Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant Interview on ‘Option B’ Book
- May 31, 2017
- 55:58
- Full Episode
KNOWLEDGE@WHARTON ARCHIVES: Two years before this interview, Sheryl Sandberg was leading a good life. She was the chief operating officer of Facebook and author of the legendary New York Times bestseller Lean In. She was a renowned business leader and a role model for women around the world. She was happily married to Dave Goldberg, the CEO of SurveyMonkey, and they had two young children.
Then the unthinkable happened. On a family vacation in Mexico, Goldberg died suddenly and unexpectedly of heart failure while using an exercise machine. He was 48.
“I was lucky for a long time. And then I wasn’t,” Sandberg said simply and poignantly in a recent talk at Wharton as part of the Authors@Wharton speakers series. Sandberg was joined by Adam Grant, Wharton professor of management and psychology and the author of Originals and Give and Take.
Sandberg and Grant have co-authored a new book, Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, published in April 2017, which chronicles Sandberg’s progress from a state of overwhelming, paralyzing grief to being able to appreciate life in a new way. Stories of others who have faced adversity are included as well. At Wharton she spoke about the book and described how Grant has been a partner on the journey.
#sherylsandberg, #adamgrant, #optionb #resilience
More on this interview: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/what-to-do-when-life-hands-you-option-b/
Brief Summary
Cheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant discuss resilience, grief, and supporting women in leadership roles after personal loss.
Key points
- A Journey of Grief. Cheryl shares her experience of losing her husband and the lessons learned about grief.
- The Power of Resilience. Cheryl Sandberg discusses the importance of resilience in overcoming tragedy and hardship.
- Finding Gratitude. Cheryl reflects on how hardship can lead to greater appreciation for life.
- The Power of Acknowledgment. Acknowledging someone's grief is crucial; don't shy away from bringing it up.
- Finding Joy After Loss. Joy requires effort, especially after experiencing grief.
- Redefining Personal Branding. Authenticity is key; avoid packaging yourself like a product.
Episode highlights
- A Journey of GriefCheryl shares her experience of losing her husband and the lessons learned about grief.“I was totally unprepared for a tragedy.”5:36May 31, 2017
- The Power of ResilienceCheryl Sandberg discusses the importance of resilience in overcoming tragedy and hardship.“Resilience is a muscle you build.”7:34May 31, 2017
- Finding GratitudeCheryl reflects on how hardship can lead to greater appreciation for life.“I’m more grateful today than I was two years ago.”14:58May 31, 2017
- The Power of AcknowledgmentAcknowledging someone's grief is crucial; don't shy away from bringing it up.“You can’t remind someone they lost someone.”20:45May 31, 2017
- Finding Joy After LossJoy requires effort, especially after experiencing grief.“Joy is a discipline; it takes work.”23:41May 31, 2017
- Redefining Personal BrandingAuthenticity is key; avoid packaging yourself like a product.“If you think you are building a personal brand, please don’t.”31:01May 31, 2017
- Women Supporting WomenWomen often get less credit for their contributions; mutual support is essential.“Women get less credit for the ideas they put forward.”38:01May 31, 2017
- Redefining FriendshipFriendship is about having each other's interests at heart, being there in tough times.“A friend is someone who has your interest at heart.”46:40May 31, 2017





