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)

Thank you Sheryl

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

There are so many stories from this book that I can relate to especially as a woman working in Tech. I wish I had read it sooner to know there is a tribe that I can Lean Into.

Thought provoking

Everyone has his/her path in life. This book is for those women who have dreams and goals to make a difference in the corporate/business world. I found that it some aspects, I could relate to her characteristics. Bottom line for me, it gave me insight that I don't have to conform to anything else but continue on growing into the best version of me, as a woman and as a person who has something to contribute to this society.

Excellent & practical book for leaders at any leve

I learned to lead while I in the Canadian Military. Since leaving the military I have only come across a few books for the leader really trying to have an impact. Lean In is one of them. A real "tell it like it is" book.

An awesome read.

Inspiring, Interesting, and Insightful!

If you could sum up Lean In in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, Interesting, and Insightful

What about Elisa Donovan’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed her flow and how clear she spoke. I felt like she really knew and connected to the book/subject so she was able to provide good inflections and stress on certain parts.

Any additional comments?

Overall, great book to listen to if you are someone (woman or man) who has been thinking about how to work with your personal/family life and work life.

Better than I expected

Lots of personal stories make this book a fun listen. The author is very frank about her privilege, something that I found refreshing and candid.

A must read for leaders

A must for all leaders to read! The book gives you a new lens to look through regarding gender and partnerships at home and at work.

Would have preferred to hear it from Sheryl Sandberg.

A Must Read...

If you could sum up Lean In in three words, what would they be?

Intelligent, Thought-provoking, and factual.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Does not apply

What does Elisa Donovan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Actually, I thought she sounded rather cocky. I wasn't a huge fan of the reader, however, the book explains why I might think this.

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

The entire thing has really made me realize why my boss, and even father act in certain ways. Completely unintentionally. It also made me realize that I am putting some of my dreams on hold because of a family I don't yet have, and probably won't for a few years.

Excellent advice from a really smart woman

If you could sum up Lean In in three words, what would they be?

Direct Kind Smart

What other book might you compare Lean In to and why?

My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor because she, too, is a smart woman who worked hard and defied stereotypes to achieve exceptional success.

Great listen

This is a great book - I have it both on hard copy and in audio form. I would recommend listening to it first and then following up with the hard copy to use for reference. There is much to consider and learn from this book - for both men and women. I have recommended the book to all my female friends as well as to my male boss.

Great for Women, Great for Moms, Great for Men

I loved this book and will listen to again. I highly recommend it for anybody to read. Its great for women because the book delivers a lot of statistics around women in the work place without it being data overload. In fact, many of the statistics actually made me mad/sad at the same time and encouraged me to be part of the change that needs to happen. Its great for moms because it is very relatable for mothers who work full time outside of the home and the struggles that we all face. I am starting to learn that I should not and will not feel guilty for being a mom and also having a successful career and that companies should understand that families come first. Most women do not want to let anybody down so home life and work life is hard to balance but if there is an emergency or an event that I as a mom do not want to miss out on, work will have to understand that family comes first and that in turn will make me more productive as an employee. I know that not everybody has the same flexibility as me or as Sheryl though. I wish that Sheryl herself would have narrated the book but in my mind, I was listening to her speak. I really want my husband to listen to this book so he can have a better understanding of the struggles I go through with my internal voice and my ambitions to be successful.