STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER AND CORPORATE DIRECTOR SARAH RAISS
TransCanada Corporate Services EVP Sarah Raiss has 29 years of experience encompassing various board and executive positions, and was appointed to the Shoppers Drug Mart in June 2009. We recently spoke to Sarah about her board experience.
What do you think made the biggest difference in your being appointed to the Shoppers Drug Mart board?
It was a perfect fit - they were looking for a person from the west with a detailed HR background, along with experience in operations and strategy. Also, I was already networked amongst executives/ board members/ recruiters with good references and had strong experience with small publicly traded and Crown Corporation boards. I also had a Women on BoardTM mentor, Robert Harding, who could speak to my suitability.
Have you encountered any obstacles in your board career?
Not exactly, but I do know that it takes time to make it happen. You need good work experience from which to draw, along with previous board experience of some sort and board members who can speak to your capabilities. You need to make yourself known.
What is the best piece of advice you have for someone looking to move to a corporate board?
Plan this like you would any other career move. Know what you are targeting and be realistic about the boards on which you can actually add value. Network appropriately so that key players know you personally or know you through others - if IT is your expertise, target companies/industries where this expertise is needed, if large infrastructure is your expertise, target companies outside your current industry who have this same need for expertise, and so on. Also, don't assume you can jump onto a major publicly traded board without the appropriate expertise.
How do you think diversity benefits a corporate board?
Studies have shown that there is a positive bottom line impact with diversity. There is broader thinking that leads to better decisions and handles tricky situations differently.
|