Singleton McAllister, who has served on multiple corporate boards, explains that one does not have to be a CEO to join a board these days. Her first board opportunity came through a recommendation from her mentor, the late Congressman Bill Gray, who recognized the skills she gained from her diverse experiences on Capitol Hill, in government, and as a lawyer. McAllister emphasizes the importance of understanding the criteria and skillset needed for a particular board and ensuring that women and diverse candidates are included in the pool of potential nominees.
McAllister advises aspiring board members to start with nonprofit boards to gain experience and understand board dynamics. She also recommends learning about the differences between private equity and publicly traded boards. Developing relationships with search firms and keeping them updated on one’s career progress is crucial. McAllister stresses the importance of being one’s authentic self in the boardroom and building alliances with other board members to effectively promote diversity and make positive decisions.
Looking ahead, McAllister expresses concern about the potential chilling effect of recent Supreme Court decisions and policy changes on the momentum of diversity in corporate boardrooms. She emphasizes the need for structural changes, such as term limits, to facilitate the inclusion of more women and minorities on boards. McAllister encourages aspiring directors to stay true to their cause, hone their skills, network, and thoroughly research the boards they are interested in joining.
