Top 10 Quotes by Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is a technology executive, author, and philanthropist who has profoundly shaped the modern tech industry. As the Chief Operating Officer of Meta (formerly Facebook) and a former Vice President at Google, she played a pivotal role in scaling these companies into global giants. She is also the bestselling author of “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” which sparked a worldwide conversation about women and leadership, and she founded the Lean In Foundation to empower women. Her insights into business growth, leadership, and workplace equality have made her one of the most influential voices in business.
1. “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.”
This quote, from her famous 2011 Barnard College commencement address, encapsulates her philosophy on seizing career opportunities, especially in high-growth environments, without over-negotiating the initial terms.
2. “Done is better than perfect.”
A mantra she brought to Facebook’s culture, this quote emphasizes the importance of iteration and speed in the tech world, encouraging teams to launch and improve rather than wait for a flawless product.
3. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
This defines her view on the true, sustainable impact of a leader, focusing on empowerment and building lasting capability within a team.
4. “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
A central question from “Lean In,” this challenges individuals, particularly women, to confront the internal barriers and fears that often hold them back from pursuing their ambitions.
5. “We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.”
This speaks to the power of awareness as the first and most crucial step toward personal and organizational growth and the creation of more inclusive workplaces.
6. “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.”
She uses this metaphor to illustrate that career progression is rarely a straight, vertical climb but rather involves lateral moves, dips, and unexpected opportunities that build a diverse set of skills.
7. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
This powerful statement encourages individuals to recognize and own their personal agency and influence in both their careers and their lives.
8. “Feedback is a gift. Ideas are diverse. Feedback is not diverse.”
She highlights that while ideas should come from everywhere, the responsibility to give constructive, honest feedback rests with managers and is a critical tool for growth.
9. “Real change will come when powerful women are less of an exception.”
This quote underscores her mission to normalize women in leadership positions, arguing that true equality is achieved when it is no longer remarkable.
10. “Build your skills, not your resume.”
This advice focuses on the importance of genuine capability and learning over simply collecting job titles, advocating for a focus on long-term, substantive personal development.
About Ian Khan
Ian Khan is a globally recognized futurist and a bestselling author, renowned for his ability to demystify the future and make emerging technologies accessible and actionable for organizations worldwide. His expertise is showcased in his Amazon Prime series “The Futurist,” where he provides insightful perspectives on how technology will shape our lives, businesses, and society. His thought leadership has been globally acknowledged with his inclusion in the prestigious Thinkers50 Radar list, which identifies the management thinkers most likely to shape the future of business.
Specializing in Future Readiness, Digital Transformation, and the strategic application of technologies like AI, Blockchain, and the Metaverse, Ian helps leaders navigate the complexities of the digital age. His engaging keynotes and workshops are designed to equip teams with the mindset and tools needed to not just adapt to change, but to lead it. He is a trusted advisor to numerous Fortune 500 companies and government entities, helping them build resilient, forward-thinking strategies.
If you are looking to future-proof your organization and inspire your team to embrace innovation, Ian Khan is the speaker and consultant you need. Contact us today to book Ian for a transformative keynote speech, a Future Readiness workshop, or strategic consulting on digital transformation and breakthrough technologies. He is available for both virtual and in-person sessions to help you lead in the future, today.
