Professional Background: Business
John started the first Black-owned mutual fund company in 1983, Ariel Investments, where he currently serves as Founder, Chairman, Co-CEO, and Chief Investment Officer. He joined his first board nearly 30 years ago and is a co-founder of the Black Corporate Directors Conference, focused on fostering corporate DEI, developing best practices, and encouraging directors to promote the civil rights agenda in the boardroom. Following the election of President Barack Obama, John served as co-chair for the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009 and has since joined the Barack Obama Foundation’s board of directors. John currently serves as a member of the board of directors of NIKE, The New York Times Company and Ryan Specialty. His mother, Jewel Lafontant, was also a corporate board member. John received an AB in economics from Princeton University, where he was also captain of the varsity basketball team.
Interview Quotes:
“Try to bring a unique perspective and drive change. Show a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Regarding board service, it’s important to just get started, including looking at private companies, nonprofit boards, and those of smaller companies.”
“Nonprofit boards are a good stepping stone.”
“We need to help companies live up to the things that they have promised our country.”
“Quotas have not been effective in driving businesses to diversify their Boards of Directors. Transparency may be a better method.”