Ep 22. Ursula Burns: First Black Female Fortune 500 CEO on America's "Soul-Crushing" Race Problem
- July 20, 2021
- 19 min
Ursula Burns, the first Black female Fortune 500 CEO, joins Carlos Watson on season 3 episode 22 of The Carlos Watson Show to discuss America's "soul-crushing" race problem. Burns shares her own experiences with discrimination and racism as a Black woman in corporate America, including the challenges she faced in climbing the ranks at Xerox.
The episode explores the pervasive nature of racism in America, and Burns speaks candidly about the macro and microaggressions that Black people face on a daily basis. She also addresses the differing experiences of Black women and men in the workplace, as well as the ways in which companies can work to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all employees.
Throughout the conversation, Burns offers insights and practical advice for those who are navigating the corporate world while also facing systemic oppression and discrimination. She also emphasizes the importance of allies and advocates, both within and outside of the workplace, in effecting meaningful change.
As the first Black female Fortune 500 CEO, Burns brings a unique perspective to the discussion around race in America. Her insights are thoughtful and thought-provoking, and her experiences offer a sobering look at the ways in which racism permeates our society. Despite the challenges she has faced, however, Burns remains hopeful and optimistic about the future, and she encourages others to join her in the fight for equality and justice.