Mary Barra: From Women Worth Watching^® to World-Class Leader

James R. Rector
Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal

In 2011, Profiles in Leadership Journal recognized Mary Barra as a Women Worth Watching^®. At the time she was rising through the ranks at General Motors. Three years later she became the first woman to lead a major global automaker. More than a decade into her tenure as CEO, she continues to embody the leadership qualities that made her stand out then and now.

Her leadership has been tested through recalls, industry disruptions, and a historic transformation toward electric vehicles. Yet through it all she has led with calm resilience and vision. Barra is not simply guiding GM through change, she is redefining what an auto company can become.

She has been honored globally, appearing at the top of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list and named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. These recognitions echo what our Journal saw in her years earlier: a leader of depth, foresight, and staying power.

What makes her style especially powerful is her belief in trust. Early in her tenure she famously simplified GM’s lengthy dress code to just two words: “Dress appropriately.” It was a small decision with a big message, empower people to make wise choices, and they will rise to the responsibility.

At home and in life, this lesson resonates. True leadership is not about control but about confidence. Leaders who trust their families and teams with responsibility often discover the same loyalty and growth that Barra has inspired at GM.

The 3-Minute Leader takeaway is this: leadership longevity comes not from holding tightly but from letting others grow. Mary Barra’s journey, from a Women Worth Watching^® honoree to a global CEO, is a testament to the power of trust, resilience, and vision.