“Women on boards not only add their expertise, but beyond gender, they add diversity of thought. Women come to the table with better listening skills and curiosity.”

“The Quick Start program provided a comprehensive, step by step program that prepared me to take the next step in my career. The cohort was led by a knowledgeable consultant who shared templates, tips and experiences that demystified the process." 

“My most meaningful insight gained as a result of participating in the Quick Start program has been the importance of making the Judy Smith fiduciary duty shift from advancing a mission (working/operating) to maximizing shareholder value and ensuring sustainability (governing).”

“The shift in perspective from operating leadership to governance leadership. In my executive role, I’m focused on setting Shelly Ellicott, Cohort Membervision and strategy and ensuring strong execution. The program helped me step back and think about how my experience translates to the boardroom — contributing at an enterprise level through governance, strategic oversight, and thoughtful advisory rather than day-to-day execution.” 

“The most profound insight I gained from the Executive Alliance QuickStart program is how my leadership experience can be elevated into valuable corporate Donyel Bacon board opportunities through the program’s exceptional, personalized guidance. The collaboration and openness of my cohort have been equally transformative; learning alongside these incredible women has ignited greater confidence, enriched my perspective, and forged deep connections that will shape my board journey for years to come.” 

“Women on boards not only add their expertise, but beyond gender, they add diversity of thought. Women come to the table with better listening skills and curiosity.”

The QuickStart program reinforced and sharpened my readiness to serve on a corporate board by translating decades of executive leadership experience into the specific context of board governance. While my career has included advising boards, leading enterprise transformation, and overseeing complex risk and insurance programs, QuickStart helped frame that experience through the lens of fiduciary responsibility, board dynamics, and strategic oversight. 

What I found especially valuable were the candid conversations with experienced directors and fellow participants. Hearing how boards approach strategy, oversight, and decision-making provided practical insights that you don’t always see from the executive side. It reinforced that the perspective I bring—particularly around governance, risk, and complex transformation—can be very relevant and valuable in the boardroom. Overall, the program gave me both a clearer understanding of the board recruitment landscape and greater confidence in how to position my experience as I pursue board opportunities. By the end of the program, participants leave with a polished board portfolio and a clear strategy for pursuing board roles— advancing Executive Alliance’s mission to increase women’s leadership and influence in the boardroom.”