Silicon Valley, CA – A former employee of Meta’s ex-operations chief Sheryl Sandberg has come forward with shocking allegations about her time working for the company previously known as Facebook. In her new memoir, Sarah Wynn-Williams reveals the intense pressures she faced, including being asked to work on “talking points” for her boss while in labor with her first child.
Wynn-Williams, who held the position of director of public policy at Facebook, recounted the experience of giving birth in January 2014 while simultaneously drafting messages for Sandberg during a meeting with the president of Brazil at Davos. This incident highlights the challenging work environment that Wynn-Williams described in her book “Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism.”
Despite her husband’s objections and her doctor’s advice to focus on giving birth, Wynn-Williams persisted in completing the task, feeling compelled by a sense of duty and pressure to not disappoint her superiors. The conflicting demands of work and personal life portrayed in her account shed light on the struggles faced by many professionals, particularly women, in balancing career expectations with family obligations.
The memoir also details other concerning interactions with Sandberg, including an incident on a private jet where Wynn-Williams claims her boss made inappropriate advances. The portrayal of Sandberg as a demanding and at times insensitive leader challenges the public image she has cultivated through her bestselling book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.”
Allegations of extravagant spending on personal items and unprofessional behavior towards subordinates further paint a troubling picture of the work culture within Meta, prompting calls for accountability and transparency from the company’s executives. Sandberg’s silence on the matter only adds to the urgency of addressing these serious accusations and ensuring a safe and respectful workplace environment for all employees.
In response to the claims made by Wynn-Williams, Meta has denied the allegations and questioned the motivations behind her memoir. The company’s dismissal of her account as part of a personal vendetta raises concerns about the power dynamics and accountability mechanisms within tech giants like Meta, emphasizing the need for independent oversight and ethical leadership practices in the industry.