Ursula M. Burns
Name: Ursula M. Burns
Claim to Fame: Chairman and CEO of Xerox.
Politics: Believed to be a Democrat; appointed to two advisory committees by the president and was a guest in Michelle Obama's box at this year's State of the Union address.
Obvious Strength: An inspirational example, Burns is the first African American woman to head a Fortune 500 company.
Potential Pitfall: Burns admits to sometimes speaking her mind too freely, adding, "Patience is not one of my strengths."
Sundry: Like the president, she was reared by a white single mother who died in middle age. (Her father was black.) Raised in a New York City housing project, Burns' total compensation last year was $22.7 million.
Memorable Quote: "Most days, even back when Xerox was under siege, I could not wait to get to the office. I love my work. And you should too."
