If you’re looking for homeschooling inspiration, you might not immediately think of a Fortune 500 CEO. But Ursula Burns—the powerhouse who led Xerox and headed the White House STEM program—is a masterclass in authenticity and strategic thinking.
Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting out, here are six leadership lessons from Ursula Burns that can transform your school year.
1. Own Your “Different” (Be Authentic) In the early days of her career, Ursula Burns famously refused to change her hair to fit a corporate mold. She encourages people, especially in STEM, to use their uniqueness as a way to stand out rather than blend in.
The Homeschool Takeaway: Sometimes being the “homeschool family” feels like a burden or a label we have to explain. Instead, teach your kids to lean into it. Their unconventional education is their superpower. It makes them unique, adaptable, and interesting. Don’t just be okay with being different—own it.
2. Listen to the “Employees” (Your Kids!) Great CEOs don’t bark orders from an ivory tower; they listen to the people on the ground. Ursula Burns knew that for a company to thrive, she needed to hear from her team.
The Homeschool Takeaway: You might be the principal, but your kids are your team. As they grow, their interests will shift. If you want them to stay invested in their education, you have to listen to what sparks their curiosity. When they have a say in what they learn, they take ownership of how they learn.
3. You Can’t Do It All Alone Burns has been vocal about the fact that partners need to step up, especially when it comes to raising a family. No one reaches the top of a global company (or a successful school year) without a support system.
The Homeschool Takeaway: One parent shouldn’t carry the entire weight of education, house management, and planning. Whether it’s involving your spouse, joining a co-op, or utilizing online resources, remember that homeschooling is a team sport. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
4. Stand Your Ground From navigating tough business deals to advocating for STEM, Burns knows how to hold her position.
The Homeschool Takeaway: Let’s be real—you’re probably going to face skepticism. Whether it’s a pushy relative or a stranger at the grocery store asking about socialization, you need to be confident in your “why.” Know your reasons for homeschooling and be prepared to stand your ground when your choices are questioned.
5. Measure What Actually Matters In business, you track goals to make better decisions. But Burns knows that the right metrics matter more than just raw numbers.
The Homeschool Takeaway: Grades and test scores are just data points—they aren’t the end goal. In our house, we measure success by a love of learning and the ability to solve problems. Ask yourself: Is my child becoming a resourceful, kind, and curious adult? That’s the “ROI” (Return on Investment) that truly counts.
6. If You’re Not Having Fun, You’re Doing It Wrong Burns is a big believer that you need to enjoy your work to truly succeed.
The Homeschool Takeaway: If homeschooling feels like a heavy chain around your neck every day, something needs to change. There is so much joy to be found in a “history nugget” or a science experiment gone wrong. Find the fun in the process. When the teacher is enjoying the journey, the students will too.
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Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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