Difference Makers: A Leader's Guide to Championing Diversity on Boards by Nicky Howe and Alicia Curtis Summary

1. Difference Makers redefines diversity to prioritize cognitive differences over visible traits.
2. Howe and Curtis prove diverse boards drive innovation and societal impact.
3. Overcome governance stagnation by embracing age and experiential diversity in leadership.
4. Practical strategies for inclusive governance: listen beyond demographics to unlock potential.
5. Difference Makers links personal purpose discovery to effective community leadership.
6. Champion next-generation directors through mentorship and intergenerational board collaboration.
7. Diversity of thought trumps visible traits for breakthrough problem-solving in organizations.
8. Instead of token diversity, build boards with experiential and demographic variety.
9. Actionable steps dismantle barriers preventing young leaders from board roles.
10. Research-backed framework transforms resistance into boardroom diversity adoption.
11. Collaborative leadership models in Difference Makers amplify organizational social impact.
12. Measure board success through inclusion metrics and cognitive diversity benchmarks.

About the Author of Difference Makers

Dr. Nicky Howe and Alicia Curtis, co-authors of Difference Makers, are leadership experts specializing in organizational innovation and inclusive governance.

Howe is a CEO and adjunct professor with a doctorate in business administration. She previously authored Better Relationships with Those You Lead, a practical guide for managers.

Curtis is an award-winning social entrepreneur and co-founder of the 100 Women collective giving circle. She holds a master’s in business leadership and was named to the Australian Financial Review’s 2014 100 Women of Influence list.

Their book merges Howe’s governance research with Curtis’s community-driven initiatives, advocating for diversity in leadership to drive systemic change. Together, they designed the Engaging Young Leaders on Aged Care and Community Boards program, which trains emerging leaders in nonprofit governance.

Difference Makers has been praised as a “roadmap for better organizations” and endorsed by Rhys Williams, 2015 Young West Australian of the Year, for its actionable strategies to transform boardrooms through experiential and demographic diversity.

FAQs About Difference Makers

What is Difference Makers by Nicky Howe and Alicia Curtis about?

Difference Makers is a leadership guide focused on redefining diversity as a strategic asset for organizational success. It emphasizes diversity of thought, experiential attributes, and collaborative problem-solving to build inclusive boards and effective teams. The book provides actionable strategies for leaders to leverage differences in age, ideology, profession, and background to spark innovation and governance excellence.

Who should read Difference Makers?

Aspiring and experienced board members, CEOs, HR professionals, and social entrepreneurs seeking to foster inclusive leadership. It’s also valuable for advocates of workplace diversity and readers interested in governance reform, particularly in sectors like aged care, nonprofits, and corporate boards.

Is Difference Makers worth reading?

Yes—it combines research-backed frameworks, case studies, and practical tools like checklists for recruiting diverse directors. Endorsed by leaders like Rhys Williams and David Koutsoukis, it’s praised as a roadmap for creating “better organizations and a better society” through intentional collaboration.

What are the main ideas in Difference Makers?

• Redefining diversity: Focus on cognitive differences (experiences, beliefs, skills) over visible traits.
• Collaborative advantage: Diverse teams solve problems 60% faster than homogenous groups.
• Inclusive recruitment: Strategies to avoid tokenism and prioritize varied perspectives in governance.

How does Difference Makers define a “Difference Maker”?

A leader who actively champions underrepresented voices on boards, turning demographic, experiential, and ideological differences into drivers of innovation. Examples include young directors reshaping aged-care policies and professionals bridging cultural gaps in community organizations.

What frameworks does Difference Makers introduce?

The “Three Diversity Attributes”:

1. Demographic (age, gender, ethnicity).
2. Experiential (career path, education, sector expertise).
3. Personal (values, problem-solving style, risk tolerance).

The book argues balancing these layers creates resilient decision-making.

Does Difference Makers address common obstacles to diversity?

Yes. It tackles resistance to change, unconscious bias in director recruitment, and short-termism in governance. Solutions include term limits for board members and structured mentorship programs to onboard diverse talent.

What quotes are highlighted in Difference Makers?

• “Diversity is not a problem to solve but a resource to harness.” – Nicky Howe.
• “Boards that mirror their communities make decisions that last.” – Alicia Curtis.
• “Difference makers don’t fit in—they stand out by design.” – Rabia Siddique.

How does Difference Makers compare to Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg?

While Lean In focuses on individual women’s career strategies, Difference Makers offers systemic solutions for organizational change, particularly in board governance. It emphasizes collective action over individual empowerment.

Why is Difference Makers relevant in 2025?

With remote work and AI reshaping team dynamics, its strategies for virtual collaboration and leveraging neurodiverse talent align with modern challenges. The book’s case studies on cross-generational leadership also resonate with today’s multigenerational workforce.

What criticisms exist about Difference Makers?

Some reviewers note it targets board-level audiences, which may limit accessibility for junior professionals. However, its actionable exercises (e.g., “Diversity Audit Template”) make concepts applicable across organizational tiers.

Are there companion resources for Difference Makers?

Yes. The authors’ “Engaging Young Leaders on Boards” program offers workshops, and their free “Board Competency Matrix” tool helps assess director capabilities—both detailed at Alyceum.com.au.