Why you should start a Lean In Circle

Why you should start a Circle

You'll go further in your career

Lean In's research shows that women in Circles are more likely to get promoted and earn raises than the general population — about twice as likely, in fact, to have received a promotion or a raise in the past year. That's not surprising. When you have a group of peers who hold you accountable, advocate for you, and make helpful introductions, progress happens faster.

The numbers bear it out: Circle members are nearly twice as likely to regularly be introduced to helpful contacts (64% versus 35%), and 71% feel they have the support they need to advance their careers, compared with just 49% of people who have never been in a Circle.

A Circle supports you and helps you take action.

"When one of our members was struggling to find a job, our Circle jumped in to help with interview prep and to make introductions." — Nuala Murphy, Circle Leader, Lean In Belfast

You'll build real leadership skills

Leadership isn't something you learn once — it's an ongoing practice.

Running a Circle builds that practice. You guide conversations, make space for every voice, and create the trust that lets people show up honestly. These are the skills strong leaders use every day.

As you practice them, your confidence and your leadership instincts will grow.

"I'm such an introvert, but being a Circle moderator has made things totally different for me. It has definitely helped my confidence. Now I can actually say that I'm a leader. I wasn't convinced of that before." — Julene Allen, Circle Leader, Lean In Ohio

You'll strengthen your résumé with real experience

Too often, women wait to be offered leadership opportunities. Leading a Circle is a way to create that opportunity for yourself.

It demonstrates initiative, the ability to build community, and a commitment to helping others succeed — qualities every organization values, and worth highlighting on your résumé.

"The Lean In brand is so powerful. Almost every woman I know in a Circle has used it successfully on her résumé." — Mary Dove, Circle Leader, Lean In New York

You'll build connections that last

The strongest Circles are more than monthly meetings — they're support systems.

That support is real and measurable. Circle members are nearly five times as likely to have a sponsor (43% versus 9%) and about 2.5 times as likely to have a mentor (67% versus 28%). And it's not only about career: two-thirds of Circle members say their Circle helps them cope with stress, compared with half of non-members who say the same about their personal support network.

Many leaders tell us their Circle members have become some of their closest friends — the people they turn to when making big decisions or facing hard moments.

"As Circle Leader, I've gotten new sisters. I don't know if I'd be where I am without them." — Gina Richards, Circle Leader, Procter & Gamble

You'll grow as much as your members do

When you show up for others, they show up for you. Eighty-five percent of Circle members say their Circle has had a positive impact on their lives — and that number includes leaders.

Growth happens together.

Ready to begin?

If you're ready to get started, register your Circle. It only takes a few minutes.