Lessons Learned From Ursula Burns and Ann Mulcahy

<p>Something extraordinary happened at Xerox between 2001 and 2009, prior to the only woman to woman CEO changing of the guard in a large Fortune 500 company. For almost a decade, Ann Mulcahy was a fierce ally and supporter of Ursula Burns, so there would be a smooth transition when Ursula became CEO in 2009. In Mulcahy’s <em>HBR</em> article <a href='http://email.kjbm.sherylkline.com/c/eJwdT0tuwyAUPI29qZ7Fz5AsWFh1K3XdA0QGngsJNhWQJunpSyON5rMYacZpJY8jNX3QjDD6D3qgihwHOrxKKqZJzvMbmSVhshPkcjbbUDzmR7zEsONg09Z7vVrOqVupbX0ky7gKOyoljLAHgULJPmpf63fp-NSx9wZv8pDyV3OMUNLkST7dIIALDkKFO-Z0L7CmvGEGiwnSDjf_gHK1FksJLRafrtHtFQzCAj7lgpAXiz1uS4gnhzH8tK2n4DQIzoji_ED7rItNtbY71eNv2jEu5nmk6s9Q8eVj7hinjCn1B0WLWOQ'>How I Did It: Xerox’s Former CEO on Why Succession Shouldn’t Be a Horse Race</a>, she was not threatened by the brilliant, outspoken, and power of Burns. Mulcahy recognized Burn’s strengths, challenged her to improve her weaknesses and championed her for almost a decade until Burns eventually replaced her as CEO. <br/><br/>What can we learn from these two compassionate and powerful women, and how can we use this wisdom to empower more female leaders, emerging leaders and male allies, especially those who sit on the margins?<br/><br/>Quite a lot, but here are two important things to ponder and hopefully take action on:</p><ol><li><b>Have the courage to concede or transfer power.</b><br/>Whether you’re a manager, in a chief of staff role or heading for CEO, this is a tough one. But, when we put aside ego and dedicate ourselves to the best person for the job for the betterment of the company, and in turn dedicate ourselves to what our black belt is and where we are most needed, we can work together in our highest capacity. True allyship is advocating for the best person for the job, even if it means we may be displaced. Have the courage to concede, and surrender to where you are most needed next.</li><li><b>Speak up.</b><br/>Ursula Burns self proclaims that is was not soft spoken when it came to her opinion. Even Mulcahy wrote, wh