Enter the Boardroom with Nurole 124. Malcolm John: How to get board roles and what boards get wrong about racial diversity
May 28, 2025
Malcolm John, Founder and CEO of Action for Trustee Racial Diversity, shares his insights on enhancing racial diversity in UK boards. He discusses his journey to the boardroom and the crucial role of networking. Malcolm highlights common mistakes organizations make, emphasizing the need for genuine inclusivity instead of tokenism. He also addresses the mental toll of difficult conversations and underscores the importance of valuing diverse perspectives to foster effective governance. Tune in for enlightening strategies to ensure boards truly embrace diversity!
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Unconventional Board Journey
- Malcolm John joined his first boards through personal connections like playing squash and going to the opera, rather than formal routes.
- He highlights the informal, often unconventional nature of early trustee recruitment experiences.
Confidence in Diversity Roles
- Confidence to be the only diverse person on a board is crucial but many lack it.
- Boards often fail to welcome the different perspectives from racial minorities, leading to feelings of exclusion.
Build Trust Through Relationships
- Build strong one-on-one relationships within your board to gain confidence and support.
- Organizations should facilitate social events to foster genuine connections beyond formal meetings.