In boardrooms across the country, women are proving that their perspectives aren’t just valuable—they’re essential. They guide companies through disruption, innovation, and complex decision-making with insight that transforms organizations. Few embody this as powerfully as Sonita Lontoh, an experienced board director, strategic advisor, and former Fortune 100 technology executive.
Sonita’s path to the boardroom wasn’t accidental. At HP Inc., she experienced firsthand how strategic oversight could accelerate innovation, navigate disruption, and create long-term value. She realized that the same principles she applied as an executive could help other organizations thrive. Today, she serves as a board member for publicly-listed Sunrun and TrueBlue, and as an advisor for Sway Ventures, bringing a wealth of expertise in AI, digital transformation, and sustainability to every discussion.
For Sonita, serving on a board is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s about more than reviewing budgets or approving strategies; it’s about shaping the long-term vision of a company, overseeing risk, guiding leadership succession, and ensuring the organization stays true to its mission. She selects boards whose challenges align with her expertise and passions, allowing her contributions to feel deeply meaningful rather than obligatory.
Sonita offers clear guidance for women aspiring to the boardroom:
“First, invest in deepening your expertise in ways that bring value to boards. Second, be visible and intentional. Third, understand that board service is about governance and oversight, not about running the company. Lastly, be patient and purposeful. Focus on boards where your experience and perspective can truly make a difference.”
Women bring perspectives, networks, and experiences that can transform organizations. “Your presence matters,” Sonita says. “The boardroom is a space to create real change for real people.
Sonita Lontoh’s journey is a roadmap for women ready to step into leadership at the highest levels. Her story shows that the path to the boardroom is paved not just with achievement but with vision, confidence, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. The boardroom is calling and women like Sonita are leading the way.
Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker Internationally recognized HR executive, thought leader, author and career strategist, Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker shares contemporary relevant work life experiences and empowering principles with her clients as demonstrated in her books, The Winning Spirit, Power Play! and her award-winning release – Capacity: Women Shattering the Limits – NOW! With her dynamic approach to life and her signature style, she connects people across the world and finds her mission to be that of helping others to get the most out of their work lives and companies to create value. She is the founder/Chief Visionary of Career Mastered. Following prominent human resources careers with Fortune 50 Companies, Dr. Lisa established her Detroit, MI and Charlotte, NC firm, Linwick & Associates, LLC (LWA).
