“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

This phrase adorns the walls of Facebook offices and comes from the heart of Sheryl Sandberg - one of the most influential leaders in the technology world.

With a career that took her from Google to Facebook, where she served as Chief Operating Officer for over a decade, Sandberg built her success by confronting challenges head-on, acknowledging her insecurities, and turning them into opportunities for growth.

Writing this article has not been easy.

Discussing Sheryl Sandberg means portraying a complex and influential figure and explaining the concept of “Leadership Ambition,” which is central to her book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.

Doing so requires engaging in a broad and nuanced discussion about gender equality in the workplace. At the heart of her work is the idea of leaning in - an invitation for women to overcome their insecurities, take on more active roles in their careers, and challenge the barriers, both external and internal, that hinder their professional growth.

But what does it really mean to “lean in”?

It means not shrinking back in the face of a challenge, taking risks even when you feel unprepared, and believing in your abilities, even when the world around you, seems to question your worth.

Sandberg herself has lived through these struggles, making her story an inspiration for anyone, women and men alike, who aspire to grow, both professionally and personally.

Fear as a Signal for Growth

Many of us avoid stepping into new challenges because we fear we won’t measure up. Yet, Sandberg teaches us that discomfort and uncertainty are not signs of failure, but rather opportunities for growth. She candidly reflects:

“I try to set more personal goals for learning new skills in the next eighteen months. It’s often painful, but I ask myself, ‘How can I improve?’ If I am afraid to do something, it is usually because I am not good at it or perhaps am too scared even to try. After working at Google for more than four years, managing well over half of the company’s revenues, I was embarrassed to admit that I had never negotiated a business deal. Not one.”

This admission is not a confession of incompetence but a testament to the human experience of growth. It aligns with the concept of a growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work rather than being fixed traits.

For Sandberg, fear was not a reason to retreat but a reason to push forward. Her perspective challenges us to rethink our own approach to fear: is it a sign that we should stop, or is it a signal that we are on the verge of meaningful growth?

The Role of Insecurity in Women’s Careers

A central theme in Lean In is the so-called imposter syndrome; the persistent feeling of not belonging or deserving one’s success. Sandberg explains how each new job or opportunity left her feeling unworthy:

“Every time I took a new job or was given a new opportunity, I felt like I didn’t belong. I would wake up in the middle of the night, sweating, convinced that I was about to be fired.”

Women, more often than men, tend to underestimate their own abilities.

As Sandberg succinctly puts it:

“Women systematically underestimate their own abilities.”

This isn’t to say that women lack competence; rather, it reflects a society that has long conditioned them to doubt their worth, especially in leadership roles.

The result? Many talented professionals hesitate to step forward, fearing they are not “ready” or “qualified enough”; even when their male colleagues, with equal or fewer qualifications, confidently pursue the same opportunities.

Sandberg argues that dismantling this internal barrier is just as crucial as addressing external obstacles like workplace discrimination. The more women lean in, by taking risks, advocating for themselves, and embracing leadership roles, the more they will shape the future of workplaces to be more inclusive and balanced.

The Courage to Step Up

Personal development is not optional in today’s professional world: it is essential.

Sandberg reminds us that success is not merely a product of natural talent but of the willingness to seize opportunities, even in the face of fear.

She recounts a memorable incident from her time at Facebook:

“Our first meeting was held in the kind of corporate office featured in movies, complete with a sprawling view of Manhattan. I offered an overview of our business and answered questions. So far so good. Then someone suggested that we break for a few minutes. I turned to the senior partner and asked where the women’s restroom was. He stared at me blankly. My question had completely stumped him. I asked, ‘How long have you been in this office?’ And he said, ‘One year.’ ‘Am I the only woman to have pitched a deal here in an entire year?’ ‘I think so,’ he said, adding, ‘or maybe you’re the only one who had to use the bathroom.’”

This anecdote highlights how rare it still is for women to be seen as key decision-makers in corporate environments. But Sandberg’s presence in that room and her decision to question the status quo, illustrates the importance of making women’s leadership visible.

If more women lean in and take up space in these spaces, the less exceptional their presence will become.

What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?

Sheryl Sandberg is more than just a successful leader; she is a living example of how embracing one’s vulnerabilities can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth. Her journey teaches us that the first step toward progress is to recognize our fears and transform them into opportunities.

“Fortune favours the bold.”

This motto, proudly displayed on Facebook walls, serves as a potent reminder: growth requires courage. We must dare to take risks, confront challenges head-on, and, above all, believe in our abilities.

Returning to the question that frames Sandberg’s message:

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Perhaps the answer to that question is the key to unlocking your next great opportunity.

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