Ursula Burns is a trailblazing business leader, known for making history as the first African American woman to serve as the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Xerox. Joining the company in 1980 as a mechanical engineer, she quickly rose through the ranks due to her expertise and leadership, eventually transforming Xerox from a traditional printer company into a diversified technology and services giant. Under her leadership, Xerox expanded into business process outsourcing and digital solutions, and she guided the company through a major restructuring. After stepping down as CEO in 2016, Burns continued to serve on prominent boards and advocate for diversity, particularly in STEM fields. Her work in promoting women and minorities in leadership and her commitment to education and social causes have left a lasting impact on both the corporate world and society.
Early Life and Education
Ursula Burns was born on September 20, 1958, in New York City. Raised in the tough neighborhoods of Manhattan, she was one of the few African American women to rise to prominence in the corporate world. Burns grew up in a working-class family, with her mother, an educator, and her father, a New York City subway worker, instilling in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of education.
She attended Cathedral High School in Manhattan and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York University (now part of NYU Tandon School of Engineering) in 1980. Burns followed that up with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in 1981. Her strong technical background laid the foundation for her future career in engineering and business leadership.
Early Career
Burns’ professional career began in 1980 when she joined Xerox Corporation as a mechanical engineer. She started as an intern at Xerox, having been recruited directly from her graduate program, and quickly advanced through the ranks due to her technical expertise, sharp business mind, and leadership skills. Her early roles included working in product development and later, in strategic planning.
Her ability to navigate complex business and technical challenges led to several key leadership positions within Xerox, and she developed a reputation as a skilled problem-solver with a strong focus on innovation and improvement. Burns’ rise through the ranks was marked by a series of increasingly important roles, including leadership in Xerox’s corporate restructuring efforts and driving its diversification strategy.
Leadership at Xerox
In 2009, Ursula Burns made history by becoming the CEO of Xerox, making her the first African American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Her appointment marked a turning point not only for Xerox but also for women and minorities in corporate leadership. Burns took over the role during a period of significant transformation for Xerox, as the company faced challenges from shifting technology trends and increased competition in the printing and document management sectors.
Burns focused on repositioning Xerox as a diversified technology company with an emphasis on services and digital solutions. Under her leadership, Xerox underwent a major transformation, moving away from its legacy as a traditional copier and printer manufacturer and expanding into business process outsourcing (BPO) and document management services. She led the company through the acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) in 2009, significantly broadening Xerox’s service offerings and enhancing its presence in the business services sector.
In 2014, Burns announced the split of Xerox into two separate companies: one focused on document technology and the other on business services. The split allowed each company to focus on its core competencies, with Xerox continuing as a leader in printing and the newly created Conduent focusing on digital services and BPO.
Throughout her tenure as CEO, Burns was known for her commitment to innovation, diversity, and social responsibility. She advocated for the inclusion of more women and minorities in leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in corporate America.
Post-Xerox Career
After stepping down as CEO of Xerox in 2016, Ursula Burns continued her leadership journey by serving on several high-profile boards, including those of Uber Technologies, Nestlé, and American Express. She also became involved in various philanthropic and nonprofit efforts, focusing on education, technology, and advancing opportunities for women and minorities in business.
Burns has been an advocate for closing the gender and racial gaps in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. She has been involved with several organizations that promote diversity in tech and leadership, including the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) and the STEM Funders Network.
In 2019, Burns published a memoir titled Where You Are Is Not Who You Are, which reflects on her remarkable journey from growing up in a working-class family to becoming one of the most powerful women in business. The book offers insights into her leadership philosophy, personal experiences, and the challenges she overcame as a trailblazer in corporate America.
Personal Life
Ursula Burns has been a pioneer not only in the corporate world but also in her personal life. She is married to her husband, Lloyd Bean, and they have two children. Burns has always emphasized the importance of work-life balance, having navigated the challenges of balancing a demanding career with her family life.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Burns is deeply committed to using her success to uplift others, particularly in the areas of education and diversity. She has been involved in several initiatives to help young people, especially women and minorities, access education and career opportunities in STEM fields. She has also supported various charitable organizations focused on civil rights, women’s empowerment, and economic opportunity.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades for her leadership and contributions to business and society. Burns was recognized by Forbes as one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women and by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Legacy and Impact
Ursula Burns’ legacy is one of breaking barriers, defying expectations, and leading with integrity and compassion. As the first African American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, she has paved the way for future generations of women and minorities to pursue leadership roles in business. Her focus on innovation, diversity, and social responsibility has had a lasting impact on corporate America and beyond.
Burns continues to inspire with her commitment to mentorship, education, and her advocacy for greater diversity in leadership. Her career serves as a powerful example of how perseverance, vision, and a commitment to service can transform not only companies but also communities and industries.
