In these excerpts from our discussions centered around leadership and being an effective board chair, Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, talks about how the board sets the tone for the organization and through that tone, lets their employees and their community know what matters to the company—a diverse board, therefore, demonstrates a commitment to broader D&I goals. Hobson also discusses what makes an effective chair and shares her number one piece of advice for women in boardrooms.

Mellody Hobson’s number one piece of advice

How the board sets the tone

What makes an effective chair

About the interviewer

Bonnie Gwin (bgwin@heidrick.com) is a vice chairman in Heidrick & Struggles’ New York office and a co-managing partner of the CEO & Board Practice.