Lean In

Madeline McIntosh of Random House for their steadfast belief in this book.
    A special thanks to all the women and men who reached out to me after my TEDTalk and other speeches to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. I would not have kept talking about this subject or written this book had it not been for their responses and thoughts. When I needed inspiration, I read and reread their e-mails and letters.
    I am also indebted to the many people who have given me opportunities and guidance over the course of my career. Larry Summers offered to advise my senior thesis, gave me my first job out of college, and has been an important part of my life ever since. Lant Pritchett, my first boss, taught me to look hard at the data and speak the unvarnished truth. Eric Schmidt, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Omid Kordestani hired me at Google despite my complete lack of any relevant experience and supported me throughout my many years working for them. Richard Skolnik, Salim Habayeb, and Maria Clark invited me to join their team in India at the World Bank. Doug Elmendorf helped me start a group for women in economics when I was in college and taught me so much over the course of many years. Don Graham, Pat Mitchell, John Doerr, Dan Rosensweig, Michael Lynton, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, and Bob Rubin have all given me key advice at critical junctures in my career. Fred Kofman shared his insights on leadership, authenticity, and responsibility.
    I am lucky to work every day with extraordinary people at Facebook. Camille Hart has worked by my side for more than ten years. So much of what I am able to do is because of her expertise, great judgment, and relentless pursuit of efficiency.My colleagues Chris Cox, Mike Schroepfer, Elliot Schrage, David Ebersman, Ted Ullyot, Libby Leffler, Charlton Gholson, Kelly Hoffman, Anikka Fragodt, Eric Antonow, David Fischer, Lori Goler, and Dan Rose challenge me to live up to their high standards and provide the friendship and support that makes coming to work every day worthwhile. Mark Zuckerberg gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and has continued to inspire and support me ever since. He has taught me by his example to chart my own course and has encouraged me to do what I would do if I were not afraid.
    I am blessed to be surrounded by loving friends through this project and all else. I am so grateful for my childhood friends Eve Greenbarg, Mindy Levy, Jami Passer, Beth Redlich, Elise Scheck, Pam Srebrenik, Brook Rose, Merle Safer-stein, and Amy Trachter; and my closest adulthood friends Carrie Weber, Marne Levine, Phil Deutch, Katie and Scott Mitic, Craig and Kirsten Nevill-Manning, Adam Freed, Joel Kaplan, Clia and Scott Tierney, Kim Jabal, Lorna Borenstein, David Lawee, Chamath Palihapitiya, Zander Lurie, Kim Keating, Diana Farrell, Scott Pearson, Lori Talingting, and Larry Brilliant.
    The boundless support of my family has been the foundation of my life. My deepest gratitude and love to my parents Adele and Joel Sandberg, my brother David Sandberg, my sister Michelle Sandberg, my mother-in-law Paula Goldberg, my siblings-in-law Amy Schefler, Marc Bodnick, and Rob and Leslye Goldberg, and my goddaughter Elise Geithner.
    This book does not just recommend true partnership; it is a product of several true partnerships. Colin Summers, Nell’s husband, slowed down his architecture career to become the primary caregiver for their children. In twenty years, his encouragement of her career has never faltered. His contributions to this mission included reading many drafts of this book, discussing its contents over countless meals, and attending several school events alone. Whenever someone suggeststhat mothers are better suited to raising children, Nell knows in the deepest way possible that fathers can parent with as much love, devotion, and joy.
    Scott Saywell, Marianne’s husband, encouraged her to take on this project despite her initial reluctance. When my offer came, she had her own book to write and a second baby with food allergies who was not sleeping well. Scott insisted they would figure out a way to make it work, then reorganized his schedule so that it did. He was more than just supportive, he was excited for Marianne.
    And finally, I want to thank my truly amazing husband, Dave Goldberg. Dave is my best friend, closest advisor, dedicated coparent, and the love of my life. We both knew that my writing this book would come primarily at the expense of our time together, and so