Explore the complex factors influencing women's career choices in this thought-provoking keynote address by Professor Michelle Ryan. Delve into the reasons behind women's apparent reluctance to "lean in" and examine how contextual constraints shape their professional decisions. Gain insights from three streams of research, including studies on police officers, surgeons, and accountancy firms. Analyze the impact of ambition, work-life balance, and organizational fit on women's leadership aspirations. Challenge common assumptions about gender differences in career commitment and learn about potential strategies to improve workplace environments for women. Discover the implications of these findings for organizations seeking to promote gender equality and diversity in leadership positions.