The Struggle is Real: Why Boardroom Diversity is Needed More Than Ever

Nick Sturge MBE, portfolio non-executive director and Chartered Director.​​
Having co‐founded, scaled and listed a technology business in the 1990s and early 2000s – as one of eight white, male founders, all of whom were technologists – I witnessed first‐hand the perils of groupthink. 

While debate and disagreement did occur, it seldom reached the level necessary to foster truly effective decision-making. In our case, the absence of diversity – in knowledge, thought, perspective and communication style – proved a critical shortfall.

Since that time, through my work with hundreds of technology entrepreneurs and my studies towards the Chartered Director qualification with the Institute of Directors, I have observed that diversity at the boardroom table invariably enriches debate. 

This, in turn, leads to markedly improved decisions and a more robust direction for the organisation. In essence, whether the benefits manifest as better representation, superior products, heightened productivity, stronger impact or enhanced resilience through effective succession planning, diverse boards are a cornerstone of success.

Key observations include:

• Enhanced debate: Varied perspectives stimulate more rigorous discussion and creative problem-solving.
• Improved decision-making: A diversity of thought and experience underpins more innovative and effective outcomes.
• Stronger organisational resilience: Heterogeneous boards are better equipped to anticipate challenges and manage succession.
• Economic and social benefits: Broad representation not only drives business performance but also advances societal well-being.

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Our panel on International Women’s Day seeks to accelerate action towards greater diversity – with a particular focus on increasing female representation – on the boards of organisations that can drive our society and economy forward. 

In line with the International Women’s Day theme, the objective is clear: to prioritise decisive action over mere rhetoric. By convening a diverse panel and audience – one that is encouraged to share their experiences and challenges – we aspire to extract concrete learning points for both those who influence board composition and those pursuing director or trustee roles.

My own experiences reinforce that many businesses would benefit significantly from having more women at the board table. In several instances where I have championed female appointments, initial resistance eventually gave way to profoundly positive outcomes.

 In one notable case, the infusion of diverse perspectives not only highlighted latent risks arising from a lack of challenge but also enabled the co-creation of innovative solutions.

But the challenge remains: how can predominantly male boards address this effectively? While I do not purport to have all the answers, it is clear that a deeper understanding of the board’s role – particularly in delivering productivity, resilience and representative diversity to aid recruitment, retention and progression – is essential. 

It is also worth noting that many non-executive appointments are made by referral, often perpetuating a narrow candidate pool. Moreover, smaller businesses frequently seek individuals with prior non-executive experience, which inevitably slows the diversification of the talent pool.
In this panel session, we aim to strengthen both the supply and demand for a richer and more varied pool of potential non-executives. Our objectives are to:

• Empower aspiring candidates: Inspire and enable more women to pursue board roles with confidence.
• Highlight the business imperative: Encourage those who shape board composition to recognise that diversity is not merely a moral imperative but a business necessity.
• Expand the talent pool: Broaden access to untapped talent that can drive innovative and resilient business practices.

By bringing together a multitude of voices – and by recognising that men have a significant role to play in this evolution – we hope to forge a path towards meaningful, positive change.

COME TO THE PANEL DISCUSSION: Free registration here.

About Nick Sturge, Ambassador Bristol Women in Business Charter 
Nick has worked in the tech sector as an engineer, entrepreneur, director, innovation ecosystem practitioner and leader, angel investor, chair, adviser and active supporter of technology entrepreneurs since he was 18. Now a portfolio non-exec, adviser and business coach he works in Cardiff, Bristol and Bath with a number of private and public sector clients.

​He is also a governor at Bath Spa University and an Equal Opportunities Ambassador with Babbasa. He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to the digital economy and is interested in good governance, inclusive innovation ecosystems, meaningful founder journeys and championing the economic value of diversity at board level.

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