Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, on Using Your Voice For Good | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Sheryl Sandberg shares insights on career choices, building resilience, and making a difference in the world.

Key Insights

• 🌱 Don't try to plan out your entire career; instead, find a mission or purpose that you are passionate about.
• 🏛️ Building resilience is important for both personal and professional growth.
• 🧔‍♀️ Women should seek support and mentorship from peers, as well as be willing to support others in their careers.
• ❓ Personal branding is not as important as being authentic and genuine.
• 🌍 Consider opportunities in both the private and public sectors to make a difference in the world.
• 🔬 Invest in your own skills and take on challenging tasks to expand your capabilities.

Transcript

[MUSIC] [APPLAUSE] >> I am really excited to be here. So, thank you all, for having me. >> Well, we're thrilled to have you, thank you so much for being here Cheryl. So, there's a lot to talk about today, you're new book, Option B. But where I'd really love to start, is with the early part of your career. So you left the Treasury in 2001, and you w... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Eric Schmidt convince Sheryl Sandberg to join Google?

Eric Schmidt encouraged Sandberg to "find the rocket ship that matters" and take a seat on it without worrying about job titles or levels. He emphasized the importance of loving the company and its mission.

Q: How can individuals make their own impact in a non-founding leadership position?

Sandberg suggests building relationships at work based on care, aligned goals, and the willingness to learn from and support others. Show your commitment to the process and values of the company, as well as your dedication to personal and professional growth.

Q: How can women find success in both their careers and personal lives?

Sandberg highlights the importance of choosing the right partner, one who supports your career goals. She advises against relying on personal branding, as it is essential to be authentic and not try to package oneself. Additionally, she encourages women to stay in the workforce until they are sure they want to leave, rather than leaving prematurely due to societal expectations.

Q: How can individuals have a successful career in both the private and public sectors?

Sandberg suggests being open to opportunities in both sectors and considering the impact you want to make. Having a strong partnership with the organization's leader and building a capable team is crucial in driving positive change.

Summary

This video features Cheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, speaking about her career, leadership, and personal experiences. She discusses the importance of finding the right career path and taking risks, as well as the value of building strong relationships at work. Sandberg also shares insights on resilience, grief, and the importance of supporting others. She emphasizes the need for women to have supportive partners and mentors, and challenges traditional notions of "having it all." Sandberg also discusses the concept of personal branding and advocates for authenticity over packaging oneself. Overall, the video provides valuable insights and advice for navigating the challenges of career and life.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did Eric Schmidt really tell Cheryl Sandberg to "not be stupid" and "get on the rocket ship" when she was considering joining Google?

Yes, Eric Schmidt did give Sandberg this advice when she was considering joining Google. He encouraged her to seize the opportunity to be part of a transformative company.

Q: What career advice does Sandberg give to young professionals?

Sandberg advises young professionals to not try to plan out their entire careers and to be open to unexpected opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of finding a long-term dream but also having short-term plans. Sandberg also encourages young professionals to focus on learning and helping others succeed rather than solely achieving personal accomplishments.

Q: How does Sandberg recommend respecting a founder's culture while making one's own impact in a non-founding leadership position?

Sandberg suggests that building strong relationships at work is crucial for making a lasting impact. She compares building work relationships to building relationships at home, highlighting the importance of caring about others, having aligned goals, and investing in connections. Sandberg also shares advice on how to build a strong partnership with a founder or leader, emphasizing the importance of trust, open communication, and mutual respect.

Q: How has Sandberg's friendship with Mark Zuckerberg evolved over the years?

Sandberg describes Zuckerberg as one of her closest friends and admires his vision for a global and connected world. She is proud of how he puts forth his beliefs and values in a brave and bold manner. Sandberg states that Zuckerberg helped her build her self-confidence after her husband's death and considers him a true friend. She also mentions that Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla, were incredible sources of support during her difficult times.

Q: Why did Sandberg decide to share her personal story of grief and loss so publicly?

Sandberg explains that she shared her personal story publicly because she felt a deep sense of isolation after her husband's death. She wanted to connect with others who were going through similar experiences and break the silence surrounding grief and loss. Sandberg believes that acknowledging and discussing challenging topics can help individuals feel less alone and build supportive communities. Her intention was to kick out the "elephants in the room" and encourage people to be more open and empathetic towards one another.

Q: How can children help their parents bounce back after adversity?

Sandberg acknowledges that children are naturally resilient but also need support during tough times. She emphasizes the importance of making children feel valued and cared for, having aligned goals, and treating them like individuals. Sandberg also mentions the need to allow children to face challenges and learn to be independent. She encourages parents and caregivers to show belief in their children's abilities and offer them opportunities for growth.

Q: What role have women played in Sandberg's career and success?

Sandberg highlights the importance of women supporting and empowering each other in the workplace. She mentions that while she has never worked for a woman, she believes that women can play a crucial role in building relationships, providing mentorship, and creating a supportive environment. Sandberg also mentions the effectiveness of Lean In circles, peer-based mentorship groups that help women fulfill their dreams.

Q: What does Sandberg think about the concept of having it all?

Sandberg challenges the notion of "having it all" and argues that men are never questioned about their ability to balance work and family. She encourages women to stay in the workforce and pursue their ambitions, even if societal pressures and expectations make them feel like they can't do it all. Sandberg suggests that women focus on finding supportive partners, building strong teams, and making decisions from a place of strength.

Q: What does Sandberg believe is the most important thing she has given up or sacrificed to achieve her current level of success?

Sandberg credits her success to hiring exceptional teams and working with great leaders. She believes that having strong support systems and relationships is crucial in achieving success. Sandberg doesn't specify any personal sacrifices she has made but emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and focusing on shared goals rather than personal ambitions.

Q: What is one thing that Sandberg is still afraid of doing?

Sandberg mentions that writing her book, Option B, about her husband's death and grief was a scary experience. She acknowledges the fear but believes that her efforts to turn tragedy into something good and help others overcome adversity are worth it. Sandberg does not mention any specific future fears or challenges she still needs to face.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sheryl Sandberg discusses her early career choices, including joining Google as its first Business Unit Manager.

• She emphasizes the importance of not planning out one's entire career path, but instead finding a "rocket ship" that you are passionate about.

• Sandberg advises investing in oneself and supporting the success of others in order to achieve long-term career goals.