Quotes and Backgrounds

Interview Quotes: "There is no version of America that is totally colorblind." "We cannot have real progress until we have enough of us walking the same track at the same time." "Business needs some other forms of push and incentives to accelerate change." "Getting ready for board service involves the four "P's": be prepared; have patience; persevere; and have a process"

Interview Quotes: "Important to come prepared, be a leader and have courage." "Board service involves risk management besides governance. Diversity helps avoid making stupid mistakes." "Study after study shows that the more diversity you have in the boardroom, the better the company's performance." "Immediately wants to build relationships on the board, to become a thought partner with the CEO." "To get change you often have to shine a light."

Interview Quotes: "There’s a political and moral imperative to diversity besides a business imperative." "Sees storm clouds re: anti DEI on the horizon." "Still see a tendency for corporations to consider the same minority people for board seats." "Many of our best and brightest are not in business but in law firms."

Interview Quotes: "There are times when being quiet is appropriate." "Golf is not the only vehicle for board outreach." "Focus for experience on the not for profits that are highly mission driven."

Interview Quotes: "Make sure that a board's culture represents what you stand for and understand what you bring to the table." "Be careful about getting stuck in staff positions as opposed to operating roles." "Seeing more companies using advisory boards." "Be willing to allocate the time required for board service." "Don't jump to get on the first board that asks."

Interview Quotes: "Important to figure out how to build relationships." "I always paid attention to the lead director. It's important to get the support of the lead director and the CEO. Need to change the way we look for minority and women directors." "Need to have informal dinners on a regional basis with the minority pipeline."

Interview Quotes: "To enrich the boardroom dynamic, you have to learn how to disagree in a constructive manner." "You need to pick your spots where your views will be accepted and understand if other board members value your perspective." "Understand that you represent the buyer of tomorrow. Keep investing in your value proposition." "Get a strong background in corporate governance." "Sitting board members need to help more in decoding the path to board service."

Interview Quotes: "His board seats have all come about because of relationships." "Recommend getting involved in nonprofit boards because you get experience in governance." "Don't want to be just a potted plant in the boardroom. His style is to be prepared, be thoughtful, to listen carefully, and to “weigh in when I've got something to add.”" "Thinks peer pressure helps companies think about what they are doing regarding diversity."