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From Factory Floor to C-Suite: How GM’s Barra and IBM’s Rometty Broke Barriers and Built Empires

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GM’s Barra and IBM’s Rometty: How Women Leaders Can Embrace Their Identity and Conquer The C-Suite

General Motors CEO Mary Barra and former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty have climbed to the top of their respective fields, proving themselves as powerful and successful leaders. These two trailblazers, however, haven’t always embraced their identity as women in the workplace. In an insightful conversation at CNBC’s inaugural CEO Council: Leaders’ Library, Barra and Rometty shared how their perspectives on female leadership have evolved over time, offering invaluable advice to aspiring leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Embrace "Woman" as a Source of Strength: While initially hesitant to highlight their gender, both Barra and Rometty now recognize the importance of leading with their identity. They believe that showcasing female leadership is vital for encouraging future generations to follow in their footsteps.
  • Embrace Upbringing and Motherhood: Both women are actively fighting against the "motherhood penalty," the pervasive bias that can hinder women’s career advancement after they become mothers. They encourage women to embrace their experiences as mothers and role models, proving that the two are not mutually exclusive.
  • Be Confident in Your Qualifications: Rometty and Barra emphasize the importance of overcoming the fear of rejection and risk. Women, they say, often shy away from opportunities due to a lack of confidence, a trend that needs to be addressed. Both CEOs encourage women to take risks, step outside their comfort zones, and advocate for themselves in the workplace.

From Hesitation to Empowerment:

Early in their careers, Barra and Rometty found themselves navigating predominantly male environments. This often led them to downplay their identities as women, fearing that doing so would make them stand out and potentially hinder their career progress. However, as they progressed through the ranks, they experienced a shift in perspective. Rometty recalls the moment she realized the impact of her visibility: "People can’t be what they can’t see," she says. "I finally started to embrace it," she adds, recognizing the importance of celebrating her differences.

Barra echoed this sentiment, noting that while she initially felt uncomfortable with being labeled as "the first female CEO," she eventually understood the profound impact her success had on other women, especially young girls seeking role models in STEM fields. She realized that by embracing her identity, she could inspire others to pursue their ambitions, even in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Breaking Down Barriers:

Both Barra and Rometty are deeply aware of the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly the impact of the "motherhood penalty" that can negatively affect their careers and compensation. Having experienced this firsthand, Barra highlights the importance of having supportive mentors and a strong network of women to help navigate these challenges. She emphasizes that "you can do both," encouraging women to pursue their careers and motherhood without feeling pressured to choose one over the other.

Rometty underscores the need for a cultural shift within the workplace, making it more supportive of women and mothers. She advocates for policies and programs that promote gender equality and provide opportunities for women to re-enter the workforce after taking time off for family leave. Importantly, she stresses that visibility is crucial: "They need to see women in our positions," she says, asserting that seeing successful female executives will inspire others to pursue their ambitions.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Risk:

Rometty and Barra acknowledge that women often struggle with a lack of confidence in the workplace, particularly when it comes to taking risks and pursuing new opportunities. Rometty shares a personal anecdote, recounting a time she was offered a position but felt unqualified: "I was afraid I couldn’t do them," she says, highlighting the common tendency for women to self-doubt. She highlights that "growth and comfort will never coexist," and that taking risks is essential for personal and professional development.

Barra adds that women often hesitate to raise their voices in meetings, fearing that their opinions won’t be valued. She urges women to develop their confidence and be bold in their advocacy, even if it means speaking up and disagreeing with the majority: "You need to be heard, you need to have a voice." By embracing their voices and taking risks, both Rometty and Barra insist that women can break through barriers and achieve their full potential.

A Legacy of Leadership:

As they continue to inspire generations of aspiring leaders, Barra and Rometty offer valuable insights into what it means to be a successful female leader in today’s business world. They are not only pioneers in their respective industries, but they also serve as role models for women to embrace their full identities and push boundaries. By recognizing the challenges women face, speaking openly about their own experiences, and advocating for change, they foster a more equitable and supportive environment for women to succeed. Their message is clear: women can, and should, be confident in their abilities, embrace their identities, and strive to reach their full potential, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Article Reference

Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in breaking news and current affairs.

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