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

#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.

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.

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.

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.