Mary Barra: Forbes Power Woman Drives Change

Mary Barra: Driving Change and Shattering Ceilings in the Auto Industry

In a business world still dominated by men, Mary Barra has not only defied expectations — she’s redefined them. As the Chair and CEO of General Motors (GM), Barra stands as one of the most powerful figures in global industry, and a true inspiration to women everywhere. Her rise through the ranks of a traditionally male-led, industrial sector and her transformation of a century-old company into a forward-thinking force exemplify what it means to lead with intelligence, vision, and resilience.

Breaking Barriers in the Auto World

In 2014, Mary Barra became the first woman ever to lead a major global automaker — a milestone not just for GM, but for the automotive industry at large. Her ascent wasn’t handed to her. She began at GM at age 18, working on the factory floor inspecting fenders to help pay for college. With a background in electrical engineering and a Stanford MBA under her belt, she rose steadily through the company, earning respect for her technical acumen and strong leadership style.

At a time when women were rarely seen in boardrooms — let alone running manufacturing giants — Barra’s appointment was historic. But it wasn’t just symbolic. From the beginning, she was determined to prove that this wasn’t about breaking glass ceilings for headlines; it was about leading GM through some of its most transformative years with bold strategy and a clear vision.

Leading with Courage and Clarity

Barra took the helm during a tumultuous time. Shortly after she became CEO, GM faced a massive crisis involving faulty ignition switches linked to fatalities — a public relations and legal nightmare. Rather than sidestep responsibility, Barra tackled the issue head-on with transparency, empathy, and accountability. Her handling of the crisis earned her widespread praise and demonstrated a new era of corporate leadership — one where integrity was just as important as performance.

That moment marked the start of Barra’s reinvention of GM, turning the company from a legacy automaker into a technology-driven, forward-thinking powerhouse. She has since spearheaded major investments in electric vehicles (EVs), self-driving technology, and sustainability. Under her leadership, GM has committed to producing only electric vehicles by 2035 — a radical shift for a company once defined by gas-guzzling giants.

Champion for Women and Equity

Barra’s leadership isn’t just about balance sheets and market shares — it’s about culture. As one of the few female CEOs in the Fortune 500, she understands the importance of visibility and representation. She has pushed for more women in leadership roles, promoted diversity within GM’s workforce, and supported mentorship programs aimed at empowering the next generation of female engineers and executives.

Her story sends a clear message: you don’t have to change who you are to lead; you have to be the best version of yourself. With a calm, collected presence and a deep understanding of both people and products, Barra’s style contrasts with the often hard-charging alpha archetype — and it works. She proves that power doesn’t have to be loud to be effective.

Why Mary Barra Inspires

Mary Barra’s journey is one of perseverance, reinvention, and principled leadership. She inspires not because she’s the first woman to do something — but because she’s done it better than most, with humility and purpose. In a sector built on horsepower, her strength lies not in force, but in focus.

To women around the world, Mary Barra stands as a beacon: that you can lead from the ground up, that competence trumps convention, and that you can change the world — even one as entrenched and industrial as the auto industry. Whether you're on a factory floor, in a boardroom, or dreaming big from a college classroom, her story says the same thing: power is not about where you start, but how you drive.