Jim Nevels outlines his background growing up in Alabama, learning business principles from his grandfather, an insurance salesman, and being pushed by his parents to get an education. He attended Bucknell University and went on to earn law and business degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.
Nevels emphasizes the importance of relationships, education, housing, healthcare, acting with integrity, and treating people well throughout his responses. He shares how he built relationships to advance his career, from securing his first law firm internship thanks to a connection to General Matthew Ridgeway, to getting invited onto his first corporate board at Tasty Baking due to networking within Philadelphia’s business community.
Nevels stresses that aspiring board directors must prove their value, take opportunities as they arise, and make the most of every board role to build experience. Regarding board service, Nevels advises listening more than talking initially, choosing words carefully, and building allies. He sees diversity as imperative for good business and shareholder value.
Nevels believes the number of Black corporate directors will rise due to some CEOs prioritizing diversity, though he notes impediments around board searches. He argues boards should drive their own membership process. Nevels advocates for term limits, wider recruitment, and increasing board seats to enable faster diversification. Overall, he conveys that perseverance, integrity, relationships, and meritocracy are key to advancement.
