Shellye Archambeau, CEO of MetricStream and board member at Nordstrom and Verizon, collaborates with Gerri Elliott, a board member of Whirlpool and former Chief Customer Officer at Juniper Networks, to discuss their journeys and insights on corporate boards. They explore strategies for diversifying board memberships and emphasize the importance of mentorship and networking. The duo highlights navigating the challenges of board compositions, the significance of value propositions, and the transformative role board members can play in driving company success.
A substantial 39% of new board seats in Fortune 500 companies were filled by first-time members, highlighting the evolving landscape of board recruitment.
Despite growing awareness of the need for diversity, minority representation on boards remains stagnant, necessitating intentional efforts to bridge this gap.
Deep dives
Understanding Board Composition and Dynamics
The discussion highlights key statistics about board composition, particularly among Fortune 500 companies. A significant portion of elected directors are retired, and the average age of board members is notably high, underscoring potential generational gaps in these boards. The podcast notes that while the percentage of women on boards has increased, minority representation has stagnated, indicating persistent challenges in achieving true diversity. These statistics illustrate the need for intentional efforts in diversifying board member profiles to reflect broader societal representation.
Pathways to Board Membership
Panelists share insights into their journeys to securing their first board positions, emphasizing the value of gaining experience on non-profit and private boards before transitioning to public company boards. Networking and proactive outreach to industry connections are crucial steps in this process, as many board seats come from referrals rather than formal recruitment. The importance of a well-defined value proposition tailored to the board's needs is stressed, alongside the necessity of participating in educational programs to build board readiness. This organized approach can significantly enhance one's chances of landing a board role.
The Importance of Board Preparation and Education
Preparation for board membership involves understanding governance, strategic oversight, and financial responsibilities, factors that can be addressed through targeted educational offerings. Programs such as Stanford’s Director’s College and various initiatives by major firms offer valuable resources to prospective board members. Engaging in discussions with experienced board members can provide practical insights into the expectations and dynamics of board roles. Such preparation not only aids in securing a position but also enhances effectiveness once on the board.
Navigating the Challenges of Board Diversity
The conversation addresses the pressing issue of diversity within boardrooms, noting an increasing awareness among boards regarding the need for a diverse set of perspectives. Despite this recognition, real change in board composition remains slow, particularly concerning the representation of minorities. Panelists discuss the ongoing disconnect between intent and actual recruitment outcomes, pointing out that networks often continue to favor established connections over diverse candidates. To bridge this gap, it is crucial for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to cultivate relationships within industry networks while effectively communicating their unique value propositions.
Of the 371 board seats that opened up last year (within Fortune 500 companies that is), 39% ended up going to first-time board members. So how did they pull it off? What are some strategies for landing your first board seat -- especially if you don’t fit the typical 'profile' of the other board members? And why do it?
In this segment of the a16z Podcast, three veteran executives and board members share their experiences and offer advice about building better public company boards: Shellye Archambeau, who sits on the Nordstrom and Verizon boards; Gerri Elliott, a board member at Whirlpool, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Charlotte Russe; and Raul Vazquez, a Staples board member.
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