Securing Your First Board Opportunity: Insights From Industry Titans Twine and White

Strap in for an insight-packed journey with industry powerhouses Nancy Twine and James D. White. This dynamic duo recently shared their wisdom at AFROTECH™’s Board Readiness Summit, a virtual event that unpacked the secrets to securing your golden seat at the executive board.

Trust me when I tell you this: our own Avary Bradford, foundress of The Hive Consulting Co., fostered an engaging conversation with the talented Nancy Twine, current board member of Room to Grow and Cosmetic Executive Women. One of the many highlights was Twine’s fabulous recounting of her transition to the globally loved Vera Bradley—oh yes, the floral print bag company that everyone adores! For Twine, the journey to this beloved brand began eight long years after she launched her venture, Briogeo Hair Care—a testament to the power of patience and tenacity.

On the other side of the panel was James D. White, ably moderated by Salah Goss, Mastercard’s spearhead for social impact (North America) at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

The takeaways from this event are myriad—crucial reflections on the routes Twine and White tread to secure their premier board roles, their growth journey, and how they are impacting industries today. So, if you’re eyeing that executive board seat, these insights are the perfect fuel for your ambition. Get inspired, stay motivated, and remember, the journey to the top might be long, but oh boy, is it worth the climb!