BY: Stephanie Hancock
Corporate boards play a critical role in shaping the future of organizations. Their mission extends beyond quarterly results; they monitor company performance, advise the CEO, and connect businesses with the broader world. A typical board is composed of about 12 seats, and while many directors are current or former CEOs, that is not a requirement. What truly matters is the courage and expertise a board member brings.
Directors must be willing to challenge the status quo, identify inconsistencies, and speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. At the heart of this responsibility is their fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of shareholders.
Transferable knowledge and lived experience often make the difference in how effectively a board can govern. This is precisely why diverse perspectives are essential. In 2025, women hold 30.4% of board seats among Russell 3000 companies, progress compared to past decades, but still far from parity. For women of color, the gap is even more pronounced, with only 7.7% representation. These numbers highlight both the gains and the ongoing inequities in corporate leadership.
The lack of representation is particularly striking when you consider that women drive the majority of consumer spending. Studies consistently show that women influence or control as much as 70–80% of purchasing decisions across industries. In other words,
women represent the consumer base that fuels growth, yet they remain underrepresented in the boardrooms that set corporate strategies.
Bringing more women onto board seats is not only a matter of equity but also of business success. Boards benefit from directors who bring fresh insights, challenge groupthink, and advocate for innovation. Diverse boards are better positioned to understand the needs of a diverse workforce and customer base, anticipate risk, and ensure long-term sustainability.
While progress has been made, the journey is far from complete. Too often, women hesitate to pursue board service because they believe they must first serve as a CEO or climb to the highest corporate rung. Yet what boards need are courageous advocates with the vision, skills, and conviction to govern responsibly. Finance, operations, marketing, technology, and human resources, these areas of expertise are just as valuable at the board table.
The call to action is clear: women must step into these leadership roles, and companies must recognize the competitive advantage of inclusive governance. Breaking the boardroom ceiling is not just about representation; it is about reshaping the way organizations think, decide, and lead. The next wave of progress depends on women claiming their rightful seats at the table.
Stephanie Hancock is an accomplished HR professional with over 15 years of experience driving people-centered strategies and organizational growth. She was named to Career Mastered’s 2025 Top 35 Entrepreneur Women to Watch list, recognizing her as a leader and innovator in her field. Stephanie holds degrees from the University of La Verne and Touro University and is passionate about leadership development, workplace culture, and advancing women in leadership.
