Herman Bulls describes his background growing up with a single mother working multiple jobs after his father died in a farming accident before he was born. He excelled in sports and student leadership roles in high school, setting him up to attend West Point on a football scholarship. Though a coach advised he wouldn’t start in an Army-Navy game which led him to pivot and focus on academics, Bulls studied leadership, learned analytical thinking by calling plays for Army sports broadcasts, and made connections like befriending Mike Krzyzewski.
After 11 years of active military service, Bulls worked for a commercial real estate company for over 30 years, rising to a senior leadership role, due in part to his interpersonal skills and leadership abilities. Bulls credits relationships for his multiple corporate board seats – an alumnus connection brought his first invitation, followed soon by others. With deep expertise in real estate and leadership, he contributed significantly and took on Vice Chair or Chair roles.
Bulls believes boards should better reflect America’s diversity to understand changing markets and connect with future workforces. He asks CEOs about this and procurement diversity directly, pushing respectfully as an independent director.
While progress has slowed recently, steady increases will continue long-term through voting and developing board-ready talent. Veterans have transferable skills, but aspiring directors must research governance, financials, meetings logistics to find the right cultural fit, contribute meaningfully and be effective in the boardroom.
