All too often, the "real talk" about the challenges that professional women face happens behind closed doors.  That makes it hard for women to make sense of their own experiences, and even harder for those across genders to partner together for equity.

Join me on a mission to change that.

 
Beyond Leaning In cover art by Laura Duffy

Beyond Leaning In: Gender Equity & What Organizations are Up Against

BEYOND LEANING IN is a different kind of business book - based on research but told as a novel, alternating between the perspectives of male and female characters across all levels of the organizational chart at a fictional workplace.  Readers gain new insights about why gender gaps are so hard to close despite our best intentions:

  • The challenges that make it harder for women to lean in,

  • The unequal rewards and penalties when they do, and

  • The fact that "leaning in and acting more like men" ignores the stereotypically feminine traits needed for modern leadership.

A new kind of novel to spark discussion and change

BEYOND LEANING IN tells the story of Debra, a pioneering CEO in her early sixties who is much beloved by her team at her growing start-up. But sales are declining, and her strongest women leaders are departing one after the other.

It isn't until she enlists the "reverse mentorship" of the much younger Cassandra that Debra begins to understand the challenges the next generation of women leaders face and the impact on the bottom line. But can she respond fast enough to save her company and her job?

Through this fast-paced story, we are inspired to think differently about what both individuals and organizations must do to ensure all employees thrive.

Learn more: Why I wrote a “business book” about DEI as a novel

  • “Melanie Ho’s use of a fictional workplace and all of the different perspectives of those who work there helps us to grasp the complexities of diversity, equity and inclusion. Competing interests, cultural forces, lack of awareness are all aspects that make changing attitudes and behavior such hard work. The story is so engaging and fascinating, I had a hard time putting it down.”

    Lynne Schaefer, Vice President emerita, Administration and Finance, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Interim President and CEO emerita, NACUBO;

  • “Melanie Ho has brought the challenging nuances of advancing gender leadership while running a highly effective organization into focus. We can relate to, commiserate with, and learn from her characters— in a way that is more accessible and, frankly, more human, than from a traditional leadership book or corporate equity and inclusion training.”

    —Chris Proulx, Global Director, Humentum

  • “In Beyond Leaning In, Ho creates unforgettable characters and a compelling plot that takes us beyond Lean In to surface the systemic obstacles working women face. This important book helps women see the real structural challenges they face. It also challenges employers to be partners in bringing about meaningful change.”

    Mary Papazian, EVP, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges; President emerita, San Jose State University

  • “Beyond Leaning In is one of the best books I have come across addressing the challenging and complex issues of gender equity in workplaces. Each and every character brings to life issues that all of us can relate to in one form or another. The book can be used in college classrooms, HR departments, as well as boardrooms.”

    Jeet Joshee, Associate Vice President and Dean, California State University-Long Beach.

  • “I went into reading Beyond Leaning In skeptical of how different a novel would really be than an advice book. I was so wrong. I found myself unable to put Beyond Leaning In down, engrossed in the nuance, humanity, and depth of the characters and of its exploration of systemic inequity in the workplace. This book is both urgent and empathetic—I learned so much about work culture and about myself from reading it. I’m recommending it to everyone I know (and work with!).”

    Samantha Pinto, Professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin

  • "Beyond Leaning In was the star of the syllabus in my graduate leadership seminar. The students appreciated the leadership lessons and the author’s savvy approach of weaving together characters from different generations and perspectives."

    Jim Sirianni, Managing Director, Storbeck Search; Lecturer, The George Washington University

  • “Melanie Ho’s book makes you stop and think. It is unique—a workplace novel with characters who feel real, authentic and genuine and who are confronting hard and difficult situations. As a reader, I was constantly stopping and thinking about new concepts, all of which are grounded in research, and asking myself how can I as a leader create a better work environment for women, but also for men.”

    —Scott Schirmeier, President, Technology and Partner Development, EAB Global

  • “Beyond Leaning In is a page-turning novel with compelling characters and storylines. It also seamlessly weaves in authentic and timely examples of how much further we have to go when it comes to achieving true gender equity in the workplace. It’s a must-read for anyone who aspires to be a leader, an ally, or simply wants a clearer sense of the hidden dynamics of professional life today.”

    —John Hsu, Founder and Principal, NLN Solutions

  • “Beyond Leaning In is a business book for the future. By weaving essential equity research and concepts into a page-turning novel, Melanie Ho gives us the perspective and understanding we need to be true champions for intersectional equity in our workplaces and beyond.”

    Veronica LaFemina, Founder and CEO, LaFemina & Co

  • “Beyond Leaning In does an incredible job of showing the importance of intent vs. impact when it comes to workplace interactions and is an easily digestible way to comprehend some of the more nuanced issues around gender discrimination. It highlights well-intentioned but ultimately harmful choices that those in leadership can make. This book could easily be used in teams and among leadership to foster discussion on how to mitigate bias at work.”

    — Rachel Murray, Co-CEO and Head of Community, She+ Geeks Out

#BeyondLeaningIn Webcomics

As a visual artist, I’ve drawn dozens of comics based on scenes from my book. I hope these spark discussion, even for those who haven’t yet read the book. View these on Instagram or through the gallery linked below.

Bring Me for a Keynote or Workshop to Your Event

View the demo video below and view my Speaking Page to learn more.

Beyond Leaning In: The Podcast

Season one is a wrap! Download the first season for more “real talk” among women and men of different generations and professions about the concepts in the book.

Custom Printed Books

Imagine a customized letter from your CEO or other organizational leader in the front of my award-winning book, Beyond Leaning In, along with your logo.

We can custom print a special edition of the book for your staff, members/clients, event attendees, or other recipients. This is a nice touch to make a gift feel even more special, and to signal your organization’s commitment to supporting women!

I also provide discounts for bulk purchases.

About the Author

Melanie Ho has been applauded by Film Daily as "one of the most empowering authors and visual artists right now." In writing Beyond Leaning In, she drew from hundreds of conversations with women across industries, secondary literature, and her own experience becoming a corporate executive in her thirties.

Currently a professional speaker and workshop facilitator, Melanie's career has also included serving as a consultant to hundreds of university presidents, vice presidents, and deans; teaching literature at UCLA while earning her PhD in English; and being a political activist and organizer.