Quotes and Backgrounds

Interview Quotes: "If I am not my authentic self in the boardroom, you are not getting the best of what I have to offer." "You cannot wish yourself on a board. You’ve got to have the skill set." "We can change the pipeline for people who get interviewed for board positions." "I want to spend time learning before I jump into speaking. The loudest voice in the room isn't always the voice that leads." "It's not so much imposter syndrome, but the impact of systematic biases, racism."

Interview Quotes: "Had to learn the dynamics of boardroom communications." "You need to be comfortable with sometimes being uncomfortable in the boardroom." "Need to break the perception that embracing diversity somehow increases a company's exposure to risk."

Interview Quotes: "Most effective board members are engaged not only in the company but also the industry sector." "You cannot be a single issue director." "Imposter Syndrome is real. How you react is important." "Should ask what opportunities do you see to send the elevator back down"

Interview Quotes: "Race was always in the room but skill set was the priority." "Business needs some sort of push incentives to embrace diversity, especially from shareholders." "All great board members are good listeners. Need to improve the board evaluation process."

Interview Quotes: "It's important to be known for making a contribution." "Broader and differing perspectives IE diversity help spur innovation." "Focus on boards where your contribution will be useful." "Business needs incentives around diversity, rather than just being shamed."

Interview Quotes: "Do not want to be the first or only minority director on a board." "Must be conscious of your impact in the boardroom and what you want people to hear." "Skill set metrics will force boards to look at a broad subset of candidates." "Have to recognize what drives value." "In support of term limits and mandatory retirements."

Interview Quotes: "Worst thing is if you have people get on boards and not know how to take advantage of that opportunity." "The real skill is to take complex matters and make them simple, such that every person can comprehend what is core." "Consciously don't over-talk. There is great value in learning something from someone else." "The most valuable executives are those who understand how to elevate the people around them." "Black board representation highly depends on how well we are doing in the feeder jobs in corporate America."

Interview Quotes: "Boards consider who you want in the foxhole when things go South." "Boards without diversity are highly likely to miss value added opportunities." "Try to be a good listener rather than the biggest talker."