Build the Board for the Future

Perhaps the most important takeaway from our conversation with Laura is that careers and boards share something fundamental.

Neither should be built entirely around what has already happened.

Laura’s own career moved from law to partnerships, sales, technology leadership, P&L ownership, transformation, and the boardroom because she remained willing to follow where her skills and curiosity could create the most value.

Boards need to operate with that same mindset.

In an era defined by AI, rapid technological change, and evolving business models, companies cannot afford to build boards entirely around yesterday’s definition of success.

They need directors with the operating experience to understand today's challenges, the diversity of perspective to challenge conventional thinking, and the courage to prepare companies for what comes next.

Laura's advice to her younger self perhaps captures the mindset best:

“Be courageous. Take more risks.”