FT Board Director Programme’s Post

In celebration of Women’s History Month, our CEO joined three board members for an internal “VOA Alaska Women in Leadership Panel.” The panelists shared the journeys in leadership, the challenges women face in becoming leaders, the unique strengths women bring to leadership roles, how to find mentorship, and what steps those who strive to be leaders can take today to begin their own journey. Here’s some of the advice our panelists shared for future leaders, starting from the top left in the image and moving clockwise: Amanda Estes, Board Member and VP of Social Marketing at Northwest Strategies: “Be hungry and learn everything you can about your role. Learn everything about your field. Be a sponge of knowledge and take any opportunity you can. Go to a conference if you can, view panels if you can. Find new people to have coffee with. Be excited and learn as much you can.” Maria Hernandez, Board Member and Principal at Steller Secondary School: “If you’re curious about something, it's because you love whatever it is you're curious about, and you're interested in it and want to do it. So, say yes often and push yourself. Challenge yourself. Jump in there and get your hands dirty. But never lose that love and curiosity…you have to keep that alive.” Jackie Engebretson, Board Vice Chair and Director of Behavioral Health at ANTHC: “There are a lot of wonderful people in the world who would very happily meet with you to talk about what they do or how you might get into that position one day. But you have to reach out to them. So really lean into building relationships with others.” Julia Luey, President and CEO: “Right where you are, you can start now. Be hungry, be bold. You can be a leader in any space that you're in. And build those supports around you to ask those hard questions and to get that very gritty, honest feedback about ways to improve.”

RSVP and save the date! Join us for CNBC's Equity and Opportunity Forum livestream on March 21 at 1 pm ET, where they’ll be hosting conversations with an outstanding panel lineup: Cid Wilson, President & CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility Linda Akutagawa, CEO, LEAP (Leadership Education For Asian Pacifics) Michael Hyter, CEO, The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Ozzie (Oswaldo) Gromada Meza, CEO, Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/48vfKkH Despite the current backlash against corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, many companies are still committed to creating growth and opportunities for all. But there are growing concerns that many organizations may be bowing to external pressure. In this segment, titled “Leadership During Difficult Times,” members of the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD) and the CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association will discuss the current moment and what they would like to see from corporate leadership moving forward. The ABD comprises HACR, LEAP, ELC, and Catalyst with Diversified Search Group as an advisory member. #HACR #CNBCEquityAndOpportunity #DEI #Equity #Opportunity #ConstructiveConversations #HispanicAssociationonCorporateResponsibility 

A new report from The Executive Leadership Council confirms what many of us already know - that DEI thrives under strong leadership! “Through our members’ own experiences, we are learning that unequivocally, companies that double down on the most effective and proven DEI programs are creating a workforce that is more engaged and motivated, which naturally leads to enhanced business performance." #DEIB #DEI #Leadership

What a great week in San Diego for the connected Women of the Vine & Spirits and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States annual conference, with The Spearhead Group, Inc. as a key sponsor! And to have kicked it off with the in-person gathering of the 2024 Executive Leadership and Developing Leadership cohorts… Perfect. It was a time to connect with new-to-me industry folks, and reconnect with folks I haven’t seen in years. The chance to tell some, in person, what they’ve contributed to shaping my commitment to ethical leadership and responsible management was a high point. Another highpoint: The full day spent with the ambitious, curious, and insightful leadership cohorts. It’s exhilarating and validating to be among like-intentioned leaders shaping the present and future. And yet another highlight: the flow of data and experience and innovation across all aspects of the industry. Exciting times are ahead, truly. Many more thoughts will percolate in the next couple weeks, but for now I’ll leave you with this: — Your plan is not your strategy. — Ethical leadership is the floor of a top-recruit’s expectations. —Premiumization is best understood through the lens of strategic inventory. #spiritsindustry #strategy #leadership

One of the key findings in The 2024 KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit Report, titled Advancing the Future of Women in Business, showed that “78% of executive women surveyed reported an increase in representation of women in their organisation’s C-suite over the last ten years, and 73% believe that such a role is within their grasp”. Regrettably, these percentages are not the reality of the C-suite composition. Barring the real challenges preventing women from accelerating and maintaining their positions, the hesitance and self-selection within the aspiring female executive are equally strong. “Our beliefs about ourselves are important in shaping all kinds of important decisions, such as what colleges we apply to, which career paths we choose, and whether we are willing to contribute ideas in the workplace or try to compete for a promotion.” - Katherine Coffman. Dear Female Leader,  You are talented, capable, competent and an excellent fit for the role; don’t self-select yourself out. Way too much in your head? Let’s talk.

WEBINAR: RECRUITING DIVERSE LEADERS*** May 22 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Faculty: Erin Lau and Kate Dykgraaf, Good Insight The nonprofit sector suffers from a persistent racial leadership gap. Recent studies show that as nonprofits across the country grapple with operationalizing their stated commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, just a relatively small percentage of people of color hold formal leadership roles in the sector. This session will help current executives, boards of directors, and HR leaders to rethink recruitment strategies and examine common biases in hiring processes. This discussion will focus on recruiting senior roles, such as executive directors and C-Suite equivalent leaders. ***This class is free as part of the Center’s commitment to support their efforts to embed DEIJ into operations, staffing, and boards. Register Now! https://lnkd.in/eujGhchi

The WomenExecs on Boards (WEoB) story began with the inaugural 2016 Harvard Business School Women on Boards: Succeeding as a Corporate Director Program, which included 67 participants. Following the course the participants initiated monthly calls to maintain connections and foster a supportive community. As the discussions deepened, the vision for WEoB emerged, leading to its formal establishment in 2018.   What started as an informal network has now grown into a vibrant global community of over 350+ members across 30 countries. At WomenExecs on Boards (WEoB), we champion inclusivity and progress, cultivating a unique culture of collaboration that empowers members to support one another in increasing women’s representation in board leadership.   Our diverse community includes seasoned directors and emerging leaders, all of whom have completed one or more of Harvard Business School’s Board Governance Programs, including Women on Boards: Succeeding as a Corporate Director, Corporate Directors Certificate, and Making Corporate Boards More Effective. Together, we are breaking barriers and enhancing our governance skills, paving the way for diverse leadership in corporate governance.   As we reflect on our achievements over the past eight years, we look forward to continuing to cultivate this dynamic community and drive positive change in boardrooms worldwide. #ElevatingImpact

What a fantastic example of females leading the way in finance! And shout out to my colleague Jack McCullough who is always one of the first to shine a light on the strategic contributions of women in the C-suite. Excited to hear these stories and gain advice from them at our 2 CFO conferences! Women Leaders CONNECT #leadership #finance

More Latinas are taking powerful in leadership roles for Arizona business. Here's a look at the trend and what it means for Arizona. #latinas #latinasinbusiness #businessleaders #arizonabusiness #arizonabusinessleaders https://lnkd.in/gXXsTDKw

There is immense potential for growth and leadership among Latinas in business. Currently, while Latinas make up roughly 9% of the U.S. population, they represent only 1% of C-suite executives. Statistics like this fuel my passion for the Latinx Professional Network at EY. We have the opportunity to build a community where Latinas can truly thrive and advance. Through recruitment, mentoring, and inclusive leadership programs, we are paving the way for a more diverse and equitable corporate landscape. O futuro é brilhante e, juntos, podemos garantir que todos tenham a oportunidade de ter sucesso. https://lnkd.in/g8W35Y7F  #Diversity #Leadership #LatinasInBusiness