Robert L.Cohen
Chairman and CEO
of IMA Financial Group
Rob Cohen, Chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group and board member extraordinaire (Colorado I Have A Dream Foundation; Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation; Colorado Succeeds; Visit Denver and; United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee) is always generous with his time. And this time, was no different! Lucy Strong conducted this interview with Rob.
Q1: What impact do you believe is created by having more women on boards?
A: Wow, that’s a great question. I think you get a diversity of thought and perspective with more women on boards. You’ll be able to look at all issues from more perspectives and get a more rounded point of view which leads to better decision-making.
Q2: What motivates you to champion the cause of getting more women in board seats?
A: At IMA Financial, we pick the best candidate regardless of gender. The cream rises to the top. But it took a conscious effort 7-10 years ago to say to our shareholders that we need board members that are more reflective of our employees. With both women and men on our board, we are better able to look at the issues from all perspectives and that allows us to better think strategically.
And, not always but often, women directors tend to have the ability to leave their egos at the door and think about what’s best for the company.
Q3: What role do men play in helping achieve board parity?
A: Men need to help recruit and identify candidates. They need to allow those women the space to be active participants and if they don’t, they need to get out of the way.
Q4: You have abundant board experience. What value have you gotten from serving on a board?
A: I love serving on boards! I learn from the other directors. I get to see how similar problems [to those experienced in my business or to those I experience on other boards on which I serve] are dealt with and resolved. I observe leadership in action and see how people can create influence.
Q5: What impact do you think COVID-19 has had on women’s quest for more board parity here in Colorado?
A: Maybe I’m a dreamer but I’d like to think it has no impact. It is interesting that COVID happened at the same time as this push for social justice and more diversity which I hope has helped. And I’d like to believe that the way people parent today wouldn’t impact asking a woman to join a board. It wouldn’t change my desire to seek more women for board positions.