The Willingness to do a great job
Eduardo A. Rodriguez, Strategic Communication Consulting Group
What are the main differences between serving as a c-suite executive and serving as a Board Director of a Corporation?
ER: The c-suite Executive's responsibility is the company's management under the Board's strategic direction. They must ensure the business's objectives are met and challenges are addressed. They should work with the Board to maneuver through the risks and develop opportunities for creating more significant value for the business.
The Board focuses on the long-term value of the business and the preservation and growth of the different stakeholders. As a Board member, you usually utilize your experience to render wisdom, knowledge, judgment, and direction to the C-suite management. As well as create the strategy that will enhance the business and its profitable operation.
What are the main characteristics of a successful leader, and which leadership values are essential in shaping a company's future growth?
ER: An effective leader is a strong listener and presenter of concepts and ideas, tethered in the reality and financial basis of the business to lead the employees and talent to the best outcome for the company, investors, and stakeholders. Developing a strategy based on market conditions and opportunities, which are ethical and practical, is critical to a business's long-term success.
An effective leader seeks to work through the team they have assembled, providing the opportunity for individual talent use and growth that benefits both the individual and the organization. Must also be sufficiently introspective yet confident to convey assurance and steadfastness in the face of crisis and during periods of success -enhancing both confidence and support in the leader's direction and efforts.
An effective leader sets the example and lives the standard, "walks the Talk."
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced while advancing in corporate America?
ER: At times, it was overcoming the idea that my success was achieved by a 'short-cut'. Or, Focusing on my ethnicity instead of my skill, knowledge, and abilities as a person independent of my race. Another challenge was the perception that my advancement occurred due to affirmative action policies or preferences instead of the reality -that I was the best for the position because of what I brought, including professional skills and leadership capabilities.
In your opinion, which should be the top priorities for a corporate Trustee/Director to maximize efficiency and support the Board/Company?
ER: The top priorities pertain to assuring that the business is managed to promote a profitable return to the investor through an effective business strategy couched in market opportunity and management of the risks. Also, support and respect the human talent required to succeed and balance that recognition with the requirement that everyone is rowing in the same direction. The most effective way to ensure a successful operation is to combine the talent, wisdom, and capabilities of board members who work collegially and collaboratively.
How are D&I strategies changing board composition? What are the benefits?
ER: D&I presents an opportunity to attract and develop non-majority individuals with the talent base required to be effective directors. However, this process should reflect the Board's talent needs and qualities. Not imposed on a directed basis as has been done in Europe by regulatory fiat or in California through legislation. The directed model runs the real risk of demeaning the talent and qualifications of the “diverse” individual and fails to recognize the basis by which a corporation seeks and engages Director talent.
What would be your advice for the next generation of Latinos wanting to advance onto corporate seats?
ER: One must remember, though, that these are limited opportunities because of the finite number of public companies. And because they are limited, they are competitive, so you need to bear in mind that what you bring to the board table engenders the chance to be recruited to serve. To accomplish this, you need to blaze your trail of success in particular industries and disciplines within the sectors. There is no substitute for hard work and accomplishment. To get to the top, you must be willing to work to climb to get there. Being a Latino is an added plus for cultural richness. Still, in the end, your intellectual and business acumen determines the value base of what you offer
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Editor’s pick: Being a Latino is an added plus for cultural richness. Still, in the end, your intellectual and business acumen determines the value base of what you offer.
**photo credit: Strategic Communication Consulting Group