July 10, 2025

#214 Inviting Others In: Nichelle Maynard-Elliott on Making Diversity a Movement, Not a Moment

41 minutes

In this compelling episode of the Board Director Series, we meet Nichelle Maynard-Elliott, founder of Dunamis Transaction Advisors and board director of Xerox and Lucid Group, who understands that breaking barriers means nothing if you don't help others follow. In a time when diversity progress feels uncertain, Nichelle poses a critical question: Will this be a movement that creates lasting change, or just a moment that passes?

With over 25 years of M&A expertise as former head of M&A Americas and Asia Pacific for Praxair (now Linde), Nichelle now dedicates significant time to helping women navigate board opportunities through mentoring, coaching, and strategic guidance. Inspired by board director Ira Hall, who actively sponsored diverse talent throughout his career, Nichelle is determined to ensure that the women who break through don't just leave doors open—they actively invite others through and equip them for success.

From being called a "shrinking violet" early in her career to finding her powerful voice in corporate boardrooms, Nichelle shares how authentic leadership means bringing your whole self to work. A woman of faith married for 30 years with two adult children, she refuses to compartmentalise her life, believing that vulnerability and authenticity create stronger connections and better business outcomes.

This is a conversation about the courage to show up as yourself, the strategy of packaging your superpowers for board opportunities, and why ensuring this diversity moment becomes a lasting movement is both a personal mission and business imperative.

----------------------

Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds

A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters.

You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar.

But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast

-----------------------

Craving inspiration?

I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration

Loving the podcast?

Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!

Access Your Free Clarity Tool

Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity.

In just 15 minutes, you will:

✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back.

✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact.

✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps.

Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment.

⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool.

https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave

Are we friends? Connect with Us.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

...more

View all episodes

By Melissa Hamilton

33 ratings