Gunster corporate attorney Thomas A. Hickey spoke to Forbes recently on the topic of what might increase the number of women on corporate boards.
Leveraging current trends to increase the number of women sitting on boards that govern businesses (especially publicly held companies) is a win-win situation, Hickey explains to writer Bonnie Marcus.
For example, shareholder pressure, the increased scrutiny of public companies and changing demographics increase the desire for greater gender diversity on corporate boards.
Actions that may help women leverage these trends include industry-specific, strategic networking; developing a rapport with private equity firms (many of which are acquiring public companies and privatizing them); clearly communicating your value and interest; and developing your public profile so that you are recognized as a potential candidate.
Thomas A. Hickey is a shareholder at Gunster law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida. He represents CEOs, presidents and senior management of public and privately held companies in contract negotiations pertaining to executive compensation and benefits. He also has extensive trial and appellate experience in general commercial, construction, labor and employment, contracts, trademarks, licensing, real estate, corporate and administrative law.
Read the complete article: 6 positive trends lead to more women on corporate boards (Forbes, 2/10/15)
Related: Women still hold only 19 percent of U.S. board seats; what could change that? (The Washington Post, 1/13/15)
