“Where You Are Is Not Who You Are: A Memoir.” by Ursula Burns

I got to read the memoir of Ursula Burns, the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and it left a profound impact on me. In this powerful book, Burns shares her incredible journey from the tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side to the top of Xerox Corporation, offering unique insights into American business and corporate life.

This book is a compelling blend of memoir and cultural critique. Burns writes movingly about her mother, who set no limits on what her children could achieve despite their poverty. Ursula’s dedication to education and hard work, coupled with the opportunities provided by the civil rights and women’s movements, paved her way to pursuing engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of New York.

Throughout her 35-year career at Xerox, Burns faced numerous barriers. She candidly discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in a predominantly White, male corporate world. Her colleagues often saw her as “unique” or “spectacular” simply because they couldn’t fathom her intelligence and capabilities.

Burns also highlights her work with President Barack Obama, leading his STEM initiative and chairing his Export Council. Her involvement in these initiatives and her official trade mission to Cuba illustrate her dedication to public service and her admiration for President Obama.

The book is filled with Ursula’s candid and outspoken views on corporate culture, economic justice, and the importance of empathy in leadership. She compares the impact of the pandemic to the financial crisis of 2007, condemning the corporate greed that threatens democracy and the livelihoods of workers. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, grit, and the support of those who believe in you.

A must-read for anyone looking to understand the real dynamics of American business and leadership. Get your copy.