Leaning In, Falling Out. My review of Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, now informed by recent controversy

Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In has long been a beacon for ambitious women navigating the complexities of modern workplaces. It’s a rallying cry for breaking barriers, a manifesto encouraging women to “sit at the table” rather than watch from the sidelines. ?? But how does this book hold up in 2025, against a backdrop of shifting cultural norms and Sandberg’s recent controversies?

The Promise of Lean In

At its core, Lean In offers practical advice peppered with personal anecdotes. Sandberg’s candor about her struggles as a working mother and her insights into corporate leadership are relatable and empowering. She challenges women to step into their full potential while also calling out systemic barriers like unequal pay and lack of workplace flexibility.

Her metaphor of the "jungle gym" versus the "career ladder" is particularly striking. It reframes career growth as a non-linear adventure, one requiring creativity and resilience—a lesson as relevant today as ever.

The book’s success lies in its duality: it is both inspirational and pragmatic. Sandberg provides tools—like negotiating tips and advice on mentorship—and pairs them with a vision for collective change.

Criticisms of the Lean In Movement

However, Lean In has its blind spots. Critics have long argued that the book speaks primarily to privileged women—those with access to elite education, resources, and opportunities. For many, "leaning in" isn’t a viable option without structural support like affordable childcare or workplace accommodations for marginalized groups.

Moreover, Sandberg’s corporate-centric lens sometimes feels disconnected from the experiences of women in non-corporate roles or those grappling with systemic oppression. The movement has also faced backlash for its failure to address intersectionality adequately, leaving many feeling excluded from the narrative.

The Shadow of Controversy

Recent allegations against Sandberg add a complicated layer to her legacy. Just days after parting ways with Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, Sandberg is now under scrutiny for allegedly deleting emails tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. ??

According to a Delaware court, Sandberg is accused of using personal email accounts—under an alias, no less—to discuss Meta’s privacy practices. These actions, if proven, directly contradict her fiduciary duties and undermine the ethos of accountability she once championed.

Her spokesperson denies these allegations, asserting that all work emails were preserved on Meta’s servers. Yet the shadow of these accusations lingers, raising questions about whether Sandberg’s public persona aligns with her private actions. Time will tell.

Reconciling the Book with the Author

So, how do we reconcile Lean In with Sandberg’s recent controversies? It’s a reminder that even trailblazers have flaws, and their contributions should be assessed with nuance. The ideas in Lean In remain powerful, especially when applied thoughtfully and inclusively. But the messenger’s integrity matters, particularly when they champion values like transparency and equity.

Final Thoughts

Lean In is still a valuable read, especially for those new to conversations about gender equity in the workplace. But readers must approach it critically, recognizing its limitations and reflecting on how they can adapt its lessons to their unique contexts.

In the end, perhaps the most enduring lesson from Sandberg’s work is this: progress is imperfect, but the conversation must continue. ??

Let’s lean in—but let’s also lean forward, learning from missteps along the way.

What are your thoughts on Lean In and the controversies surrounding Sandberg? Let’s discuss below! ??