Quotes and Backgrounds

Interview Quotes: "Not-for-profit board service is an important way to learn board governance." "Non minorities often fail forward and upward." "Diversity is not the goal but the vehicle." "Be persistent despite failed attempts."

Interview Quotes: "Most important thing is good performance in your job." "You never know who's watching." "You meet a lot of people serving on not-for-profit boards." "Talk to be heard instead of just talking to talk. Don't be hesitant to ask a question after having done your homework."

Interview Quotes: "The most effective directors bring differing perspectives, do not dominate the conversation, and encourage others to engage." "The worst thing in a boardroom is group think." "There are no throw away interactions with people. People are always making judgments about you." "Never felt he had to sacrifice his blackness to fit in."

Interview Quotes: "The first question that I ask is, ‘why would you even want me?’" "Must continue to dispel the myth that there isn't an adequate minority pipeline." "It's up to the CEO to decide how they are going to change the way that their boardrooms look." "We need to continue to create momentum with other allies/organizations regarding diversity."

Interview Quotes: "Where is the history of business doing the right thing on its own." "Imposter syndrome is real but a lot of coaching is available." "Being black is not sufficient to get on boards." "The most typical mistake is coming to your first board meeting loaded for bear and deciding you are going to show them that you deserve to be there before talking and not listening." "We need to push for increasing board size and term limits."

Interview Quotes: "It’s easy to get into the trend of thinking that everything we've achieved is because of our own individual brilliance." "Understand what the board dynamics are." "Get acquainted on an informal basis with your fellow board members."

Interview Quotes: "Never consider a board until you have done background research." "Strongly enourage minority candidates to consider private company boards." "It is useful to study the thought patterns of other directors."

Interview Quotes: "Was invited to serve on the first two public company boards because of work performed in a volunteer capacity. An ability to learn and a track record of deliverance were what stood out." "Pretty much the same wherever she is. Her style is largely the same." "Some things are better said outside the boardroom than inside." "Goal is to be seen as someone who can make a contribution." "Thinks black board representation will plateau before it increases."