Dr. Ayanna Howard, Dean of the Engineering School at Ohio State University, shared her journey and insights on corporate board membership. Dr. Howard’s academic background, which included roles at NASA and starting her own AI robotics company, equipped her with diverse skills that made her an attractive candidate for corporate boards. She was recruited to join the Autodesk board in 2019 and later the Motorola Solutions board, both through search firms.
Dr. Howard emphasized the importance of aligning with a company’s mission, values, and leadership when considering board positions. She stressed that aspiring board members should focus on areas where they can bring value and expertise.
While race is a factor in boardroom diversity, Dr. Howard believes that diversity of experience and thought is more critical. She shared her strategies for being an effective board member, such as gathering data, speaking up when she has expertise, and adapting her communication style to fit the board’s dynamics.
Looking ahead, Dr. Howard believes that companies that have already prioritized diversity will continue to do so, while those that haven’t may see a decrease in diverse representation. She suggests focusing on the business case and talent pool to keep diversity a priority. Dr. Howard also advises aspiring board members to start their journey by serving on non-profit or professional organization boards to gain relevant experience and skills before pursuing corporate board positions.
