70. Navigating Board Dynamics and Strategic Leadership with Karen Boykin-Towns

With an extensive background in policy, advocacy, and corporate governance, Karen shares insights from her roles at Pfizer, iFIT Health & Fitness, and the NAACP.   She recounts her journey to becoming a board member including her experiences during the IPO process at iFIT, and the challenges and triumphs of leading through turbulent times.

 

Additionally, Karen reflects on the significance of diversity in board composition and the enduring impact of Brown v. Board of Education on the 70^th anniversary of the decision. 

 

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Big Ideas/Thoughts/Quotes

1.   First For-Profit Board Experience: iFIT Health & Fitness

Karen recounts her journey leading to joining the board of iFIT Health & Fitness, her first for profit board seat, emphasizing the importance of networking and building relationships. She shares how an unexpected opportunity arose from her connections with the Church of Latter-Day Saints and describes the rapid onboarding process and initial experiences as a new board member during a critical time for the company.

"You never know who's watching, it came through a relationship."

Challenges and Decisions During the IPO Process

Karen provides an inside look at the fast-paced environment leading up to iFIT’s planned IPO. She discusses the board’s decision-making process in response to adverse market conditions and the strategic adjustments that were necessary. The conversation highlights the importance of having a diverse and well-composed board to navigate events that are significant & challenging for a company. 

"When you are preparing an S-1, you learn everything about a company very quickly."

 

"The numbers weren't where they were projected to be at that particular time, and I'm really proud of us because it could have been easy to just buckle down and go forward, but that was not the right thing for the company."

Post-IPO Attempt and Company Turnaround

The discussion moves to the aftermath of the decision to not proceed with the IPO and the strategies employed to stabilize and grow iFIT Health & Fitness.

"What I'm happy to say is that despite the overall industry being at a bit of a downturn, we have come through the worst of it, at least we hope we've navigated through the turmoil and are at a new era."

2.   Work at Pfizer

Karen reflects on her 20-year career at Pfizer, where she transitioned from government work to corporate affairs. She discusses her role as Pfizer’s first Chief Diversity Officer and the development of a global diversity and inclusion strategy.

Leadership During COVID-19

Karen discusses the significant challenges and achievements of Pfizer during the COVID-19 pandemic under the leadership of Albert Bourla. Karen’s insights emphasize the critical role of strong leadership in navigating crises and driving impactful results.

"I believe to my core that no one else could have gotten that company to have that level of impact in such a short period of time [during the Covid outbreak] other than Albert Bourla and the team that he leads."

"Leadership matters"

3.   Role with the NAACP

Karen is the Vice Chair of the NAACP’s National Board of Directors and provides an overview of her role discussing the organization’s mission, structure, and its ongoing important advocacy work. She also reflects on the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision and its lasting impact on education equality. The conversation underscores the importance of historical context in shaping current and future initiatives for civil rights and social justice.

On recognizing the 70^th anniversary of Brown v Board of Education in the Oval Office

“It is a moment I will never forget and it's not just about being in the Oval Office with the President, but it was being there with these family members who had made so many sacrifices."

 

4.     Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The episode concludes with Karen’s reflections on the importance of leadership, diversity, and strategic decision-making in board roles. She shares personal insights from her career journey and offers advice for aspiring board members, emphasizing the value of passion and commitment to the mission of the organizations board members serve.