Leslie Hale’s journey to the boardroom began with her upbringing in South Central Los Angeles, where strong work ethic and community values were instilled in her from a young age. Her path led her to Howard University, where she discovered her love for finance, and later to GE, where she found her passion for real estate. Over an 18-year career at RLJ, Hale worked her way up to CFO and CEO, navigating the company through private investments, the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and eventually taking the company public in 2011.
Hale’s first board opportunity came in 2015 with Macy’s, followed by a second board position at Delta. She emphasizes the importance of diversity in the boardroom, noting that diverse members bring unique perspectives and experiences that contribute to robust dialogue and better decision-making. Hale believes that the future outlook for black representation on boards is optimistic, driven by changing demographics and the recognition of the value that diversity brings to businesses.
To be an effective board member, Hale stresses the importance of confidence, building rapport with both management and fellow board members, and finding one’s voice. She advises aspiring board candidates to focus on excelling in their current roles, as talented individuals will be noticed and opportunities will follow.
Hale also encourages current minority board members to mentor and advocate for diverse candidates, both within and outside their organizations. Ultimately, she believes that board service should be part of a well-rounded portfolio, rather than the sole focus, and that staying current, relevant, and continuously learning are key to success.
