Hymes attributes his success to his upbringing, where his parents emphasized the importance of education and his mother’s volunteer work inspired him to give back to the community. He advises individuals to start volunteering early in their careers, focusing on organizations unrelated to their personal interests to gain valuable experience and make meaningful contributions.
Hymes discusses his career trajectory, which began at Goldman Sachs and led to asset management roles and eventually entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of networking, even for those who are not naturally inclined to do so. Hymes also stresses the significance of committing to board responsibilities, being prepared, and making valuable contributions to the organization.
When it comes to diversity on boards, Hymes believes that the best way to advocate for change is by emphasizing the competitive advantage diverse perspectives bring to an organization. He encourages current board members to mentor and introduce diverse candidates to board opportunities. Hymes also addresses the importance of term limits and board size, noting that smaller boards with engaged members are more effective.
Finally, Hymes advises aspiring board members to adopt a “servant leader” mindset, focusing on taking on projects that add value to the organization and building positive relationships with fellow board members. He acknowledges that board work is challenging but encourages persistence and dedication to making a meaningful impact.
