Women’s History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight – Ursula Burns
Former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns. Image Source: Claudio Marinesco
Ursula Burns is a trailblazing figure in the realm of business and technology, recognized for her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming the first Black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Born in a New York City housing project in 1958, Burns defied the odds to rise to the top of the corporate world.
Her prominence began at Xerox Corporation, where she joined as a summer intern in 1980 and eventually worked her way up the ranks. Burns demonstrated her leadership abilities and strategic vision, playing a pivotal role in steering Xerox through tumultuous times.
The Xerox Docucolor 250, a Xerox product line Ursula Burns was responsible for refreshing, making Xerox’s technology relevant during her tenure. Image Source: Xerox
Under her guidance, Xerox underwent a transformative reinvention, diversifying its portfolio and embracing new technologies to adapt to the evolving digital landscape. Burns’ tenure as CEO from 2009 to 2016 marked a period of innovation and growth for the company, solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader.
Redirecting Xerox’s efforts in digital printing, Burns emphasized personalized and variable data printing solutions for businesses and commercial entities. This included the development of the iGen and DocuColor product lines, which offered enhanced automated productivity and customization features.
A Xerox iGen5 Press, an advanced digital printing press using advanced automation. The iGen became successful under Ursula Burns’ tenure with Xerox. Image Source: Xerox
“…In 1972, and if you were female, you had a very narrow, well-defined set of choices. I remember that when I was seven or eight, I asked a question of a visiting geography teacher. Afterward he told me that I was smart, that I had asked a good question. But he said I had three things going against me: I was Black, poor, and a girl. He meant to compliment me, but he was saying the doors were closed: “You’re smart, but you can’t do anything with it.””
– Ursula Burns with Harvard Business Review
A profile shot of Ursula Burns. “I’m Here Because I’m As Good as You” – Quoted from HBR’s interview by Adi Ignatius. Image Source: Celeste Sloman/Redux
Beyond her professional achievements, Ursula Burns has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the corporate world. She has actively championed initiatives to empower women and minorities, paving the way for future generations of underrepresented individuals to pursue success in business and technology.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to business and society, Burns has received numerous accolades and honors, including being named one of Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women” and Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.”
Ursula Burns smiling for a portrait. Image Source: CNN Money
As she continues to inspire and empower others with her remarkable journey, Ursula Burns stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the limitless potential that lies within each individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. Her legacy serves as a reminder that with determination, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.
Be sure to also check out the rest of our Women’s History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight series that highlights interesting facts and history of the lives of prominent entrepreneurs.
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