Building a Foundation of Excellence in ESOP Governance
As of 2024, an estimated 6,300 companies operate with an ESOP, and that number only grows with each passing year. Those who have the privilege of being an ESOP board member are likely familiar with the complex nature of running these types of companies. Governance of such a unique arrangement can undoubtedly be challenging, but
Read More
Drawing the Line: Where Does the CEO End & the Board of Directors Begin?
In a perfect scenario, a CEO and board of directors work together to guide a company in the right direction. But in practice, there’s often some confusion — on everyone’s part — about what each is responsible for. Here’s a look at how to set clear, effective boundaries between your board of directors and your
Read More
Characteristics of a Competent Board Member
Your company’s board of directors sets the tone for the entire organization. They’ll decide when to bring on new executives and establish specific objectives for various departments to work toward. Typically, their experience in prior executive leadership roles gives them the perspective they need to liaise directly with senior leadership while still maintaining their independence
Read More
Three Essential Attitudes and Dispositions of Good Corporate Governance
aspects when selecting individuals for board positions. While these things can be great predictors of success, there’s something else that should be taken into consideration: a potential director’s attitude about the job. Until a director has some experience under their belt, they may not understand what’s truly important when it comes to governance and leadership.
Read More
Using Cybersecurity Experts to Educate Your Board
In a perfect world, every corporate board would have the expertise to address every challenge facing the organization. But this is hardly a perfect world, as demonstrated by the rise of cybercrime. In America, the average cyberattack costs an organization $9.44 million. By some estimates, cyberattacks are expected to cost companies $10.5 trillion annually. That’s
Read More
7 Books That Help Board Members Understand the Present and Prepare for the Future
Let’s face it: being on a board of directors comes with the opportunity to earn a very nice salary in exchange for lending expertise that can help take a corporation to the next level. However, what some may not realize is that this role also brings the challenge of broadening your intellectual horizons in order
Read More
Six Steps to Forge a New Type of Corporate Governance
There are no shared rules to navigate corporate governance decisions. If board members are to come up with a viable definition for good governance, it’s important to do so around a few shared values. While this may seem unrealistic given the chaotic nature of many of today’s corporate boards, it isn’t entirely impossible. By doing
Read More
Drawing the Line: Where Does the CEO End & the Board of Directors Begin?
In a perfect scenario, a CEO and board of directors work together to guide a company in the right direction. But in practice, there’s often some confusion — on everyone’s part — about what each is responsible for. Here’s a look at how to set clear, effective boundaries between your board of directors and your
Read More
Why Employers Can’t Afford to Let DE&I Initiatives Go
When an organization initiates a new DE&I program, as thousands of companies have over the past few years, it takes time to see results. It isn’t easy to develop new hiring practices that favor diverse candidates and ensure that all qualified applicants get a fair shake in the hiring process. Most companies don’t have mass
Read More
The Importance of Character in Executive Leadership
The New York Times columnist David Brooks makes a distinction between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” While your resume virtues focus on your professional competencies, your eulogy virtues focus on your personal character — the things you want to be remembered for. Unfortunately, executive leaders and board members are often valued for their resume virtues
Read More