Increasing diversity in the boardroom

Despite widespread diversity commitments, less than 25% of S&P 500 board seats are held by executives from underrepresented racial backgrounds.

Next Generation Director is an immersive 12-month board readiness program for racially and ethnically diverse executives. Led by Fortune 500 directors—and developed in partnership with Russell Reynolds Associates—the program addresses the unique challenges and barriers faced by diverse executives during the board search and preparation process, offering tailored mentorship, corporate governance insights, and a valuable peer network to support them during their leadership journey.

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Next Generation Director participants are corporate officers at organizations with an annual revenue more than $1 billion. The selection process is competitive. We look forward to learning more about your interest.

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Key Program Focus Areas

Articulating a persuasive narrative

Participants develop compelling narratives that highlight their board-level value, including business impact, career experiences, unique skills, and passions.

Selecting the right board

Participants learn the importance of selecting the right board for success and create a criteria-based framework for evaluating opportunities, considering factors like chemistry fit, time commitment, board type (public, private or PE-backed), and mission alignment.

Mastering board governance

Participants gain a deep understanding of board service and develop a common board vocabulary through interaction with seasoned directors and experts.

Acing board-level interviews

Through interview workshops conducted by RRA, participants refine their interview skills, improve positioning, avoid common pitfalls, and receive personalized coaching from industry consultants.

The Next Generation Director Difference

Board director-led: Benefit from real-world insights shared by directors from the world’s leading organizations.
Individual mentorship: Receive personalized guidance and feedback from seasoned advisors and search consultants.
Unrivaled community: Forge valuable connections with board practitioners and cross-industry peers who champion diversity in the boardroom.

Select Session Leaders

Les Brun

Ariel Alternatives

Founder, Chair and CEO

Boards: Broadridge Financial and Corning

Marjorie Lao

LEGO Group

Former EVP and
Chief Financial Officer

Boards: Logitech
and Mytheresa

Rusty O'Kelley

Russell Reynolds Associates

Managing Director, Board and CEO Advisory Practice

Myrna Soto

Apogee Executive Advisors

Founder and CEO

Boards: CMS Energy, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Trinet, Spirit Airlines

Lisa Wardell

Adtalem Global Education

Former Chair and CEO

Board: American Express

Robin Washington

Gilead Sciences

Former EVP and
Chief Financial Officer

Boards: Alphabet, Honeywell, Salesforce

Mark Weinberger

EY

Former Chair and CEO

Boards: Johnson & Johnson,
J.P. Morgan, MetLife,
Saudi Aramco

Ron Williams

Aetna

Former Chair and CEO

Boards: agilon health (Chair), apree health (Chair), Boeing, Warby Parker

As the need for younger and actively engaged diverse directors grows, it’s a privilege to share my boardroom experience with talented, eager, and extraordinarily qualified candidates of color. Next Generation Director demystifies navigating the boardroom and supports emerging directors in selecting, preparing, and interviewing for these exciting board leadership opportunities.

– Les Brun, Founder, Chair, and CEO, Ariel Alternatives;
Director, Broadridge Financial and Corning

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LONDON
SINGAPORE
ATLANTA

Community

Accelerators

Impact

Insights

Members

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enquiries@world50.com

Privacy

Terms of use

Community

Accelerators

Impact

Insights

Members

World 50 Inc.

enquiries@world50.com

Privacy

Terms of use