​In an unprecedented move Nasdaq the worlds second largest exchange announced that companies listed on its main stock exchange should have “at least two diverse directors”. On their boards or face the risk of being delisted.

Under its ground breaking proposal, companies must have at least one woman as a director and one director who identifies as an underrepresented minority or LGBTQ+.

With women and minorities still underrepresented in leadership positions, Nasdaq proposal could lead to companies turning talk into action when it comes to diversity and inclusion leading to greater representation throughout all layers of corpoate America.

According to Dealbook, currently, three in four companies listed on Nasdaq's stock exchange don't meet the requirements, proposed by Nasdaq. Companies that fail to meet the requirement won’t be delisted if they publicly explain themselves, Nasdaq said.

As social values rapidly shift, there’s a real financial risk for companies that fail to put their money where their mouth is. A lack of diversity in background and experience can stifle innovation and promote group think, while companies that don’t prioritize inclusion may struggle to attract and retain top talent and younger workers. Nasdaq's proposal also makes it clear it could costs them a place on the most important stock exchange.