Pamela Puryear, PhD discusses her journey to board service, beginning with a background in real estate finance, followed by 12 years as an independent consultant, and then over a decade in corporate roles including Chief Talent Officer at Pfizer and Global Chief Human Resources officer at Walgreens. She joined her first Private Equity board while still working full-time, then after retiring in 2021, rapidly joined several public company boards.
Pamela was attracted to board roles as a way to continue having an impact, contribute her career experiences, continue learning, and carry on the legacy of increased Black board representation. She believes boards were interested in her educational background, financial knowledge, human capital expertise from her roles, and experience at top companies. Pamela did not find any industries less open to her as a Black woman. Regarding her first board roles where she was the sole person of color, Pamela strives to speak up on important issues but not be the only voice, instead encouraging allies.
She sees benefits in diverse boards through varied perspectives and innovative solutions. Pamela discusses balancing listening and participation in boardrooms as an introvert seeking to add value through synthesizing and progressing discussions. She suggests managing imposter syndrome by recognizing one’s strengths and developing further skills as needed. For aspiring minority directors, Pamela advises knowing one’s own strengths and opportunities as you chart your unique board journey. Though the increased diversity after George Floyd has regressed, Pamela pledges to keep pushing for change from within boards.
