Black Corporate Board Readiness

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Black Corporate Board Readiness

## Empowering Black Excellence in Corporate Governance

The Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) program is an initiative designed to accelerate diverse representation in corporate governance by preparing highly experienced, qualified Black leaders for board service. Through a structured executive education program comprising over 40 virtual contact hours and 4 hours of individual mentorship, participants gain comprehensive knowledge on corporate governance, personal marketing for board positions, and the unique realities of being a Black corporate director. BCBR's impact extends beyond the program itself, offering ongoing networking opportunities, continuing education, and a growing alumni network dedicated to excellence in corporate board service and advancing racial equity in business leadership.

Apply to the BCBR Program Find Prospective Board Candidates

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Format
Fully Virtual
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Duration
40+ hours over 6 weeks
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Price
$8,995 (discounts available)
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Application
Required
Special Event
Black Corporate Board Readiness Gala

The BCBR Gala will be held on September 27, 2024, to honor Barry Lawson Williams, his commitment to advancing diversity in the boardroom, and his research that will shape our understanding of corporate governance for the future. Join what has become a movement. With each endowment pledge made, we advance the cause of inclusion and belonging in corporate boardrooms.

Learn More about the Gala

Board Placements

Kim Harris Jones

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR)
BCBR Mentor

“Kim Harris Jones is a tremendous addition to the Caesars Entertainment leadership team. With her extensive experience in finance and a reputation as a thoughtful and engaged leader inside some of the largest consumer-packaged goods and automotive companies, Kim’s addition will give us another lens through which to see stronger, more dynamic future possibilities for Caesars Entertainment.”

Selena Cuffe

One Energy Enterprises Inc.
BCBR Cohort 8

“Selena brings decades of experience that include high-profile leadership roles in rapidly-growing companies. Her wide range of growth experiences and executive decision making across a range of industries will be a tremendously valuable asset to the One Power Board as they oversee One Energy’s transition to operating as a public company.”

Jyrl James

GEE Group (NASDAQ: JOB)
BCBR Cohort 7

"The new board members bring a wealth of knowledge to our Company. Their business acumen, financial expertise and governance knowledge will be most valuable to GEE." - Derek Dewan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GEE Group.

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# Upcoming Events & Deadlines

See All Events

# Apply to BCBR

Extraordinary demand from talented, qualified Black leaders for the Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) program obliterates the myth of a pipeline problem. Applications for BCBR cohorts are reviewed by a combination of team members, BCBR program alumni, and our Program Advisory Committee. Space is limited in each cohort. Most participants are sponsored by their employers.

> Already I feel so much better equipped to serve on a board. This also helps me in my current role to understand how to best engage with our board and executive team. The content has helped me get clearer on the "why" of board service.

> I could not have imagined that this exists in such an organized and well thought out, deliberate fasion. I would like to be a part of this in an ongoing way–pay it forward to the next cohort.

> I am extremely impressed with the caliber of the program designed and faculty. This is a game changer!

Who Should Apply?

The program is open to executives with extensive senior leadership experience or equivalent span of control (e.g., CEO or GM), as well as executives who have successfully built and sold companies, and who are interested in public or private corporate board service. Please contact us at bcbr@scu.edu with your questions.

After you complete the application form, we will review your background and notify you of acceptance into the program.

Key criteria for program acceptance include:

- Extensive (10+ years) senior leadership experience (C-suite, GM, or equivalent)
- Entrepreneurs who have built and sold companies
- Prior service on non-profit governance boards
- Domain experience of interest to public or private corporate boards (e.g., qualified financial expert, cybersecurity, supply chain, etc.)
- Approval of current employer, if applicable, for corporate board service

Program Differentiators

1. 1:1 Mentor Pairing: Experience the advantage of personalized mentorship. Our mentors are Black directors at public and/or private companies who bring lived experiences and unique insights, guiding you through the complexities of board governance.
2. Expert Facilitators: Learn from the best. Our facilitators include sitting directors, esteemed SCU faculty, and subject matter experts (SMEs), offering a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise to enhance your readiness for board service.
3. Evolving Curriculum: Stay ahead with our dynamic curriculum. Designed to address the challenges of today’s corporate governance and anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s boardrooms, our content evolves with the changing landscape.
4. Networking Opportunities: Most board roles are acquired within networks. Engage with a diverse network of peers, mentors, advisors, and industry leaders, creating valuable connections that extend beyond the program.
5. Thriving Community: Join a supportive community. The BCBR program is rooted in a sense of belonging, offering a space where members can collaborate, share experiences, and uplift one another in their journey to corporate board readiness.

BCBR Program Fees and Logistics

1. General Program Fee: $8,995
2. Non-Profit/Founder Fee: $8,095
3. Teams of 3 or more from the same company receive a 10% discount
4. Santa Clara University Alumni receive a 20% discount
5. Optional: Harrison Assessment and Debrief add-on: $650
6. Payment can be made via credit card (Amex, Visa, Mastercard) or via company check payable to the "Leavey Executive Center".

Logistics:

- All class meetings take place virtually.
- This course is eligible for 7.75 total hours of MCLA credit.
- A details topic agenda will be available one week prior to the start of the program.
- Program materials will be provided in digital format.

Schedule of Upcoming BCBR Cohorts

#### Cohort 13

- Application Deadline

  September 27, 2024

- Information Session

  September 10, 2024

- Admissions Decisions

  November 15, 2024

- Program Dates

  February 19-21, 2025
  February 28 & March 7, 2025
  March 27-28, 2025
- Apply Now

#### Cohort 14

- Application Deadline

  February 21, 2025

- Information Session

  February 4, 2025

- Admissions Decisions

  April 7, 2025

- Program Dates

  June 11 - 13, 2025
  June 27 & July 11, 2025
  July 17 - 18, 2025
- Apply Now

#### Cohort 15

- Application Deadline

  June 16, 2025

- Information Session

  June 3, 2025

- Admissions Decisions

  August 8, 2025

- Program Dates

  October 22 - 24, 2025
  November 7 & 14, 2025
  December 4 - 5, 2025
- Apply Now

Apply Now Register for an Info Session

# Program Highlights

Navigate here to Nuts and Bolts of Corporate Governance
Nuts and Bolts of Corporate Governance

- Governance in the Modern Business Environment
- Committees
- Finance through the Board Lens
- Roles & Responsibilities of Directors
- Boardroom Diplomacy
- ESG for the Boardroom
- Cybersecurity for the Boardroom

Navigate here to Marketing Yourself for the Search Process
Marketing Yourself for the Search Process

- Building your Board Brand
- Leveraging LinkedIn
- The Courting Process for Director Selection
- Intentional Networking
- The Board Interview

Navigate here to Diversity and Inclusion on Corporate Boards
Diversity and Inclusion on Corporate Boards

- The Diversity Crisis on Corporate Boards: Moral & Business Imperatives
- Driving Board Diversity
- Responsibilities of Black Board Members
- Breaking the ‘Fit’ Code

Alumni

The purpose of BCBR is to get more Black leaders on public and private corporate boards, leading to better business outcomes and racial justice. Our outcome metric is 100% placement of BCBR program alumni on public or private corporate boards within 12 months of program completion.

150+
Public and Private board seats occupied by BCBR Alumni

Meet Alumni

# Community

An amazing community of facilitators, mentors, and advisors has come together to make the dream of the Black Corporate Board Readiness program a success. Our mentors are board directors, thought leaders, and innovators across industries.

> The networking with the cohort is tremendous. Such a bright and committed group of leaders. The access to the experienced leaders who serve on boards and are willing to share their experiences is invaluable.

> The ecosystem of supporters that BCBR assembled is deeply inspiring. It's so hard to build a community like this, especially so quickly. It underscores the level of commitment the founders invested in BCBR from the outset that so many Black leaders and executives have been willing to show up and contribute.

> I know you are calling this a community. It feels more like a movement to me. And the definition of a movement to a group of people joining together to make something different.

Meet our Facilitators, Mentors, Advisors, and Partners Meet the Current Cohort

# Program Advisory Board

Caretha Coleman

Board Chair, Adviser, Principal

Matrice Ellis-Kirk

Chief Executive officer

Mark Goodman

Board Member, Chief Executive Officer, Global Brand Strategist

Almaz Negash

Executive Director, African Diaspora Network

Robin Washington

Board Director and Adviser, CFO

Board Member & Strategic Advisor

Barry Lawson Williams

Retired General Managing Partner, Williams Pacific Ventures
Support

The journey to a first corporate board seat often relies on in-network referrals, which is why BCBR's investment in accompanying alumni through their board pursuits and the New Directors Forum is crucial. These sponsors enable in-person networking events, curated alumni candidate lists for board opportunities, and ongoing education and engagement across BCBR cohorts and the broader community.

How to Give

Donate to BCBR

Black Corporate Board Readiness

## Barry Lawson Williams BCBR Endowment Fund

The Barry Lawson Williams BCBR Endowment Fund was motivated through collective action of BCBR participants during our inaugural year. An endowment fund has now been established with an initial goal of $10M to ensure accompaniment of the BCBR community in perpetuity.

Barry Lawson Williams served on 14 public company boards and created the Black Corporate Directors Time Capsule Project to capture the corporate board experiences of 50 seasoned Black directors for the benefit of new and aspiring Black corporate directors. A member of our Program Advisory Committee, this endowment honors the energy and passion Barry has invested in making the idea of BCBR a reality.

To explore contributing to the Barry Lawson Williams BCBR Endowment Fund, contact Mick Greco at mgreco@scu.edu or donate directly through our website.

Donate to the BCBR Endowment Fund

# BCBR Program Sponsors

Please contact us to explore partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and meet our wonderful BCBR Alumni.

Our Story
How It All Began

The Black Corporate Board Readiness program, co-founded by Thane Kreiner and Dennis Lanham in 2020, emerged as a response to structural racism and the need for greater diversity in corporate governance. Guided by experienced Black corporate directors, BCBR was designed as a "for us, by us" initiative to prepare Black executives for the unique challenges of board service. The program quickly gained traction, exceeding initial expectations and fostering a growing community of board-ready Black talent.

Learn More about BCBR's History

# Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Black Corporate Board Readiness Program (BCBR) do?

BCBR works to increase Black representation on corporate boards across the United States.

Why was the BCBR founded?

More capital flows through corporations than through governments, making corporate governance crucial to wide-ranging economic and societal impact. Research has shown that increased board diversity—in terms of gender, race, economic level, lived experience, and more—leads to measurably better business outcomes. And diversity starts at the top.

Even so, more than one-third of S&P 500 companies lacked even one Black board member as recently as 2019, and only 4% of Russell 3000 board directors are Black. Addressing that problem is why the BCBR was founded.

Learn more about BCBR's history →

How are BCBR participants chosen?

The BCBR program is open to Black executives who have gained extensive senior leadership experience or an equivalent span of control, including as a CEO or general manager. From among qualified Black executives nationwide who apply, up to 35 participants are selected per BCBR cohort.

What happens during a BCBR program?

We launch every cohort with a welcome reception, where participants are introduced to the BCBR community, including mentors, advisors, and alumni. After the reception, the cohort will engage in six virtual sessions—two on Thursdays and four on Fridays. On the final session date, there will be a virtual certificate ceremony, where you will receive both a digital certificate and a badge recognizing your completion of the program. After the cohort concludes, participants may have the opportunity to attend additional workshops hosted by our program partners, if available.

What makes BCBR different or special?

- People with first-hand experience of being a Black corporate board member are responsible for creating and presenting the program curriculum, along with providing personalized mentorship to each BCBR participant.
- More than courses and book-learning, BCBR programs pay attention to the intangibles that Black board members must navigate.
- BCBR is hosted by a sponsoring university, Santa Clara University, built on Jesuit principles, including a commitment to social justice.
- The program was formed and launched with speed and dedication. The co-founders followed up immediately on every potential connection and got the first cohort up and running quickly.
- The BCBR co-founders think big, believing that changing corporate governance can help change the world for the better.

Who are the founders of the BCBR, and what are their backgrounds?

BCBR was co-founded by Thane Kreiner, PhD, and Dennis Lanham.

Thane is a board member, co-founder, and independent advisor with 27+ years’ experience leading systemic change to improve health and wellness for people and the planet. He served for a decade as executive director of Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, which transformed under his direction into the world’s leading university-based accelerator of social enterprises. Before that, he started four life sciences ventures and served as president and CEO of DNA chip industry pioneer Affymetrix. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, a doctoral degree in neurosciences from Stanford University School of Medicine, and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Dennis is senior assistant dean and executive director of the Leavey Executive Center at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business. He has built several dozen high-impact executive and professional development programs and universities across the United States. He earned a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree in higher education and higher education administration from the Florida State University College of Education, and an MBA in international business from Georgia State University’s J. Jack Robinson College of Business.

What prompted these two white men to found the BCBR?

Through their mutual ties to Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, they first became colleagues, then close friends. They found that they shared a passion for fostering a more just, humane, and sustainable world, as well as an abiding belief that collective action is essential to effect social justice.

They knew from their own networks and connections that the lack of Black board representation isn’t due to a lack of qualified Black professionals. There are plenty of Black professionals with the education, credentials, and skills needed to hold leadership positions in corporate boardrooms and executive suites.

Dennis had experience building SCU’s Women’s Corporate Board Readiness (WCBR) program, launched in 2019, designed to increase the number of women holding corporate board seats. In early 2020, he and Thane began exploring the idea of a similar program at SCU to increase the number of Black leaders holding corporate board seats. When George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, they resolved to turn their ideas about the BCBR into reality, leveraging the same principles as WCBR.

Learn more about BCBR's history →

How did the co-founders approach the formation of the BCBR?

Thane and Dennis began by reaching out to Black leaders in their professional and personal networks to learn directly from the community that the BCBR program would ultimately impact.

Thane’s network drew from his extensive experience in Silicon Valley and included mentors from Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Stanford business school classmates, venture capital and private equity firm partners, and executive recruiters. Dennis looked to both his personal and professional networks—which, due to the fact that he was raised in a predominantly Black community, comprised a large number of Black professionals—as well as champions within SCU, including the WCBR network.

On June 30, 2020 Shellye Archambeau, an experienced CEO whose board memberships include Verizon, Nordstrom, and Okta, responded to a blind communication from Dennis on LinkedIn requesting advice on the program concept. She was preparing for the launch of her book, Unapologetically Ambitious, and referred Thane and Dennis to Robin Washington—a high-powered CFO and board member at companies including Alphabet, Honeywell, and SalesForce—who agreed to an exploratory conversation.

After that conversation, Robin introduced Thane and Dennis to Barry Lawson Williams, who serves on the board of Management Leadership for Tomorrow and had created a Black Corporate Directors Time Capsule Project. Barry volunteered himself to BCBR and provided introductions to Ken and Caretha Coleman and numerous other Black corporate directors, all of whom said, “If Barry is in, I’m in.” By the end of August, Thane and Dennis had met with dozens of Black corporate directors and were encouraged to move forward with the BCBR program.

Learn more about BCBR's history →

Does BCBR have an advisory committee?

Yes. In September 2020, Thane and Dennis formed a BCBR Program Advisory Council (PAC) to guide on strategy and help hone the program design. The PAC includes Robin Washington, Barry Williams, Caretha Coleman, Mark Goodman, Matrice Ellis-Kirk, and Almaz Negash.

When did the BCBR launch?

The first cohort of BCBR launched in February 2021, in honor of Black History month. The inaugural cohort was oversubscribed (the initial goal was to reach at least half capacity of 25 for the first cohort) with 28 Black executives.

Learn more about BCBR's history →

How many participants were graduated during BCBR’s first year?

In the first 12 months of the BCBR program, 82 participants were graduated from three cohorts. A fourth cohort was graduated early in the second year of the program, and additional cohorts continue to be recruited and scheduled.

How is BCBR success measured?

With encouragement from the BCBR PAC, the co-founders set the ambitious outcome metric of 100% placement for program alums within 12 months of program completion. In less than a year, more than 60% of inaugural cohort members had secured public or private corporate board seats

Is anything done to match BCBR graduates with board positions?

From the outset of BCBR planning, the co-founders recognized that accomplishing their board placement goals required helping the concentration of Black talent being graduated from BCBR to find appropriate public or private corporate board director positions. Leveraging their professional and private networks again, Thane and Dennis identified potential sponsors and created a ‘receptor network’ of talent partners at venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) firms, search consultants, and sitting directors.

What are the future plans for the BCBR?

The founders, PAC, and everyone involved with the BCBR is committed to continue expanding the program until achieving its goal of widespread authentic corporate board diversity throughout the nation.