SONITA LONTOH: DIRECTOR, Sunrun, TrueBlue Inc.

What was the first board you joined?

The first board that I had the privilege to join was Sunrun, the largest consumer solar-and-battery-as-a-service company in the United States. After joining Sunrun, about six months later, I had another opportunity to join my second public board, TrueBlue, a global, mission-driven workforce solutions company. As of last year, I entered portfolio life full-time and am now serving on several corporate boards and as an advisor to a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.

What do you look for in a board?

I have always been intentional In my board journey. It's very Important for me to join the board of a company whose mission and values are aligned with my own values. It's also important for me to join a board where I believe I can make a positive contribution and where there's a good culture fit with the current board. I'm fortunate to have been able to join boards of companies that are purpose-driven and where I believe I can make a positive contribution.

How does your professional experience inform your board service?

For almost three decades, I had the privilege to lead and advise at the intersection of disruptive technology, digital transformation and ESG. I've done this both with smaller, more entrepreneurial, venture-backed Silicon Valley technology companies and with new, innovative businesses at large, global Fortune 100 companies, such as helping HP launch its 3D printing and digital manufacturing business, helping Siemens grow its digital energy business, and helping Pacific Gas and Electric Company with its smart energy and climate initiatives. These experiences enabled me to leverage my unique Insight, foresight and perspectives to help oversee and govern companies in navigating the modern 21st-century challenges and opportunities surrounding technology disruptions, cybersecurity, new business models and ESG for long-term value creation.

What is the director's role in making sure that their companies are mindful of effects on the climate?

A director, as a fiduciary to shareholders, must ensure that their companies look at all the material risks and opportunities affecting long-term value creation, including climate. There are a lot of discussions surrounding ESG and climate these days, but unfortunately many companies still treat their ESG and climate strategy as separate from their overall company's business strategy. To succeed, it's important for a company to integrate its ESG and climate...