Women From Away

Year Four Book Two

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

November 17, 2016

Overall Rating: 3.89/5

Angela: 5/5

Jamie: 4.5/5 

Nicole: 3.5/5

Nikki: 4/5

Stephanie: 5/5

Lacey: 4/5

Amy: 2.5/5

Laura S: 4/5

Robyn: 4/5

Lauren: 5/5 

Laura R: 4/5

I was so happy to hear all the positive reviews of this book during our meeting! I am glad people were able to connect to it. I think I must have biased myself by reading negative reviews of the book before reading the actual book.

Lots of talk about her own personal successes, I found it hard to connect with the anecdotes of working in DC or Silicon Valley, being COO, etc. Like, we get it; you’ve had some amazing jobs. Also found that the parts thrown in after these anecdotes ‘the same idea could apply to other jobs too’ or ‘other jobs are just as important’ seemed disingenuous.

From NY Times review: ‘Given her positions first at Google and now at Facebook, it is hard not to notice that her narrative is what corporate America wants to hear. It is cheaper and more comfortable to believe that all corporations need to do is urge younger women to ‘lean in’, to think differently and negotiate more effectively, rather than make major changes in the way their companies work.’

The core takeaways from the book are still very positive, but not unique or groundbreaking

1. Need more female representation at higher levels of corporate management

2. Recognize that it may be in your nature (as a woman) to second guess your ability to succeed. Stop doing it!

3. Removing barriers for women to stay in the workforce requires more than just an effort on that woman’s part. 

Lindsay: 3/5 

Guest 1: 3/5

Guest 2: 3/5