All Aboard: Anna Catalano on Gender and Diversity on Boards

Oct 17, 2023

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When picturing a board of directors, what comes to mind? Men in suits sitting around a table? Well, you are not to blame. In 2023, women hold only 28% of board seats in the Russell 3000. So how are companies making efforts to diversify their leadership? How can established directors lift up people who haven’t always had their seat at the table? What is the benefit of seeing more diversity in the boardroom? Anna Catalano is well-placed to know.

Over the last 20 years, Anna has perfected the art of board governance and sat on a dozen public boards. Fortune magazine named her one of the most powerful women in international business, which is no understatement. In recent years, she has become a prominent voice advocating for diversity and board refreshment in corporate leadership.

Together, we will talk about leadership and representation; the key functions of a board of directors today. We will also weigh up the challenges awaiting women in business, and think about how boards can make space for new talents. Looking back on her career, Anna will revisit her most formative experiences; from unconscious bias, to bold career turns, her story is as inspiring as it is insightful.

Push the doors of the boardroom open with Patrick and Anna… And you will find that change is underway.

Highlights:

What a board of directors does (2:38)
Improving diversity around the table (4:13)
How directors are recruited (5:49)
Reconciling diversity and meritocracy (8:09)
Handling unconscious bias (10:08)
The importance of interrogating assumptions (12:29)
How board directors lift up new talents (14:23)
Thoughts on board refreshments (16:02)
How to get board-ready (18:39)
Seizing new learning opportunities (22:23)
Getting out of your comfort zone (24:08)
Diversity to revisit the way things are done (26:21)
What good leadership means to Anna (27:27)

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If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producers, Natalie.Barron@cadencebank.com, Eydie.Pengelly@cadencebank.com, or danielle.kernell@cadencebank.com.