Quotes and Backgrounds

Interview Quotes: "Domain knowledge is less important than good business sense." "Have to get minorities in key feeder roles early." "Important that the ones sitting on boards become the scorekeepers."

Interview Quotes: "You should look more at private companies." "Diversity must be accompanied by inclusion and equity." "Search firms need to connect with people earlier in their careers."

Interview Quotes: "Always focus on how she can be a better version of herself in and beyond the boardroom." "Likes boards where her contributions will be valued." "Important to get feedback on your board performance." "Need to have meetings outside the boardroom to accelerate your learning." "Change can take some time but collaboration is the key."

Interview Quotes: "A smaller board is good for the first board." "Socialization with other board members outside the boardroom helps build trust." "Diversity must have a business reason." "Not in favor of term limits." "You have to be employed in a position where you have an enterprise perspective." "Race often is a driver in board searches but you still have to have the skill set."

Interview Quotes: "We must stay diligent to ensure that the anti DEI headwinds do not become a storm." "Search firms need to get more serious about expanding their database." "Remember you should not get to the finish line unless you brought someone else along."

Interview Quotes: "Attended the Northwestern program for women directors and that changed the trajectory of my career." "I decided that I needed to develop my own board criteria, i.e., could I be productive? Is it a growth company?" "When teams become more diverse, they outperform." "We need to stay focused on the business case for diversity." "Do not think black board representation will significantly increase without proper intervention from those currently on boards." "We have to be Wakanda. We have to do it ourselves."

Interview Quotes: "It’s not just about what you think, but it is about what is in the best interests of the shareholders." "Good Board Directors must remember to have their eyes in the business, and their fingers out." "You should not automatically pursue every board opportunity, be selective and look for something that is the right culture for you and that you have a passion for the business."

Interview Quotes: "Focus on major VC and PE firms which have only appointed 40 Black board members over the past 20 years." "Your persona is different from your role on a board." "We are at the tipping point in the progress we have made regarding diversity."