The Professional Fictions Files - Sheryl Sandberg and Pride and Prejudice
From a business perspective, Pride and Prejudice offers more than charm and wit. It’s a study in negotiation, reputation, and the importance of empathy.
Fiction Friday
When it comes to business leadership, Sheryl Sandberg is a name that carries weight. The former COO of Meta, author of Lean In, and a long-time advocate for women in the workplace, Sandberg’s career has been defined by resilience, communication, and clarity of purpose. It’s fitting, then, that one of her favourite novels is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice—a story not just of love and society, but of self-awareness, personal growth, and the power of voice.
At the heart of Austen’s novel is Elizabeth Bennet, a protagonist who refuses to conform quietly to the societal expectations of her time. She is assertive, intelligent, and unwilling to settle—qualities that mirror many of the values Sandberg champions in her work. Elizabeth’s journey is not one of changing to please others, but of learning to understand herself and others more deeply—something every great leader must do.
From a business perspective, Pride and Prejudice offers more than charm and wit. It’s a study in negotiation, reputation, and the importance of empathy. Darcy’s eventual transformation shows the value of humility and listening—two skills often underplayed but crucial in leadership. Elizabeth’s confidence in voicing her truth—even when it’s uncomfortable—echoes Sandberg’s rallying cry for women to “lean in” to their ambitions.
For professionals, Austen’s classic is a reminder that strength and softness can coexist. That clarity, conviction, and reflection are not just literary themes—they’re leadership tools. Sandberg’s admiration for Pride and Prejudice isn’t just about loving a good story—it’s about recognising that centuries-old wisdom still applies to boardrooms and brainstorms today.
Contact: Kerry Philps
E-Mail: readingcorner@literary-escape.co.uk
Company: Literary Escape Editorial Services
Tags: #Fiction Friday #Leadership Lessons #Women In Business #Sheryl Sandberg #Pride And Prejudice #Jane Austen #Entrepreneur Mindset #The Professional Fiction Files #Kerry Philps
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