Sheryl Sandberg – Former COO of Facebook, global business strategist and founder of LeanIn.Org, remains one of the most powerful and influential women in the technology industry. Known for scaling Meta (formerly Facebook) into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, Sandberg has spent her career transforming digital business models, promoting women’s leadership, and shaping conversations around workplace equality. This Sheryl Sandberg biography examines her rise, achievements, and lasting impact on the tech world.

Early Life & Education

Sheryl Kara Sandberg was born on August 28, 1969, in Washington, D.C. Raised in an academically driven family, she excelled in school and developed a strong interest in economics and public policy. She attended Harvard University, graduating summa cum laude in Economics while studying under former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers. Sandberg later earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, graduating with highest distinction.

Her early academic achievements set the foundation for her future career in policy, business, and global tech leadership.

Early Career: Policy, Economics & Public Service

Sandberg began her professional journey at the World Bank, working on global health projects addressing leprosy and poverty. In 1996, she joined Summers again—this time as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Treasury Department. She played a significant role in shaping national economic policies during a crucial period of global financial development.

This experience strengthened her problem-solving approach and deep understanding of global markets.

Breakthrough at Google: Building a Digital Revenue Engine

In 2001, Sandberg joined Google, where she led the company’s online sales, advertising operations, and global expansion. She helped scale Google AdWords and AdSense into powerful revenue models and played a key role in the creation of Google.org, the company’s philanthropic arm.

Her leadership helped turn Google into one of the most dominant digital advertisers in the world.

Transformation at Facebook: Becoming COO

In 2008, Sheryl Sandberg joined Facebook as Chief Operating Officer. Her arrival marked a turning point for the company, helping it grow from a rising social network into a global technology powerhouse.

Her major contributions include:

• Building Facebook’s advertising business from the ground up
• Developing revenue strategies that fueled massive global expansion
• Leading the 2012 Facebook IPO
• Strengthening policy, safety, and business operations
• Expanding Facebook’s user base across regions and industries

Under her leadership, Facebook became one of the most profitable and influential companies in tech history.

Lean In: A Global Movement for Women

Sandberg published “Lean In” in 2013, sparking a worldwide conversation about women in leadership. The book led to the creation of LeanIn.Org, which now supports:

• Thousands of Lean In Circles worldwide
• Leadership programs for women
• Global initiatives promoting workplace equality

The Lean In movement established Sandberg as a leading voice in gender empowerment and corporate reform.

Post-Meta Influence & Global Impact

After stepping down as COO in 2022, Sandberg shifted her focus to:

• Philanthropy and global advocacy
• Women’s leadership programs
• Tech governance and social responsibility
• Economic empowerment initiatives

She continues to advise companies, speak globally, and serve on various boards, shaping conversations around technology, leadership, and gender equality.

Legacy

Sheryl Sandberg’s legacy is defined by strategic brilliance, groundbreaking leadership, and commitment to empowerment. From transforming Facebook’s business model to launching a global equality movement, she remains a defining figure in modern technology and corporate culture.