50 Facts About Sheryl Sandberg

Early Life and Education

Sheryl Sandberg's journey began in Washington, D.C., and her early life and education set the stage for her future success.

1. Birth and Early Life: Sheryl Sandberg was born in Washington, D.C., but her family moved to Miami when she was two years old. She later attended North Miami Beach High School, where she graduated in the top 10 of her class.

2. Education: Sandberg is a Harvard University alumna, having graduated with an undergraduate degree in Economics in 1991. She later returned to Harvard to earn her MBA.

3. Aerobics Instructor: During her time at Harvard, Sandberg taught aerobics classes, often wearing a silver leotard, leg warmers, and a shiny headband.

4. Women in Economics and Government: Sandberg co-founded the group Women in Economics and Government at Harvard, aiming to encourage more women to major in government and economics.

Early Career and Google

Before making her mark at Facebook, Sandberg had significant roles that shaped her career.

5. Research Assistant and Chief of Staff: Before joining Google, Sandberg served as a research assistant to Lawrence Summers at the World Bank. She then became his chief of staff when he was Bill Clinton's United States Secretary of the Treasury.

6. Google Career: Sandberg was the Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google. She was also instrumental in launching Google.org, the company's philanthropic arm.

7. Google's Philanthropic Arm: While at Google, Sandberg was responsible for sales operations for the company’s consumer products and Google Book Search. She played a crucial role in launching Google.org.

8. Eric Schmidt's Influence: After receiving a job offer at Google in 2001, Sandberg was initially hesitant. However, Eric Schmidt convinced her to join by saying, "If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask what seat. You just get on".

Joining Facebook and Leadership

Sandberg's tenure at Facebook marked a significant chapter in her career, where she played a pivotal role in the company's growth.

9. Joining Facebook: In 2008, Sandberg joined Facebook as its COO, becoming the company's second-highest-ranking official. Her role involved scaling operations and expanding Facebook's global presence.

10. Facebook's Board of Directors: In June 2012, Sandberg was elected to Facebook's board of directors, becoming the first woman to serve on the board.

11. Facebook's Growth: During her tenure as COO, Facebook experienced significant growth under Sandberg's leadership. She played a crucial role in making the company profitable through her strategic management of the advertising business.

12. Global Presence: Sandberg's efforts expanded Facebook's global presence, making it a more inclusive and diverse platform. Her vision for global expansion helped Facebook become a household name worldwide.

Recognition and Influence

Sandberg's influence extends beyond her roles at Google and Facebook, earning her numerous accolades and recognition.

13. Time 100: In 2012, Sandberg was named in Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

14. Fortune's Most Powerful Women: Sandberg has been ranked one of the 50 "Most Powerful Women in Business" by Fortune magazine multiple times. She was ranked No. 29 in 2007, No. 34 in 2008, No. 22 in 2009, No. 16 in 2010, No. 10 in 2014, No. 6 in 2016, and No. 5 in 2017.

15. Digital Power Index: In 2012, Sandberg was ranked No. 3 in the "Evangelists" category of Newsweek and The Daily Beast's Digital Power Index.

16. World's 50 Most Influential Jews: In 2013, she was ranked No. 8 on The Jerusalem Post's list of the World's 50 Most Influential Jews.

17. Women to Watch: Sandberg was ranked No. 19 on The Wall Street Journal's list of 50 "Women to Watch" in 2007 and No. 21 in 2008.

18. Business Week's Most Influential People on the Web: In 2009, she was named one of the 25 Most Influential People on the Web by Business Week.

19. Forbes' Most Powerful Women: Sandberg has been listed as one of the world's 100 most powerful women by Forbes. In 2014, she was ranked No. 9, just behind Michelle Obama. In 2017, she was ranked No. 4, and in 2021, she was ranked No. 36.

Books and Public Speaking

Sandberg is also a prolific author and public speaker, sharing her insights and experiences with a global audience.

20. Lean In: Sandberg is the founder of LeanIn.Org, an organization aimed at empowering women in the workplace. Her book "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" became an instant classic among professional women.

21. Option B: After the unexpected death of her husband, Dave Goldberg, Sandberg wrote "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy." The book shares her personal experience of dealing with loss and finding strength to persevere.

22. Public Speaking: Sandberg is a frequent public speaker, known for her inspiring talks on leadership, resilience, and women's empowerment. Her TED talk on why there are too few women leaders is particularly notable.

23. Books and Awards: Sandberg has written two bestselling books: "Lean In" and "Option B." "Lean In" was shortlisted for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award in 2013.

Personal Life and Resilience

Sandberg's personal life has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies, showcasing her resilience and strength.

24. Personal Life: Sandberg married Brian Kraff in 1993 but divorced him a year later. She then married Dave Goldberg in 2004. The couple had two children, but Goldberg passed away unexpectedly in 2015 during a vacation in Mexico.

25. Resilience: Despite the setbacks and heartbreak, Sandberg has publicly demonstrated her strength and resilience. She has spoken about how Facebook helped her recover from her husband's death by showing her the massive support she had from across the globe.

26. Bad TV: To unwind, Sandberg admitted to watching "bad TV," a habit her late husband would call it. This shows her ability to find comfort in simple pleasures despite her busy schedule.

27. Marriage to Tom Bernthal: In 2022, Sandberg married Tom Bernthal, a media executive.

28. Family Background: Sandberg is the oldest of three siblings. Her brother-in-law is actor Jon Bernthal.

Philanthropy and Empowerment

Sandberg's commitment to philanthropy and empowering women has been a significant part of her legacy.

29. Philanthropy: Sandberg has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including her work with Google.org and LeanIn.Org. These initiatives aim to empower women and support global development.

30. Empowering Women: Through LeanIn.Org, Sandberg aims to empower women by encouraging them to take leadership roles and overcome obstacles in their careers. The organization provides resources and support for women to achieve their professional goals.

31. Educational Initiatives: Through LeanIn.Org, Sandberg supports educational initiatives aimed at empowering women. These initiatives include programs that encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM fields and leadership roles.

Stepping Down and Legacy

Sandberg's decision to step down from her role at Meta marks a new chapter in her career, but her legacy continues to inspire.

32. Stepping Down from Meta: In August 2022, Sandberg announced she would be stepping down as Meta's COO but would remain on the board. In January 2024, she announced she would not stand for re-election on the board in May 2024.

33. Legacy and Impact: Sheryl Sandberg's legacy extends beyond her professional achievements. She has inspired countless women and men through her books, public speaking, and philanthropic work. Her impact on technology, business, and society continues to be felt, making her one of the most influential figures of our time.

34. Personal Notebook: Sandberg carries an actual notebook and pen everywhere she goes. She writes down her to-do list and takes joy in crossing off each item once completed.

35. Conference Room Gift: A poster from Starbucks founder Howard Schultz hangs in her conference room. The poster reads, "The future belongs to the few of us still willing to get our hands dirty".

36. Net Worth: As of 2021, Sandberg's net worth was estimated to be $1.7 billion due to her stock holdings in Facebook and other companies.

37. Leadership Styles: Sandberg's leadership style emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and the importance of women in leadership positions. Her approach has been transformative in both her professional and personal life.

38. Public Recognition: Sandberg has received numerous accolades for her contributions to business and society. Her recognition includes being named one of Time magazine's most influential people in the world and being listed among the most powerful women in business by Fortune magazine.

39. Digital Impact: Sandberg's influence extends into the digital world. She was ranked No. 3 in the "Evangelists" category of Newsweek and The Daily Beast's Digital Power Index, highlighting her significant impact on digital trends and innovations.

40. Business Book of the Year Award: Sandberg's book "Lean In" was shortlisted for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award in 2013, recognizing its impact on business literature and women's empowerment.

41. Jerusalem Post's List: In 2013, Sandberg was ranked No. 8 on The Jerusalem Post's list of the World's 50 Most Influential Jews, acknowledging her influence in both business and Jewish communities.

42. Wall Street Journal's Women to Watch: Sandberg was ranked No. 19 on The Wall Street Journal's list of 50 "Women to Watch" in 2007 and No. 21 in 2008, recognizing her potential as a future leader in business and society.

43. Business Week's Most Influential People on the Web: In 2009, Sandberg was named one of the 25 Most Influential People on the Web by Business Week, highlighting her significant impact on digital trends and innovations.

44. Forbes' Most Powerful Women: Sandberg has been listed as one of the world's 100 most powerful women by Forbes. Her rankings include No. 9 in 2014, No. 4 in 2017, and No. 36 in 2021, reflecting her enduring influence in business and society.

45. Google's Philanthropic Arm: While at Google, Sandberg played a crucial role in launching Google.org, the company's philanthropic arm. This initiative reflects her commitment to using technology for social good.

46. Eric Schmidt's Convincing Words: After receiving a job offer at Google in 2001, Sandberg was initially hesitant. However, Eric Schmidt convinced her to join by saying, "If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask what seat. You just get on".

47. Personal Notebook Habit: Sandberg carries an actual notebook and pen everywhere she goes. She writes down her to-do list and takes joy in crossing off each item once completed, demonstrating her organizational skills and attention to detail.

48. Conference Room Gift from Howard Schultz: A poster from Starbucks founder Howard Schultz hangs in her conference room. The poster reads, "The future belongs to the few of us still willing to get our hands dirty," reflecting her commitment to hard work and innovation.

49. Legacy and Impact: Sheryl Sandberg's legacy extends beyond her professional achievements. She has inspired countless women and men through her books, public speaking, and philanthropic work. Her impact on technology, business, and society continues to be felt, making her one of the most influential figures of our time.

50. Net Worth: As of 2021, Sandberg's net worth was estimated to be $1.7 billion due to her stock holdings in Facebook and other companies.

Sheryl Sandberg's Lasting Impact

Sheryl Sandberg's journey from a Harvard student to a tech industry titan is nothing short of inspiring. Her roles at Google and Facebook, now Meta, have left an indelible mark on the tech world. Sandberg's influence extends beyond business; her books "Lean In" and "Option B" have empowered countless women and men to strive for leadership and resilience. Her philanthropic efforts through LeanIn.Org and other initiatives showcase her commitment to social good. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of her husband Dave Goldberg, Sandberg has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her legacy is one of empowerment, innovation, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. As she steps down from her role at Meta, her impact will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and entrepreneurs. Sheryl Sandberg's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision.