Caretha Coleman discussed her journey serving on various boards, emphasizing the importance of engagement, listening, and being well-prepared. She highlighted her experiences on the Dignity Health Board, where she witnessed the organization’s transformation to become more inclusive. Coleman also touched on her involvement with the YMCA and how her background, including growing up in an interracial family, shaped her ability to listen and understand different perspectives.
Throughout her career, Coleman learned the significance of knowing people personally, not just as board members, and how this helps during challenging times. She stressed the value of having diverse voices on boards and the need to accelerate the process of increasing Black representation. Coleman expressed her disappointment in the lack of follow-through from companies that pledged to support issues impacting communities of color.
Coleman believes that CEOs must take intentional action to change the composition of their boardrooms, such as increasing board size and implementing term limits. She emphasized the importance of creating longevity in the momentum towards diversity and the need for accountability. Coleman also highlighted the value of various efforts working together towards the common goal of increasing Black representation on boards.
