I am grateful to the many people who believed in these ideas and gave so much of themselves to makethe publication of Lean In possible.

My deepest thanks go to my writing partner Nell Scovell. Nell and I have been working together onspeeches, starting with the 2011 Forrestal Lecture at the U.S. Naval Academy, where I first used thephrase “lean in.” When I was considering writing this book, I realized that I was willing to do it only ifNell collaborated with me. Nell responded that she was “not just in, but all in,” which says everythingabout her commitment. She took a break from her work as a television writer/producer and journalistto make this a priority. She put in nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate mylimited schedule. Most of all, she was insistent that we keep searching until we found the right way totalk about these complicated and emotional issues. Nell’s talent with words is matched only by hersense of humor and her unshakable belief that having more women in leadership positions will resultin a fairer and better world. I am grateful to her not just for her expertise and complete dedication, butfor her friendship, which I have come to cherish. Her heart rings true and clear on this book’s everypage.

Marianne Cooper also has lived and breathed this book for the past year and a half. As a sociologistat the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University and an expert on gender andsocial inequality, Marianne brought her vast knowledge to bear as this book’s lead researcher. She ismeticulous in her approach and has an unparalleled talent for synthesizing research so it is concise,understandable, and convincing. I learned a great deal from her clear thinking, deep insight, andanalytical rigor.

This book would not have been written if it were not for Jennifer Walsh. Through the depth of herconviction, the sheer force of her will, and her absolute refusal to take no for an answer, Jenniferconvinced me to write this book. She told me that this process would be an important personal journeyfor me, and she was right. She stayed by my side from beginning to end, providing guidance andencouragement and reminding me at key moments why I was doing this.

My editor, Jordan Pavlin, believed in this project so much that she dedicated many hours over manymonths before I fully committed. She was instrumental in helping flesh out the initial ideas and turnthose ideas into outlines and finally into chapters. Jordan never read an anecdote she did not thinkcould be expanded, and she continually pushed me to share more of my experiences and emotions. Ialso owe my deepest gratitude to Sonny Mehta, editor in chief of Knopf, whose unflagging supportkept this project on the fast track.

David Dreyer and Eric London were indispensable to the writing of this book. As trusted advisorsand brilliant craftsmen, they pored over each and every draft from the very first to the very last. Theyapplied their impeccable judgment and communications expertise to all matters, from suggestingsweeping structural changes to honing minute details. They always (always) stayed on point, wereable to see issues from multiple angles, and delivered their advice with speed and a sense of humor.

Elliot Schrage, Brandee Barker, Sarah Feinberg, Debbie Frost, and especially Ashley Zandy providedinvaluable support and advice. Gina Bianchini, Rachel Thomas, and Debi Hemmeter turned theirpassion for and commitment to this book’s message into establishing the Lean In Community.

If you read this book, you know the importance I place on feedback, and I am especially grateful tothe many people who provided it. From the moment I decided to do this, my sister-in-law, AmySchefler, jumped in to help. She sent detailed thoughts on topics I should cover as I was working onthe initial outline, interviewed all her friends, shared her own stories, and read every draft of eachchapter multiple times. Her enthusiasm and passion for this project—as well as her love and support—were truly inspiring.

Gloria Steinem has shared her wisdom with me since I was lucky enough to meet her six years ago.

My understanding of the challenges that women face owes much to the time she has generously spentwith me. No one has thought about women—and all of humanity—more deeply than Gloria. And sheconsiders every issue with humility, humor, and a profound desire to build a just world. As an activist,her efforts continue to move us all toward the goal of true equality. As a writer, her words oftenprovide the best single-sentence summary on any topic, which is why she is quoted so frequently inthis book. The phrase “internalize the revolution” comes from her and echoes her book Revolutionfrom Within. It is with love and gratitude that I quote her words in these pages.

Arianna Huffington has been a constant source of support in every aspect of my life for many years.

She sent comments on drafts from all around the world, adding her insight and deep understanding ofcultural trends. Oprah Winfrey encouraged me to focus on my intent for this book. When I washesitant to share something personal, I heard her voice in my head—or in the text messages she sent—reminding me of the power of being authentic. Gene Sperling is one of the busiest people I know, andyet he found the time to write page after page of key suggestions. His ability to cut to the heart of thematter on issues that concern public policy and the problems that affect people from every lifecircumstance is matchless.

Mindy Levy, my childhood friend, was visiting with her family when I roped her into looking at achapter. She turned out to be a master of structure and organization, which she then applied to futuredrafts. Mellody Hobson encouraged me to speak from the heart with conviction and confidence. Shesets the example of what it means to be a woman, unapologetically. Karen Kehela Sherwood helpedcrystallize several key ideas, including the “aha” moment of realizing that how women are perceivedwhen negotiating can be used as a negotiation tool. And just as she did for so many of my papers forso many years, my college roommate Carrie Weber stayed up many late nights line editing everysentence. She helped in ways that only someone who is both a dear friend and an accomplished authorcould.

Many others generously read drafts and offered thoughts, sometimes under demanding deadlines.

Deep thanks to Stephanie Flanders, Molly Graham, Larry Summers, Bill McKibben, Tina Bennett,Scott and Clia Tierney, Amanda McCall, Jami Passer, Michelle Ebersman, Stephen Paul, DianaFarrell, Adam Freed, Phil Deutch, Marne Levine, Joel Kaplan, Eric Antonow, Lorna Borenstein,Marcus Buckingham, Michael Grimes, Anna Fieler, Kim Scott, Kim Jabal, Carole Geithner, DonGraham, Zander Lurie, and Michael Balaoing.

Many people contributed to the research that underpins this book. Shelley Correll and LoriMackenzie of the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford connected me with Marianne,then supported her so that she could dedicate so m............