Ever dream of sitting in the corner office, calling the shots, and making power moves? You could scroll through TikTok for another hour, or you could take some lessons from Mary Barra, the first female CEO of General Motors, who went from an intern to the top job. Yeah, you read that right, an intern!
She didn’t just luck her way to the top; she played the long game and made boss moves. So, let’s break down seven leadership power plays that got her there, and how you can use them to level up your career (or just dominate your next group project).
1. She Said ‘Yes’ to the Hard Stuff
When most people look for the easiest way up, Barra took the toughest roles, the ones no one else wanted. From working in a car plant to leading product development, she made herself indispensable.
Your Move:
Next time your boss (or professor) offers you a challenging assignment, say yes before your brain tells you to run. High-risk, high-reward.
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2. She Mastered the Art of Listening
Most people hear, but don’t listen. Barra? She became a human sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge from mentors, employees, and even her competition.
Your Move:
Next time you’re in a meeting (or arguing with your bestie), zip it and listen. Ask thoughtful questions. People will respect you for it, and tell you things they wouldn’t tell anyone else.
3. She Wasn’t Afraid to Make Big Calls
When Barra became CEO, GM was in deep trouble. Instead of playing it safe, she axed underperforming brands and pushed forward with electric vehicles. Bold? Yep. Smart? Also yep.
Your Move:
Start making bold decisions in your life. Take that leap. Apply for that dream job. Confidence is a magnet for success.
4. She Built a Killer Personal Brand
Barra wasn’t just another corporate exec, she made sure people knew what she stood for. She championed innovation, teamwork, and integrity.
Your Move:
Want to stand out? Build your own brand. Start posting on LinkedIn, make content, and be known for something.
5. She Owned Her Failures
GM’s ignition switch scandal? Brutal. But instead of dodging responsibility, Barra tackled it head-on, fixed the issue, and won back trust.
Your Move:
Next time you mess up (because you will), own it. People respect leaders who admit mistakes and learn from them.
6. She Invested in Learning
Even as a CEO, Barra never stopped leveling up. She’s constantly reading, learning, and adapting.
Your Move:
Read at least one leadership book a month. Not sure where to start? Grab “The 5AM Club” by Robin Sharma on Amazon. It’ll change how you approach success.
7. She Never Waited for Permission
Barra never waited for someone to tell her to lead, she just did it. She didn’t ask for a seat at the table; she pulled up a chair and got to work.
Your Move:
Stop waiting for “the right time.” Start now. Lead that project. Speak up in meetings. Make yourself seen.
Final Take: Are You Ready to Level Up?
Mary Barra’s leadership wasn’t built on luck, it was built on intentional moves. And now, you have her blueprint. The question is: Will you use it?
Drop a comment below: What’s one leadership move you’re going to start using today?