9 years on, how has ‘Lean In’ shaped my career?

t’s hard to believe that Sheryl Sandberg’s book, ‘Lean In’ was released 9 years ago.

I remember the hype and excitement around its launch. It was billed as a manifesto for the modern woman to reassess her personal and professional goals, and offered practical tips on on how we could ‘lean in’ to our careers and tackle the challenges women experience in trying to get ahead.

As I read the book, I became persuaded and invigorated. So much so that I started the first Lean In Circle in Wales, working closely with the Lean In team in the United States to develop the group and help others.

Things have changed and moved quite apace since then. At the time, I was starting out in my career, working my first full time job in politics. I was considering what to do next, a decision that led me to start my own communications consultancy. Now, 9 years on, I’ve moved to London, advising politicians in Parliament on communications and digital strategy.

In some ways, Lean In was the catalyst for the journey on which I was about to take. It was a sort of lightbulb moment, when I embraced my confidence and pushed myself to seize the opportunities that I was looking for.

Sandberg herself has gone through a transformation, and earlier this month, left her role at Meta. Her journey has inspired me to look at how Lean In has shaped me as the professional I am today- here’s the advice I have taken away and implemented in my career.

Addressing your own demons:?In the book, Sandberg addresses her own demons, and I, like many others have had to do the same.

Sandberg is honest about admitting failures and addresses her own self-doubt. Post the death of her husband, Sandberg revealed she suffered from a lack of self confidence. A friend encouraged her to write down three things at the end of the day that she felt went well. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, she ends the day by reflecting on her successes.

“Confidence and leadership are muscles,” Sandberg said, “You learn to use them or you learn not to.”

It’s inevitable that our confidence can be knocked by things that go wrong or the actions of others. Bouncing back from these situations is a skill in itself, and like Sandberg says, it takes training and constant use to be in a position where you can perform well.

When I come across a situation where I think things aren’t going how I’d like, I keep that confidence in my ability at the front of my mind. Politics is a rough arena, and it’s easy to feel like you aren’t good enough or there’s someone who wants you to fail. I’m not going to let them.

Be self-confident:?Sandberg attributes women keeping themselves from advancing because they don’t have the self-confidence and drive that men do. “We lower our own expectations of what we can achieve,” she says.

Really do not settle for second best in any part of your life. I wanted to gain parliamentary experience, and work with politicians that I admire. I leaned into this, and the approach I took bore results.

A little self-confidence and drive can go a long way- and change things in ways you couldn’t imagine.

Conquer male-dominated arenas:?politics is still ruled by men, and since Lean In was published, little has changed. Statistics from the book at the time revealed: “Of 197 heads of state, only 22 are women.” Another fact: Of the top 500 companies by revenues, only 21 are headed by women. In politics, women hold just 18% of congressional offices.” These statistics have remained rather static, although I am mighty pleased that during these 9 years, the UK saw its second female Prime Minister in Theresa May — and I was fortunate to work for her.

I must say that I have not experienced sexism working in politics. I know that is not the case for all of my colleagues. There are many individuals and groups that continue to work hard in encouraging women to become active in public life- persuading them to really ‘lean in’ will take time and continued efforts.

Fear of shouting about success:?Most of us want to be liked, but if our success means that others don’t like us, how motivated are we to do well?

In the book, Sandberg admits that she has undermined her own accomplishments for fear that others would be turned off. A fear to please or a fear of jealousy, one thing I’ve learned is that we shouldn’t sell ourselves short.

It’s a sad fact of life that there will always be someone that is envious of your accomplishments, but one thing ‘Lean In’ reinforced is that if you please everyone, you won’t change anything.

Mentors and advocates:?One of the biggest takeaways from Lean In was Sandberg’s advice to not seek a mentor. Instead, she recommends asking for specific advice to solve a problem- from your contemporaries and your elders. She suggests that you seek an advocate- someone who will fight your corner and recommend you for the next opportunity.

This was a particularly refreshing lesson from the book, and one which benefitted my career progression. I’m lucky to have a mix of mentors and advocates in my professional life, and Sandberg’s approach has helped me to find opportunities, expand networks and develop my confidence. More productive relationships have been born, both personally and professionally.

Lean In is a book that has stood the test of time, and is as relevant now as it was 9 years ago. Whether starting out in the professional world or looking for a reset or a confidence boost, every woman should read and own a copy.

We wait to see what Sandberg does next, but I really hope that she revisits Lean In and provides us with an updated version to inspire us for the next decade!