A discussion with Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox and a prominent figure in promoting STEM initiatives under President Obama.
This week, we engage with a remarkable leader whose name resonates with many. Ursula M. Burns has been a trailblazer for countless women, especially women of color, advocating for their rightful place in corporate spaces. As the former Chairman and CEO of Xerox and founding Partner of Integrum Holdings, she has driven significant change within major organizations. Her leadership at Xerox was pivotal in its transformation into a global powerhouse and successfully navigating its split into two independent public entities.
Join us as Ursula recounts her ascent in corporate America, a journey that began as a summer intern at Xerox. She reflects on the challenges of rising from the lowest ranks to the topmost position, providing insights into her unique experiences along the way.
Ursula also addresses the pressing need to increase the representation of Black women in executive roles, noting that they currently occupy only 4% of C-suite positions. She shares her perspective on the differing strategies women of color must adopt to ascend to leadership positions. Growing up in a low-income housing project on Manhattan's Lower East Side, she overcame numerous obstacles, eventually graduating from an Ivy League institution and climbing the corporate ladder at Xerox. Her mother's influence remains a central theme in her life, inspiring her relentless pursuit of success, which she elaborates on in her book, "Where You Are Is Not Who You Are."
In our conversation, Ursula and I discuss the significant hurdles faced by women in the corporate landscape today and the evolving dynamics in a post-pandemic world. We also shed light on the financial disparities affecting Black women, who earn just 61 cents for every dollar a man makes, in contrast to the 82 cents per dollar for women of all races. Additionally, the wealth gap between white families and Black families is alarming, with white families holding nearly 10 times the net worth. Ursula provides valuable strategies for initiating change and bridging these gaps.
Moreover, Ursula shares her thoughts on confidence in leadership and highlights key moments that shaped her career as a woman and leader. She reflects on balancing her professional journey with family life, emphasizing how choosing the right partner can significantly influence one's happiness and success.
