Sheryl Sandberg Appoints Young Leader to Tackle AI Gender Gap
Sheryl Sandberg is shifting Lean In’s focus toward narrowing the AI gender gap. On March 24 she announced a leadership change.
New leadership
Bridget Griswold, 25, will lead Lean In as CEO. She previously worked as a product manager at Meta.
Griswold joined the group in January as head of product and AI. By March she had succeeded cofounder Rachel Thomas.
Survey findings and concerns
Lean In surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults on AI use. The poll found daily AI use at 33% for men and 27% for women.
Men were 27% more likely to be praised for using AI. Women were 23% less likely to receive manager support.
Women more often reported feeling threatened, overwhelmed, or like they were “cheating” when using AI. They also cited ethics and accuracy worries.
Workplace risks
Lean In’s 2025 Women in the Workplace report shows only half of companies prioritize women’s advancement. Over 30% place little or no priority on advancing women of color.
Women’s roles are reportedly three times likelier to be automated by AI. Underrepresentation in AI leadership worsens vulnerability.
Why the appointment
Sandberg said the nonprofit sought an “AI native” with product experience. Griswold fit that profile, she added.
The decision drew public questions about age and nonprofit experience. Sandberg argued the move targets long-term technological change.
Voices from leadership
Griswold told reporters she wants Lean In to teach women to use AI confidently. She aims to accelerate careers through practical tools.
Sandberg warned that small adoption gaps can have large future impacts. She stressed the need to surface unconscious managerial bias.
Organizational context
The Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, which includes Lean In, reduced staff by about 25% last year. The cuts included layoffs and voluntary departures.
Lean In’s pivot comes amid those changes. The organization now emphasizes product and AI work for its mission.
Next steps
The group plans programs to increase AI uptake by women. It will also inform managers about unintentional encouragement gaps.
Filmogaz.com will follow developments as Lean In seeks to close the AI gender gap under its new leader.
