Megan Prichard, Vice President of Ridehail and Delivery at Cruise, embarked on her journey in technology from an unexpected place—law. “I trained as a lawyer but never practiced,” she shares. After earning her law degree from USC Gould School of Law, she took a consulting role with McKinsey & Company in São Paulo, Brazil, where her communication skills were further honed.
Her experiences at law school and McKinsey equipped her with the ability to address complex problems and influence diverse stakeholders—skills that would later define her leadership style. Following five years at McKinsey, she moved into leadership roles at Uber and Ford before landing at Cruise, a trailblazer in the self-driving car industry.
Finding Her Place at Cruise
Prichard was drawn to Cruise by its bold mission to revolutionize transportation, making it safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective. Cruise’s partnership with General Motors further solidified the company’s potential for global impact. As a mission-oriented leader, she knew Cruise would be the right fit for her drive to create meaningful change.
A Passion for Mobility
From a young age, Prichard was fascinated by transportation. At just 11, her passion took a bold turn when she took her parents’ car for a joyride—until the neighbors caught her. This early love for mobility blossomed into a career working across various transportation modes, including airlines, scooters, electric bikes, and helicopters. Each role gave her valuable insights into solving challenges at Cruise, where she now oversees the ride-hail and delivery sectors of its all-electric, self-driving fleet. Her work at Cruise feels less like a job and more like a calling, a passion she believes has made every day a rewarding experience.
Shaping the Future of Transportation
As Vice President, Prichard is responsible for bringing Cruise’s autonomous technology to the market and ensuring seamless ride-hailing and delivery services. The motivation behind her work is clear: the current state of transportation is both dangerous and unsustainable. With over 40,000 annual traffic-related deaths in the U.S. and vehicles being a leading cause of carbon emissions, Prichard is excited to contribute to a safer, cleaner, and more accessible future. She views the development of autonomous vehicles not just as groundbreaking technology but as a catalyst for positive societal change.
A Milestone Moment at Cruise
One of the highlights of Prichard’s time at Cruise was her first ride in a fully autonomous vehicle. Hopping into an empty car that drove her through San Francisco transformed her view of transportation. It was a surreal experience—seeing how this innovation would soon reshape commuting, giving people back their time and reducing the cost and hassle of travel.
Championing Inclusivity at Cruise
In addition to her technical responsibilities, Prichard is an advocate for inclusivity at Cruise. As an advisor for LGBTQruise, she plays a role in organizing community events and pushing for representation at the leadership level. Visibility is key for her, and she’s determined to show the LGBTQ community that they too can rise to leadership positions.
For Prichard, fostering groups like LGBTQruise and Empowering Women of Cruise helps create a supportive culture where employees can bring their full selves to work. By enabling employees to feel safe and seen, these groups help drive the company’s overall success.
Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
Prichard’s leadership style is rooted in strategic execution. She believes in linking strategy with operations and empowering her teams to reach bold goals. She fosters a culture of open, honest feedback, which she views as essential for professional growth. Despite her success, Prichard acknowledges the challenges women often face in leadership. She’s been labeled “aggressive” or “intimidating” for expressing opinions that would likely be praised in men. However, she remains resolute in her commitment to voicing her perspectives respectfully and unapologetically.
Personal Passions Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Prichard’s passion for the ocean runs deep. A native of Southern California, she grew up surfing and still hits the waves at her favorite spot in Laguna Beach whenever she can. She also enjoys freediving and kayaking, activities that allow her to clear her mind and reconnect with nature. Her love of the ocean has taken her around the world, from Bali to Chile, surfing with her wife and immersing herself in diverse cultures.
Megan Prichard’s journey from law school to the forefront of transportation innovation showcases the power of adaptability and passion. Whether she’s advancing self-driving technology or advocating for inclusivity at work, she’s shaping a future that’s as dynamic as it is transformative.
