By Gabby Zuniga

Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and one of the most powerful women in the world recently presented at the first ever TED Women conference on the much talked about topic of the lack of women in leadership positions. In her presentation she paints a sombre picture of a lack of women leaders in corporate and public life across the globe and outlines some of the challenges holding women back. She also gives some insightful tips to those women who want the corner office.

Sheryl’s advice:

1. Sit at the table – Literally. If you are an aspiring leader and are invited to a meeting ensure that you show up, don’t sit in the sidelines.
2. Make your partner a real partner – Yes your partner/husband needs to support you in the “domestic life” arena. Managing a household is a tough job and it needs to garner the respect of females and males.
3. Don’t leave before you leave – If you are planning on having a family, don’t check out of your professional life until you are ready to go on maternity/parental leave. Too many women check out at the planning stages of this miraculous life change. Keep reaching for the promotions and interesting and challenging work that will get in the game.

My advice:

1. Women leaders need to help other women become leaders – Women need to help each other succeed. All the women leaders out there need to mentor and engage with those that have the motivation to join them in the ranks. Teach us what you have experienced.

Watch the entire video here.

Gabriela Zuniga is assistant director, human resources at Ernst & Young LLP in Vancouver. She brings with her over 10 years of front line HR experience working at Hatch Ltd, McGill University, and Kraft Canada.