Susan Rice, who grew up in a family dedicated to public service, pursued her education at Stanford, Oxford, and briefly worked at McKinsey before serving in various roles in the Clinton and Obama administrations. After leaving government, she became interested in serving on corporate boards to contribute her knowledge and experience while also learning and growing. Rice admits that figuring out how to join a board was a process of trial and error, but she benefited from attending conferences, networking with experienced Black directors, and the desire among African American board members to help others succeed.
When evaluating board opportunities, Rice considered factors such as the industry, the integrity of the company’s leadership and board members, and where she could contribute and learn. As a new board member, she focused on listening, learning, and finding opportunities to engage without overstepping. Rice emphasizes the importance of being one’s authentic self in the boardroom and the value of diverse perspectives in decision making.
Looking to the future, Rice believes that while there may be a slowdown in the urgency to increase board diversity, it is crucial to ensure that representation does not decline and continues to grow. She suggests that companies should recognize the value of diverse perspectives in improving decision-making and business performance. To support the development of future Black leaders, Rice advocates for better identifying, nurturing, and sourcing talent from a broader range of backgrounds and experiences. She encourages aspiring board members to be proactive in pursuing opportunities and confident in their ability to contribute.
