Why we need more CEOs like Mary Barra

GM top boss is one of the most loved CEOs despite the controversies that surfaced soon after she assumed office in January

In a profession where you spend majority of time chasing and in turn being chased for stories, Mary Barra’s approach is refreshing. 

 

The 52-year old chief executive officer of General Motors quickly brushes aside speculations regarding any major announcements she may be making on her visit to India. “If you’re expecting any major announcement, you’ll be disappointed. I am on a fact-finding tour”, she starts off her conversation with a bunch of us in New Delhi. 

 

She’s met dealers, suppliers, members of the business community on her visit to India and says it has been beneficial in understanding how to take forward GM’s business in India. The company’s been around for nearly two decades in the country and Barra says a big part of the trip was to understand how to set straight the record in India by putting on road the right products for customers. 

 

Barra admits it is challenging to lead in an industry that is “global and ever-changing” but plays down difficulties she may be facing as a woman in a sector perceived to be driven by men. “I have never looked at it that way, it is an

industry I love…. I have had big opportunities presented to me by GM through my career, from graduate level to education, and I have worked in many parts of the business”, she says. 

 

An electrical engineer, Barra does urge that more women look into the math and science arena given India’s high graduation rate and opportunities for pursuing technical degrees. 

 

Questions do turn to the massive recalls GM has been making globally and charges of corporate fraud leveled against the company in India. Barra shuns none and is contrite in her responses. She says she is aware there have been issues related to the integrity of the vehicles GM makes, that a major proportion of the recalls have been done with and also that the company will not shy away from announcing more if the need arises. 

 

At a time when most CEOs shy away from shouldering responsibilities, Barra takes the challenge head-on. She is categoric in the manner in which she and the company has faced the issue, “We have dealt with those in a very straight forward manner by being transparent, doing what is right for the customer and making sure we learn from it so that it never happens again.” 

 

It is perhaps this earnestness that has made her one of the most loved CEOs despite the controversies that surfaced soon after she assumed office in January.