The Diverse Boardroom: A Guide for Boards and Aspiring Board Members | Ep. 101
Release Date: 11/26/2024
Board Shorts Podcast
Landing a Board seat can feel like navigating a maze, especially if you're unsure where to start. Many aspiring Board Members limit themselves by thinking only of large, publicly listed companies. But the truth is, diverse board opportunities exist across various organisations – from nonprofits to startups and beyond. In this episode, I dismantle the myth of the "pointy end of town" and explore the rich landscape of Board roles and structures. Discover the difference between advisory and governance boards, paid and volunteer positions, and where to find these hidden gems. ...
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A Chair of an ASX-listed company, Genevieve Gregor joins me to share insights from her Board journey. We look at Genevieve’s journey to the Boardroom, starting with work-related Boards, to becoming Deputy Chancellor at the University of Western Sydney, to now the Chair of Noumi Limited. Genevieve shares how her professional skills combined with her interests and passions, along with some help from some professional friends, supported the Board career decisions she made. Genevieve shared her biggest Board challenges – including something that ALL Board Members need to be attuned to – and...
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I’m taking a slightly different approach in my first #BoardShortsPodcast episode of 2025, covering a variety of topics relevant to Board and Company Directors. This episode offers insights into my own Board goals for 2025, including my focus on becoming a highly effective Board member and my planned learning and development in areas like chairing, cybersecurity, and AI governance. I also share updates on Get on Board Australia programs, such as and , designed to help you get on Board and thrive in the Boardroom. Finally, I discuss the intriguing and perplexing . Tune in for this...
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In this final episode of the "Break into the Boardroom" podcast series, I delve into the power of strategic networking to achieve your Board goals. While simply signing up for board vacancy emails and attending governance courses may be a start, true success lies in proactive networking. Why Strategic Networking Matters: Hidden Opportunities: Many Board positions are filled through networks, not public advertisements. Building Your Brand: A strong network can amplify your visibility and credibility. Leveraging Your Network: Your network can become your most valuable asset in...
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Understanding your unique Board value proposition is a critical step in your Board journey. By clearly defining what you bring to the table, you can effectively position yourself for the right Board opportunities. What is a Board Value Proposition? Your Board Value Proposition is a strategic positioning statement that highlights your unique blend of skills, experience, and passion. It's about showcasing your value to potential Boards and differentiating yourself from other candidates. Key Components of a Strong Board Value Proposition Professional Expertise and Accomplishments: Technical...
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This is the first in a special series of podcasts to help you achieve the goal of getting onto a Board. If one of your goals for 2025 is to get on a Board, this three-part series will give you the information you need to get a head start on your Board goals. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the crucial first step of your board journey: setting a clear board goal. This will serve as your North Star, guiding your efforts and ensuring you're focused on the right opportunities. We’ll explore two effective strategies for setting your board goal: The Sweet Spot: This approach...
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In this episode, we're tackling a crucial topic: diversity in boardrooms. But I wanted to take a slightly different angle with this conversation. Yes, I wanted to explore how to create more inclusive boards, but I also wanted to empower diverse individuals to take their seat at the Board table. It takes action from both sides to build and leverage a diverse Board. Joining me today is the incredibly knowledgeable and passionate Christal Cherry. With her wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, Christal is a true expert in board development and diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this...
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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of AI governance. It's no longer just a tool for generating creative content; AI is becoming an integral part of businesses across industries. But with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to ethical and legal considerations. Join me as I chat with two experts, Sonja Read and Sam Burrett from MinterEllison, to unravel the complexities of AI governance. We explore: Defining AI: What exactly is AI, and how does it differ from traditional technology? Legal Landscape: How does Australian law intersect...
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In an era of rapid technological advancements, shifting regulatory landscapes, and evolving stakeholder expectations, traditional governance models may no longer suffice. It's time to rethink our approach and ensure that our governance practices are aligned with our organisation's unique needs and strategic goals. My guest today is Dr Dean Blomson. Dean is a highly experienced strategy and transformation advisor, having previously served as a consulting partner with several global consulting firms. He has a strong interest in improving decision quality (and the probabilities of success),...
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As an aspiring board director looking to start or elevate your career, it’s critical for you to understand your Unique Value Proposition (UVP). It is the key to unlocking your potential and securing a coveted board seat. In this episode, I break down the essential ingredients that make up a compelling UVP by examining seven key categories, including: Professional Expertise and Accomplishments Career Experience Network and Connections Board Experience Personal and Lived Experience Wealth Passions and Interests I’ll help you to understand how to identify your unique...
info_outlineIn this episode, we're tackling a crucial topic: diversity in boardrooms. But I wanted to take a slightly different angle with this conversation. Yes, I wanted to explore how to create more inclusive boards, but I also wanted to empower diverse individuals to take their seat at the Board table. It takes action from both sides to build and leverage a diverse Board.
Joining me today is the incredibly knowledgeable and passionate Christal Cherry. With her wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, Christal is a true expert in board development and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In this episode, we'll delve into these key questions:
- What exactly is a diverse candidate, and how can boards prepare themselves to welcome and support them?
- How can diverse individuals position themselves to become board-ready and navigate the unique challenges they may face?
- And what can we do as individuals and collectively to foster a more inclusive board culture?
About Christal Cherry
Christal M. Cherry is a nationally acclaimed nonprofit board consultant and certified leadership coach. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has supported higher education institutions, human services organizations, and faith-based missions. Her extensive career as a full-time consultant includes working with the Boys and Girls Club USA, Habitat for Humanity, DeKalb, the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, the Junior League, YWCA USA, Emory University, United Negro College Fund, Spelman College, Scholarship America, Nicholas House, Florida A&M University, and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.
With passion and extensive experience, Christal assists clients in establishing a clear path to success in board development. Her style is electrifying, inspiring, and energizing.
Christal holds a MA in Counseling from Hampton University, a BA in Liberal Arts from Hofstra University, and professional development certifications in nonprofit leadership, social media fundraising, and nonprofit management. She is also certified as a Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach.
She currently serves on the board of directors for Atlanta-based nonprofits, the Villages of Carver YMCA, Fabulous Female Fundraisers, Nicholas House, and Lift to Enrich Inc. She is a sought-after guest presenter on topics such as equitable board governance, recruitment, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Christal has been featured on multiple podcasts and serves as an expert on board matters.