Unlocking the Secrets of Leading Female CEOs: Lessons from Mary Barra and Ginni Rometty
As a member of the select group of female CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies, Mary Barra of General Motors and Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, are no strangers to scrutiny and analysis. At a recent CNBC event, the Leaders’ Library, both women shared insights into their leadership journey and the lessons that have guided them through their roles at some of the world’s largest companies.
Rometty’s path to leadership began in her challenging childhood, where she witnessed her mother’s resilience in the face of adversity. This early experience shaped Rometty’s ability to navigate tough situations and find a path forward, a skill that has served her well in her career.
Both Barra and Rometty emphasized the importance of resilience, forged through early setbacks, in weathering life’s challenges and the spotlight that comes with being a female CEO. They believe that adversity can be a catalyst for developing the strength needed to succeed in leadership roles.
A key takeaway from their discussion was the value of effective networking. Rometty highlighted the importance of giving, rather than just focusing on who you know, in building meaningful connections. Barra shared how Rometty’s act of reaching out to her when she became CEO of GM led to a lasting friendship, underscoring the power of offering support without expecting anything in return.
Both CEOs also stressed the need for a shift in mindset when it comes to talent acquisition. Rometty pointed out that many Americans lack a traditional four-year college degree, but this should not limit their access to well-paying jobs. As technology advances and skills become increasingly important, hiring based on aptitude and experience, rather than degrees, is key to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce.
Rometty’s involvement in the OneTen initiative, aimed at hiring and advancing skilled talent among Black Americans and others without four-year degrees, further underscores her commitment to skills-based hiring and creating opportunities for all.
In a world where the future of work is constantly evolving, Barra and Rometty’s insights serve as a reminder that resilience, meaningful connections, and a focus on skills over credentials are essential for success in leadership. By embracing these principles, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
At Extreme Investor Network, we believe that innovation thrives on diverse perspectives and unconventional thinking. Stay tuned for more insights from leaders like Mary Barra and Ginni Rometty as we continue to explore the power of innovation in the business world.