In this episode we deep dive into Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). We speak with Karen Loon, Non-Executive Director, Author, and Diversity Expert. Karen has been involved with diversity initiatives for many years, and just released her debut book: “Fostering Culturally Diverse Leadership in Organisations - Lessons from Those Who Smashed the Bamboo Ceiling”. She provides us with a personal narrative and offers insights into different approaches to D&I. We also discuss the importance of diverse leadership and creating equal opportunities for people from all backgrounds. Lastly, Karen shares her views on trends in the boardroom.

In this episode we speak with Jeannette Lichner, who has a diverse portfolio career which includes serving as a non-executive director on the board of the UK Financial Conduct Authority, providing corporate governance and strategic advice, and teaching leadership and governance. Jeannette is talking to us about societal concerns, particularly the social side (the ‘S’ in ESG), and shares some related research she was involved in: ‘The Everyone Economy’. She also articulates important points to focus on when trying to foster a sustainability strategy, good leadership, purpose, and the role of capital markets and finance.

In the fourth part of our Future Ready Boards series, we speak with Helen Pitcher OBE. Helen is an experienced Chair, Board Member, Board Facilitator and Coach. We talk about the challenges that boards are facing, and how to setup good environmental and social governance. Helen has some useful advice on how to prepare for future board service and the trends that any board member or aspiring NED should follow. She also informs on the importance of board education and how INSEAD responds to leader’s increased interest in ESG. Lastly, we learn a leadership lesson from Napoleon.

In the third part of our future ready board series, we feature Patricia Rodrigues Jenner who is a Non-Executive Director, Investment and ESG Specialist. Patricia is currently appointed at Legal & General Assurance Society Ltd, AERIF plc, GLIL Infrastructure and African Infrastructure Investment Manager. Patricia is talking to us about the urgently needed energy transition, and the opportunity of infrastructure investment as well as ways to implement change faster. She also shares how she approaches good environmental and social governance with fellow board members, and what she does personally to be an authentic sustainable leader.

In our second part of our Future Ready Board series we speak to Paul Washington, Executive Director of the Environmental, Social and Governance Center at The Conference Board. Paul explains to us how the relationship between NGOs, government and business has changed. We also speak about what makes a sustainable board and what challenges lie ahead. Paul gives us some examples of specific stakeholder groups and how the dynamics between these players has changed the corporation. All links to Paul’s cited research can be found on our website: https://www.boardreport.org/post/future-ready-boards-paul-washington-of-the-conference-board

In this episode, and first of our ‘future ready boards’ special we speak with Dr Pamela Ravasio- Executive & Board Advisor, Author, Speaker, and Non-Executive Director. She talks to us about the importance of future proofing businesses for a rapidly changing world, and what future ready boards and ESG preparedness mean. Pamela shares insights into some unresolved issues around fiduciary duty and ESG, and what conversations she has with INSEAD IDN alumni.

We speak with Matt Fullbrook, an experienced corporate governance advisor, researcher, and educator with two decades of experience. Matt shares with us how he was appointed at a very young age to lead the Rotman School of Management’s corporate governance centre. We talk about his journey of over 200 board effectiveness engagements and why he rejects ’best practice’. We learn more about Matt's podcast "One Minute Governance" and how it was created to provide inclusive and accessible content on corporate governance. Matt also is a bass player in the funk band: KC Roberts and The Life Revolution. We play one of his songs at the end of the episode. It’s a great sound! ‘One Minute Governance’ can be accessed here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/one-minute-governance/id1536473345

We speak with Patrick Dunne about the recent history of boards and the development that has taken place over the last two decades. We examine the sustainability component of modern corporate governance and Patrick shares some interesting but also concerning facts about the social standing of boards. He further introduces the second edition of his award-winning book ‘Boards’ and talks through his educational projects, and people he looks up to.

In this episode we speak to management thinker, business leader, author, and advisor Marga Hoek. We talk about her impressive career, her thoughts on the sustainable leadership agenda, and the role of capital markets, technology, and the board. Marga shares what kind of leaders impress her and provides a useful toolkit to foster sustainable business.

In this episode we speak with Neil Stewart of the Value Reporting Foundation (VRF) about the history of the VRF and the newly created International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). He is taking us through the benefits of standardisations and the ESG journey in general. He informs about what is important to business leaders, board directors and investors, now. Lastly, Neil shares a fantastic case study of an impactful leader and the impact that she made by speaking truth to power.