Mary Barra has steered General Motors through one of the most volatile periods in its 117-year history – from a sweeping recall crisis to pandemic shutdowns, a $35 billion shift into electric vehicles, and now a global trade war reshaping the cost of building cars.
She also broke new ground as the first woman to lead one of Detroit’s big three automakers.
In 2025, Forbes ranked Barra seventh on its list of the world’s most powerful women.
While in Melbourne for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix – where Cadillac debuted as the sport’s newest constructor – Barra sat down with Forbes Australia for an exclusive Q&A.
