How Leaders Lead with David Novak

#234: Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors – Seek the truth

Apr 10, 2025

Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors, shares her insights from a tenure that spans decades. She emphasizes the importance of truth-seeking in leadership, highlighting how transparency leads to better decisions and team trust. Barra discusses the challenges of leading during crises, notably a major product recall, and reflects on balancing traditional and electric vehicle strategies. She introduces 'ambidextrous leadership,' stressing the need to manage present demands while planning for future innovations. Her journey inspires the next generation of female leaders in STEM.

50:36

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Mary Barra

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Mary Barra emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize transparency and seek the truth for informed decision-making and team alignment.

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation, with GM focusing on electric vehicles and technological advancements to enhance customer experience.

Creating a culture of open communication and respect ensures that employees feel valued, which boosts motivation and overall productivity.

Deep dives

The Importance of Seeking Truth

Emphasizing the significance of transparency in leadership, the discussion highlights the necessity for leaders to seek truth from an enterprise perspective rather than just optimizing their own areas. This approach fosters a culture of intellectual honesty and crucial decision-making based on accurate information and data rather than assumptions and internal politics. Mary Barra's commitment to this principle is evident in her leadership style as it encourages her team to align around realities instead of convenient narratives. This collective pursuit of truth enables stronger teams and better decisions within the organization.

Intro

2min

Driving Through Experience and Innovation

14min

Breaking Barriers: Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders

2min

Leadership in Crisis: A Transformative Journey

20min

The Art of Ambidextrous Leadership and Preparation for Success

2min

Balancing Strategy and Day-to-Day Operations in Leadership

2min

Embracing Innovation and Leadership

10min

Ever made a decision based on limited info, internal spin, or wishful thinking? You’re not alone—but there’s a better way.

In this episode, David sits down with General Motors Chair and CEO, Mary Barra.

She shares how a relentless commitment to the truth leads to better decisions, stronger teams, and a culture built on trust.

If you want to lead with more clarity and less guesswork, don’t miss this conversation.

You’ll also learn:

How a crisis shapes your culture
The #1 thing you need to do to make sure your people feel valued
A strategy to make big problems way more manageable
What “ambidextrous leadership” is – and why it’s crucial to your success

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Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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