Quote of the day by Ursula Burns: ‘I do business with my heart as much as I do with…’

Ursula Burns is an American business leader best known as the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Born in 1958 in a New York City housing project, Burns rose through the ranks at Xerox, joining as a summer intern in 1980 after earning a mechanical engineering degree.

Over decades, she held senior leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2009 and later chairwoman. Her tenure marked a strategic shift for Xerox from a traditional photocopying business toward business services, highlighted by the acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services.

Burns is widely regarded for her direct leadership style, focus on innovation, and commitment to diversity in corporate leadership. Beyond Xerox, she has served on the boards of major corporations, including ExxonMobil and Uber, and has held advisory roles in US government initiatives on STEM education and competitiveness.


Her career is often cited as a model of perseverance and upward mobility, reflecting both her technical expertise and her advocacy for inclusive growth in the workplace.

Quote of the day

“I do business with my heart as much as I do with my head, both personally and professionally.”

Meaning of the quote

This quote by Ursula Burns underscores a leadership philosophy that balances analytical decision-making with emotional intelligence. It suggests that effective business is not driven solely by logic, data, or profit considerations (“the head”), but also by empathy, values, and human connection (“the heart”).

In practice, this means making decisions that consider both strategic outcomes and their impact on people, employees, customers, and communities. The statement reflects a belief that trust, integrity, and compassion are not separate from professional success but are essential to building sustainable relationships and responsible leadership.

Relevance in today’s world

In today’s workplace, the idea expressed by Ursula Burns is increasingly relevant as businesses are expected to balance profitability with social responsibility. Leaders are judged not only on results but also on how they treat employees, respond to crises, and address issues like diversity, equity, and sustainability. Combining rational decision-making with empathy helps build trust, strengthen workplace culture, and ensure long-term success in a more socially conscious and interconnected global economy.