A fleeting moment and anything can change. We often think we have control of what is next, but often we are surprised, confused and found in a place for which we are not ready. There you are, in your executive role, with all indicators that you are performing, its working and everyone, including the board… Read More

This primer is applicable to mid-market companies across several industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, retail and financial services. For mid-market companies, the average board encompasses nine directors with approximately 80% of those being independent directors. There is a direct correlation between the size (revenues) of a company and board director compensation. For purposes… Read More

Obsolescence should not be feared. While it signals the end of something familiar, it welcomes a new way forward. We have reached this crossroads with retained executive search. It is obsolete. Today, the retained executive search process is costly. Frequently, after lengthy recruiting processes, retained searches deliver new board members who fit poorly with the… Read More

In last week’s post, Investor Expectations – Boards of Directors, I began to examine what investors expect from their boards of directors where they invest.  I dove into investor trends, shareholder activism, board skill requirements and board diversity. Expanding on last week’s post, this week I will dive further into what investors expect from their… Read More

Although investor activism campaigns are on the rise, it is not just the activist investors who have become more vocal.  In fact, investors in general are becoming increasingly vocal about their expectations of boards of directors.  So, what are the current investor expectations of the boards of directors where they invest? How do investors evaluate… Read More

What is an activist investor and why is everybody talking about activist investors in the Boardroom?   We are all aware of one well-known activist investor, Carl Icahn, who has attempted major changes at a host of name-brand companies. My clients are seeking clarity about the activist investors’ role; the pros, cons and what’s on the… Read More

I have written quite a few earlier posts regarding how to effectively build your network, but how do you network when you are an introvert?  While extroverts typically flourish and are energized by networking events, most introverts loath the idea of having to “work a room”.  From a borderline introvert/extrovert myself and running a business… Read More

As I prepare for a speaking engagement set for today at the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA), I can’t help to ponder what I have been asked to speak about.  The agenda is for me to speak about best practices for working with retained and contingent recruiters. So, I could not help to revisit… Read More

In a recent post, I discussed the basics of private equity terminology so I thought it would be helpful to drill further into Limited Partners (LPs), the LPs relationship with the private equity firm (GP) and how the relationship between the two works.  In order for the LP/GP relationship to be successful, they must be… Read More

In prior posts, I have discussed various topics related to corporate boards, such board recruitment, timing and compensation.  But, what if you have found yourself serving on your first corporate board?  How will you know the steps for effective board meeting preparation? Not only will it help you, but preparation before and between board meetings… Read More