women and men

Listened to the audio book while commuting. Every woman, young and old, working or not, should read it, as well as the men who love them. Lots of important gems on how we all need to break through internal and external barriers, fully participate, and become the person we want to be.

Everyone needs this book

I have never felt so empowered by knowledge. The book enlightened me. It is such an important book for women, of course, but it is just as important for men. As a man I am better for reading it. This book changed me in the best possible way. READ/LISTEN TO THIS BOOK! it is amazing

Critical read for all human beings.

Life-affirming read. Critical in business and as active creator of society.

Engaging performance. Loved every second of it.

Must read for all young professional women!

Where does Lean In rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top!

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

It made me realize that I need to excel not just for myself but to further equality for women in the workplace.

What about Elisa Donovan’s performance did you like?

She has a wonderful voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Lean in!

Any additional comments?

Parents - moms and dads: First of all, you should read this book. Next, pass it on to your young adult daughters.

LIFE CHANGINFG, a must read for EVERYONE!!!!

this book changed my life. it is amazing, full of useful insights, advises, and changes the way you think.

Inspiring, loving, strong.

Sheryl did an outstanding job of bringing in all the sides of the issue of women decisions about work and home. Men were included in all parts. Closing the gender gap is a human task not just this or that section of society. And the message that strikes me the most is that we should respect each other’s choices, support one another and lean in whatever that is.

Inspiring

I know I’m late to the party on this one, but I found this one inspiring. It helps validate the reality that you can’t do all things at all time and also acknowledges that it’s okay to set limits on your life. Especially in a post-Covid world where a lot of professional roles have changed, this was a helpful message.

The takeaways were on point!

As a person who thinks about in the process of a career change and work life balance constantly yet timid or sell myself short due to fear of the unknown… this definitely broke down those thoughts. The takeaways are applicable to all working woman.

lots of good points and advice

I wish more of it was written from a less privileged perspective. the privilege is acknowledged, but very few tips are tailored towards the average American working woman.

Great inspiration

I loved the energy and the references. Thank you I learned a lot and am more prepared. It was kinda long but that is good too I guess. Great job!