When coronavirus burst onto the scene earlier this year, we had no idea how this health crisis would affect every aspect of American life, infecting almost 8 million people nationwide and devastating communities across Illinois. As a former Navy intelligence officer, I learned how to analyze different scenarios from top to bottom, paying particular attention… Read More

The United States and China are currently engaged in a complex relationship. While retaining important aspects of cooperation, it is increasingly characterized by rivalries that span multiple domains, including national security, trade, finance, advanced technologies, cyber, and space.  Often minimized or overlooked, however, is an important ideological element to this competition. To read more, please… Read More

As well all know COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. Business issues and concerns have been amplified due to the impact and unknowns of COVID-19.  Our growing dependence on digital media has amplified the spotlight on CEOs even more.  In his October 2019 article Negative Press is Inevitable for Modern CEOs — And That’s… 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

Do you have a strategy for building trust, respect, and friendship with the various contacts you’ve made at conferences and networking events? Now, amid the coronavirus epidemic and global lockdown, having such a plan in place is more critical than ever. To read more, please visit the original posting of this article on the CFA… 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

The Chinese symbol for crisis combines the symbols for danger and opportunity. The current crisis presents terrifying risks and extraordinary opportunities to our country, our organizations and the field of HR. Given the current landscape, peacebuilding offers some insights and tools to think creatively about options for a post-COVID-19 world. Sadly, the current issues affecting… Read More