For the Greater Good
Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling of Self-Interest
The purpose of serving on an industry board is often clear: to represent and protect the interests of a collective. It is a role of responsibility, leadership, and influence, and yet for some, this platform is used to advance their personal business agenda rather than the greater good of the industry. This reality creates a troubling ‘glass ceiling’—a limit imposed by those who forget the higher purpose of their position.
So, what happens when individuals view their board seat as merely a strategic business advantage? And why must we break through this self-imposed barrier?
The Role of a Director in Industry Representation
Board members in any sector, particularly industries like hemp and cannabis, are placed in roles where their decisions impact not just the growth of their own businesses but the future of the entire sector. They are advocates, thought leaders, and strategic planners. Being on a board is not about self-promotion or competition; it’s about collaboration for the benefit of everyone involved, from the smallest start up to the most established enterprise.
Yet, when directors treat their position as a tool to enhance their own businesses, they limit the potential for meaningful change. This glass ceiling—where ambition is overshadowed by personal gain—must be dismantled for the industry to truly evolve.
The Dangers of Personal Agendas
When individuals on boards pursue their own interests at the expense of the broader community, it can lead to detrimental outcomes:
Unbalanced Advocacy: Policies and regulations are swayed in favour of a few, leaving smaller businesses or alternative voices unheard. A truly representative board should advocate for all industry players equally, regardless of their market share or influence.
Loss of Credibility: Industry boards are meant to be trusted bodies that reflect the collective will. When it becomes apparent that certain directors are acting out of self-interest, it diminishes the credibility of the board as a whole, making it harder for outside stakeholders (including regulators and policymakers) to engage in good faith.
Stagnation of Innovation: Self-serving directors may block or undermine initiatives that don’t align with their personal business strategies, stifling innovation. For industries like hemp and cannabis, where progress relies heavily on new ideas and collaborations, this can be devastating.
Collaboration Over Competition
In industries still in their formative stages, like cannabis, where regulation and perception are constantly evolving, unity and shared purpose are key to survival. Directors should view their role as one of collaboration, not competition. The glass ceiling exists because some see their directorship as a zero-sum game—if another business wins, theirs must lose. In reality, a thriving industry means growth for all.
Breaking through this ceiling means accepting that what benefits the industry as a whole will eventually benefit individual businesses. It requires directors to rise above short-term thinking and act as stewards of the sector. After all, it’s only through collective advocacy, shared knowledge, and a united front that industries like hemp and cannabis will be able to achieve sustainable growth, regulatory reform, and widespread acceptance.
Building a Future for All
Being on an industry board should be seen as an opportunity to give back to the community that has enabled business success in the first place. It’s about building bridges, not walls, and ensuring that future generations of business leaders have an industry that’s stable, innovative, and inclusive.
The greater good can only be achieved when personal gain is set aside, and the focus shifts to creating a thriving ecosystem for all. For directors, this means rising above the glass ceiling of self-interest and using their position to drive lasting, meaningful change.
In the end, success is not measured by personal gain but by the strength and resilience of the entire industry. Let’s break through the glass ceiling together—for the greater good.
Published - 19/10/2024
