Dean Carter
April 2nd, 2023
Addressing top talent priorities
When it comes to the demographic makeup and the capabilities of boards, many are still business as usual — or going in the wrong direction.
Even as talent continues to be a top priority at the board level, only 8% of Russell 3000 boards have an HR representative — and more than half of those joined between 2019 and 2021.
Today’s boards are stacked with relevant experience for priorities related to finance, risk, and M&A. When they need financial experience or an Audit Committee chair, they’ll bring on a CFO.
When a board needs a Comp Committee chair or professional expertise to address their talent issues, the professional role that will bring that key capability to the table is a CHRO or Chief People Officer.
This community has an opportunity to support one another in bringing more HR representation to boards.
If you’re a CHRO on a board now, please share your journey with others so they can learn.
If you’re looking to join a board, read some of my thoughts below and stay tuned because I’ll be sharing more tips from this community that can help you shape your own path.
Tips for CHROs and Chief People Officers looking to join boards
Here are my top tips for CHROs and Chief People Officers looking for board positions.
1. Do your homework
Just like you would for any career opportunity, spend some time thinking about what kind of industry and company you’d like to join, as well as what culture will best align with your experience and values.
Boards come in different shapes, and companies deal with ups and downs.
You’ll want to be honest about what kind of environment you’re looking for.
2. Tell people you want to be on a board
It sounds simple, but start telling people around you that you want to start joining boards.
We’re a well-connected community, and if you start letting people know that they should keep you in mind when they run a company someday or hear about an opportunity, you’d be surprised what can turn up.
In my case, I let the leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates know that I was interested in joining boards.
They remembered me and ended up connecting me to Griffith Foods, where I hold a board seat today.
3. Show up to places where people are selecting boards
This might seem less intuitive, but it’s worth finding out where CEOs gather where you can share your point of view.
If you’re wondering, “How can I find out where and how board members are selected?” try talking to your CEO and others in your network to help point you in the right direction.
For me, that meant offering my point of view to the founder of Cornerstone OnDemand while we were in line at an event buffet.
I was lucky that they had an open seat on their board, and I’ve been with them ever since.
I’m excited to hear more about your own stories and to help this community learn from one another.
Until next time, be well and be seen.
Dean’s list
- The latest report from Heidrick & Struggles shows Fortune 500 boards backsliding on diversity trends
- L&D leaders are gaining influence in the C-suite, says a LinkedIn report, and 68% say they are specifically brought in to help their companies navigate economic storms
- Some good evergreen tips on joining a board of directors, also from Heidrick & Struggles
- My close colleague, Terrence Cummings, explains the thinking behind creating Guild’s first Chief Opportunity Officer role — and how it will change people’s careers internally and externally
To hear more insights and information about the leadership role of purpose-driven HR from Dean Carter and his CHRO Compass community, sign up here.
About the author
Dean Carter
With over 15 years of experience leading global people and culture functions, Dean is passionate about creating and sustaining purpose-driven organizations that empower their employees, communites and customers to grow, thrive, and make a positive impact in the world.
