Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedLean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Sheryl Sandberg · Book · 2013

If you loved Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, start with Lessons from Leaders by YourStory — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead across media.

If you valued the call to action in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, you will appreciate these stories of navigating professional barriers.

Films on the same thread

Lean On Me

Lean On Me

John G. Avildsen · Film · 1989

Explores: Urban Education, Redemption, Authoritarian Leadership.

Like the bold leadership strategies advocated in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, this film highlights the transformative power of taking charge in an institutional environment.

Nine to Five

Nine to Five

Colin Higgins · Film · 1980

Shares a thread with Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead: Female Empowerment.

This film explores the same themes of female empowerment and workplace rebellion found in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by confronting toxic corporate power dynamics.

Working Girl

Working Girl

Mike Nichols · Film · 1988

Shares a thread with Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead: Female empowerment.

This story echoes the ambition and corporate navigation described in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, showing how persistence can overcome systemic obstacles to professional success.

The Intern

The Intern

Nancy Meyers · Film · 2015

Explores: Ageism, Mentorship, Work-Life Balance.

This film examines the modern workplace dynamics and mentorship opportunities that are central to the career development advice offered throughout Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.

Series on the same thread

30 Rock

30 Rock

Tina Fey · Series · 2006

Explores: Corporate Culture, Absurd Humor, New York City.

Liz Lemon navigates the corporate culture and complex workplace egos that readers of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead will recognize as classic challenges for ambitious women.

Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry

Lee Eisenberg · Series · 2023

Explores: Gender Inequality, Scientific Ambition, Social Conformity.

Elizabeth Zott faces the same gender inequality and social conformity that Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead seeks to dismantle through its call for systemic change.

Shark Tank

Shark Tank

Mark Burnett · Series · 2009

Explores: Business Pitches, Venture Capital, American Dream.

The competitive spirit and focus on self-made success in this series mirror the emphasis on ambition and career growth found in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.

Prime Suspect

Prime Suspect

Lynda La Plante · Series · 1991

Shares a thread with Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead: Ambition.

Jane Tennison battles the exact workplace discrimination and male-dominated environments that Sandberg addresses in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead as barriers to female leadership.

Podcasts on the same thread

Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Life.Church · Podcast · 2026

Explores: Mentorship, Team Dynamics, Professional Growth.

This podcast provides the same practical leadership coaching and professional growth insights that readers of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead rely on for career development.

Lessons from Leaders by YourStory

Lessons from Leaders by YourStory

Podcast

Shares a thread with Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead: career advice.

These interviews with top leaders offer the same focus on developing a leadership mindset as outlined in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead for aspiring professionals.

Keep exploring

Common questions

Is Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead based on a specific presentation?

Yes, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead expands upon the themes discussed in Sheryl Sandberg's famed TED talk. That talk, which explores how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers, has been viewed more than eleven million times.

What is the primary goal of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead?

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead serves as a blueprint for individual growth. The book acts as a manifesto and a call to action intended to empower women around the world to achieve their full potential in the workplace.

Is Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead considered a successful publication?

Yes, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead is a number one international bestseller. The New York Times described the 2013 book as a landmark manifesto and a revelatory, inspiring call to action for women in the professional sphere.

Does Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead address career obstacles?

Yes, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead addresses how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. The book provides a blueprint for growth and serves as a call to action to help women reach their full potential.

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