Board culture is tantamount to a board’s success. Board culture affects decision-making and the directors’ relationship with management, impacting their ability to advise executive management and provide the necessary oversight. Because of this, a board needs to understand its culture, which includes how they make decisions, handle disagreements and share information. Is it collaborative and… Read More

So, you have been tapped or want to serve on an audit committee of a corporate board? Other than the Nominating & Governance Committee, the Audit Committee is one of the more prominent committees present on a corporate.  There is a great amount of risk serving on an Audit Committee. Many say that the responsibilities… Read More

Clearly, Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) is a hot topic, by why should corporate boards focus on ESG? Looking as far back to 1997, the Business Roundtable published a Statement on Corporate Governance. Here’s an excerpt: “In The Business Roundtable’s view, the paramount duty of management and of boards of directors is to the… Read More

In my opinion, there are two points in the calendar year where board succession is the most prevalent. The first point in the year is in the late Winter/early Spring with February and March being the most active. The second most active point in the calendar year is September and October. So, with now being… Read More

When recruiting board members, it’s natural to rely on tools that have been in your toolbox for many years. One of these techniques that has claimed center stage for decades is retained executive search. Lead Independent Directors, General Counsels/Secretaries to the Board, Nominating Committee Chairs and Chief Human Resources Officers all realize that retained search… Read More

As I have represented executives for their interest in corporate boards seats for the last eleven years, there continues to be the question of whether being female is actually of value to the board.  My counsel to my clients has been, that gender diversity alone is not a differentiating value.  Through subjective and analytic evaluation,… Read More

Along with the mystery of how to land the first board seat, comes the second mystery – understanding board of directors’ compensation.  As potential clients of Summit Executive Resources consider the path to independent directorships, we are often asked for our insights into what components and how much is in board of directors’ compensation.  Although… Read More

We have previously explored how to time board candidate selection and many board candidates are eager to hear whether they have been selected amongst a very competitive base of board talent. Albeit it may be slow moving, I believe that board succession agendas are shifting away from the good old boys’ club network and toward… Read More

Given today’s rapidly changing corporate environment that is fraught with risks, regulations and high demands from investors, the board’s job is more challenging than ever. To ensure the highest level of performance, boards must assess their own board health, effectiveness and balance. Also, if you are an executive who seeks a seat in the boardroom,… Read More

Capturing your first or even second board seat can take a very long time, a lot of persistence, perseverance, and patience.  It may have happened for your friend, colleague, or neighbor faster than it is happening for you.  If your reason for serving on a corporate board is to compete with your contemporaries or serve… Read More