Board diversity has been an intense focus area for investors for years. This trend is clear among directors as well. With emerging regulations,and growing external expectations, companies recognize having a wider range of representation at decision-making tables can be essential for success in today's landscape. For women looking to positively impact their careers and community, serving on a board can be a proactive way to make a difference. What are some of the steps women can take to become board-ready? In this episode, Maria Moats, Governance Insights Center Leader at PwC, is joined by Barb Loughran, a Board Director and retired PwC Partner, for a discussion on women's representation on boards and what it means to be board-ready. For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com. About the podcast participants Maria Moats, Governance Insights Center Leader at PwC As the Governance Insights Center leader, Maria Moats is relentlessly focused on helping directors address corporate governance issues by providing insights and tools to help them be more informed and effective in their roles and create better outcomes. Before leading the Governance Insights Center, Maria served as PwC’s Chief Diversity Officer and Vice Chair, Mexico and US Assurance Leader - overseeing PwC’s national Assurance practice, including strategy and operational aspects to manage a practice of approximately 20,000 professionals. Maria is currently the Senior Relationship Partner (SRP) for several large multinational clients in the financial services, transportation, consumer and industrial products industries. She is a first-generation Mexican-American and an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. Barb Loughran, Board Director and retired PwC Partner Barb Lougran is a current board member, global executive, financial expert and prior advisor to boards and audit committees, with 35+ years of experience working with Fortune 500 C-Suite executives and Boards as they navigate strategic, transformational and operational challenges. She has strong and diversified industry expertise, spanning consumer products, retail, engineering, industrial products, services, energy, pharmaceuticals, medical device and technology. Barb is a highly qualified financial expert with 20 years as a PricewaterhouseCoopers partner, including two tours in the National Office. Barb was responsible for leading PwC’s Industrial Products business unit in NY Metro with P&L responsibility. Additionally, she has deep M&A expertise, including leading due diligence internationally. Barb is a current board member, retired PwC partner and angel investor.