Managing the CEO vs Chairman vs Director Relationship
In 2019, the co-founder and CEO of WeWork, Adam Neumann, was ousted and the combination of his departure, the company’s failed IPO and a massive…
“Esse quam videri” – To be, rather than to seem
In a world rife with moral dilemmas and ethical failures, I have long been a fan of Cicero and his fellow stoics’ perspectives and takes…
Essential Insights for Aspiring NEDs: The Importance of Due Diligence
Becoming a non-executive director (NED) often feels like the pinnacle of a professional career….and the anticipation as one starts positioning oneself through focused personal branding,…
Navigating Uncertainty: Purpose-Driven Leadership for a Resilient Future
As a business leader, you’re likely asking critical questions as you prepare for the future: What’s my business’s purpose? What strategies will truly drive us…
Navigating Succession in Family Businesses in Africa: Embedding Sirdar Governance Principles
Family businesses form a vital part of Africa’s economy, driving employment, innovation, and community development. Yet, one of their greatest challenges is succession planning —…
Lessons in Board Culture from a Building Fire, a Traffic Intersection, and a 20-Minute Drive Home
Culture is a slippery concept, defined in countless ways, yet the definition that resonates with me is simple: “the way in which we do things…
Maximising Boardroom Impact: The Art of Timely Interventions and Diverse Perspectives
As one experienced boardroom player explained, “We have eight meetings a year. You probably get the opportunity for one, or, if you’re really lucky, perhaps…
Five Traits of a High-Performing Company Secretary
“I have a foreboding of an America in my children’s or grandchildren’s time — when the United States is a service and information economy; when…
Robust Conversation in the Boardroom: Why It Doesn’t Always Mean the Absence of Groupthink
In the boardroom, “robust conversation” is often seen as a sign of healthy governance and decision-making. As a Board Advisor, I have frequently heard directors…
Taking the Next Step as an Entrepreneur
Let’s not kid ourselves: The journey of entrepreneurship isn’t just thrilling; it’s a relentless grind filled with hurdles that require unshakeable grit and unapologetic determination.…