Fletcher “Flash” Wiley became well-known in Boston through his law firm, which was the largest minority firm in the city. He and his partner Wayne Budd were invited to serve on nonprofit boards, which allowed Wiley to network with city leaders. A public company looking to diversify its board asked its accounting firm for a recommendation, and the firm suggested Wiley given his prominence.
Wiley was attracted to board service due to the opportunities it presented and the advice of his Harvard Business School graduate wife. He overcame any perception that he was not a peer of other directors through self-confidence built up over a lifetime of achievement as one of the first Black graduates of the Air Force Academy. Wiley took his board responsibilities seriously, educating himself thoroughly on the companies just as he did with his legal clients. He embraced the role of being the diverse perspective in the room, using it to advance diversity initiatives.
Wiley believes board opportunities often arise through relationships and impressing associates who later recommend you. He advises young Black professionals to pursue leadership roles whenever possible to build up that network. Diverse boards allow companies to better understand and market to their diverse customer base.
Wiley acknowledges pushback against diversification efforts as white males aim to preserve access for each other. He calls on sitting Black directors to speak up about diversity, despite discomfort doing so. Pushing fellow directors to value diversity is integral to profitability rather than a side issue requires courage that not all directors have.
