SALLIE'S OPINION

10 Years Later, One Thing ‘Lean In’ Left Out

Later this week is the 10th anniversary of the publication of “Lean In.” I’m willing to bet we’ll be reading a lot of “then-vs-nows.” They’ll compare where women were in 2013 — when, in a mass “I want to be like Sheryl” moment, we bought 4.2 million copies of the book and joined “Lean In” circles in droves — versus where we are in 2023.

In that decade, we’ve cycled through a lot of excitement, a lot of confidence, a lot of asking for raises, a lot of exhausting work, a lot of leaning in — all leading to some pretty mixed results. At best.

There have been some “steps forward” and some heartbreaking “steps back.” Overall, not a great decade for women. And an even worse decade for the women “Lean In” left out, like those who live paycheck to paycheck.

Now, look, I’m all for working hard and advocating for yourself. But my best career advice to the women who made “Lean In” such a bestseller can’t be found anywhere in the pages of the book.

It’s to invest. And yes, I said career advice. Here’s why.

Mark your calendar

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Links to let loose

• Why being “the adult in the room” doesn’t help women in corporate tech.
• In honor of Women’s History Month, Ellevest investor Venus Williams is shining a light on wage inequality with her #PrivilegeTax campaign. Her brand EleVen has commissioned artists for three limited edition T-shirts — the proceeds will go to Girls, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Get yours here.
• One of our heroes, Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett, was profiled recently in the New York Times for her work on the COVID-19 vaccine.
• 99% — yes, that’s nine-nine — percent of women business owners say the federal government hasn’t done anywhere near enough to help them thrive.
• Some really great food for thought next time you worry that you’re getting too old for your line of work.