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

Earlier today, I was speaking with a long-time friend and tremendously accomplished executive.  Our conversation turned to his interest in independent directorships with corporate boards. He exclaimed how difficult it has been to be considered for board opportunities.  He never thought it would be this arduous.  After all, he has served as an executive board… Read More

Over ten years ago, I flipped the retained search model on its head and launched Summit Executive Resources. The vision and mission for Summit at the time, and still is today –  to serve as an agent to executives to represent their interest in their next C-Suite role or independent directorship. Sports agents serve star… Read More

There is a scene from the animated film, Ratatouille, that is one of my favorite “take you back moments”.  The persnickety food critic, Anton Ego, requests a dish to critique with the belief that he already will be disappointed. The dish he tastes, ratatouille, ultimately takes him back to his childhood and he writes a… Read More

As we continue to examine the ingredients of a successful board of directors, another ingredient, 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,… Read More

Given a lot of my time is spent in the lower and middle market private equity arena, I am currently getting a lot of questions about crowdfunding.  Many of our client executives are asking me – What is crowdfunding and how does it really work?  Whether you are a Summit Executive Resources executive client, or… Read More