I really enjoyed this book. I thought her perspective was super interesting and I have recommended it both in my fortnightly newsletter and to several people individually.

I'm definitely not an executive (and honestly after reading this book I don't want to aspire to be one!) and yet Lean Out was a fascinating read for me, especially since all I know of the tech world is through watching Silicon Valley and what I've learned from the executive world is lack of consideration for the lower-level employees. Despite this, I could relate to some of Ms. Orr's experiences and learned about Lean In versus Lean Out. Ms. Orr's approach in the empowerment of women, 'sharing her truth and telling (her) story' was incredibly interesting. There's a lot of work ahead for equality, however her experiences have influenced her to help others to change the 'national conversation on women and work'. -- and her book does just that.

As an African-American woman in the professional world, I feel like these types of works never have my demographic in mind. Whether we are leaning in, out, or sideways, these come across as the plight of the white woman. Do we ever stop and take a step back to the point of access. Someone like this author or Sheryl or a host of other individuals already started one step ahead of the game. I don’t even see the building where the tables located they’re trying to get a seat at. It’s an okay work, just not applicable to women everywhere. And most of us don’t even have a choice to lean in or out. We just lean.

In places I struggled with this book but I am so glad that I persevered and finished it. Parts of it really spoke strongly to me, as I have previously read some of the other “work guides” for women and had not been able to see myself in them or feel that I could implement in my job what they were suggesting. Lean Out, on the other hand, did make sense to me. I do wish that the section at the end, telling you how to implement what Marissa Orr is speaking about had been a little more comprehensive, perhaps with some more stories of how this has worked for other women and not just for Marissa herself. That said, it has given me much to think about, and that’s what I can a success for a book such as this.

Diversity happens when companies and organizations create conditions of trust and this is one of the key messages for me in the book. The book on gender gap? Women and their professional lives? Missed opportunities because of unfair work situations? So many things that push you to think and reflect on. Sometimes we do not even notice these things happen or we are just used to them so much that we consider them as a norm. If fact, it is not. Get the inner power to stand out and this book is a great motivator! Talking about diversity won't help to make a change. Actions need to be taken.