Ursula Burns – Biography
Early Life and Education
Ursula Burns was born on September 20, 1958, in New York City, growing up in a low-income housing project on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Raised by a single mother, Olga Burns, Ursula’s early life was marked by financial hardship. Despite the challenges, her mother strongly emphasized the importance of education, hard work, and self-reliance. Burns attended Cathedral High School, a Catholic all-girls school in Manhattan, where she excelled in math and science. Her academic talent earned her a place at the Polytechnic Institute of New York (now NYU Tandon School of Engineering), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1980.
Starting Her Career at Xerox
Ursula Burns began her career at Xerox in 1980 as a summer intern through the company’s minority scholarship program. After completing her master’s degree, she accepted a full-time position at Xerox, where she worked in various engineering roles. Early in her career, she demonstrated a strong work ethic, technical skill, and a natural ability to lead. Over the years, she took on increasingly challenging roles, moving from product development to planning and management. Burns’ rise within Xerox was steady, built on her technical expertise and her growing reputation for being direct, solutions-focused, and highly capable of navigating complex business problems.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Throughout the 1990s, Burns continued to climb the corporate ladder at Xerox. Her leadership skills were recognized as she took on positions in corporate services, manufacturing, and product development. In 2000, she was named senior vice president of corporate strategic services, giving her oversight of global research, product development, marketing, and manufacturing. This role allowed her to play a crucial part in reshaping Xerox’s business at a time when the company faced intense competition and technological change. Her strategic thinking and ability to make tough decisions earned the trust of the company’s leadership, eventually positioning her for an even bigger role.
Making History as CEO
In 2009, Ursula Burns made history when she was named CEO of Xerox, becoming the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Her appointment was groundbreaking not just because of her race and gender, but because she had spent her entire career rising through the ranks of Xerox. As CEO, Burns inherited a company facing significant challenges. The traditional printing business was shrinking, and Xerox needed to pivot toward new sources of revenue. Under her leadership, Xerox shifted its focus toward business services and technology solutions, highlighted by the company’s acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) for $6.4 billion in 2010. This move significantly expanded Xerox’s business services division, helping the company adapt to the rapidly changing digital economy.
Leadership Style and Challenges
Burns was known for her no-nonsense, honest, and highly pragmatic leadership style. She emphasized accountability, clear communication, and direct problem-solving. At the same time, she remained deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, often speaking about the importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented groups. While her tenure as CEO saw important strides in diversification and modernization, Xerox continued to face headwinds in a rapidly evolving market. Burns led the company through difficult restructuring and workforce reductions, always emphasizing the need for long-term survival and competitiveness.
Life After Xerox
Burns stepped down as CEO in 2016 and later served as chairman until 2017. After leaving Xerox, she continued to play an influential role in the business world. She served on the boards of several major corporations, including ExxonMobil, Uber, VEON, and Nestlé. Burns also became an active voice in global leadership discussions, serving as chair of the board of VEON, a multinational telecommunications company, and participating in organizations that promote diversity, education, and economic inclusion. In 2019, she released her memoir, “Where You Are Is Not Who You Are,” offering candid reflections on her upbringing, her career, and the lessons she learned along the way.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ursula Burns married Lloyd Bean, a fellow scientist at Xerox, and together they raised two children. Tragically, her husband passed away in 2019. Despite personal loss, Burns remains active and continues to be a powerful advocate for social change, education, and corporate diversity. Her legacy as a trailblazer is undeniable. She broke barriers in corporate America, becoming a role model for women and minorities around the world.
Conclusion
Ursula Burns’ journey from a housing project in New York to the CEO’s office at Xerox is a remarkable testament to perseverance and leadership. She not only shattered glass ceilings but also redefined what leadership looks like by staying true to her values. Her story continues to inspire new generations of leaders to push boundaries and strive for excellence, regardless of their background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Ursula Burns best known for?
Ursula Burns is best known for becoming the first Black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company when she led Xerox from 2009 to 2016.
What was her leadership style?
Burns was known for her pragmatic, no-nonsense leadership style, clear communication, and strong focus on accountability, while championing diversity and inclusion.
What did Ursula Burns do after leaving Xerox?
After leaving Xerox, Burns served on the boards of major corporations such as Uber, ExxonMobil, Nestlé, and chaired the board of VEON. She also published her memoir and advocates for corporate diversity and education.
What is her memoir called?
Her memoir is titled “Where You Are Is Not Who You Are,” published in 2021, offering insights into her career, personal struggles, and leadership lessons.
What is Ursula Burns’ legacy?
Her legacy lies in breaking racial and gender barriers in corporate America, transforming Xerox, and advocating for diversity, education, and opportunity for underrepresented groups.