
Inside the Strategy Room 277. The new boardroom dynamic: More conversations, transparency, and trust
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Nov 14, 2025 Susan Chapman-Hughes, a seasoned board director with expertise in digital transformation, and Lan Kang, CEO of Ascora Therapeutics, join Frithjof Lund, a senior partner at McKinsey, to discuss evolving board dynamics in today's uncertain environment. They explore how boards are shifting to continuous engagement with management, the importance of building trust, and leveraging directors’ expertise for strategic value. The conversation highlights the need for proactive culture oversight and transparent interactions, ultimately emphasizing that effective governance is rooted in strong relationships.
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Frequency Replaces Episodic Oversight
- Boards now communicate more frequently because fast, uncertain environments demand quicker decisions.
- COVID accelerated the shift toward continuous engagement rather than episodic oversight.
Cultivate Direct Board–Management Relationships
- Do build direct relationships between board members and management beyond the CEO conduit.
- Use those connections to offer feedback, sponsorship, and morale support to executives.
Set Clear Engagement Boundaries
- Clarify expectations between the chair and CEO about how directors will engage directly with management.
- Define where direct engagement adds value and where it should remain through the CEO.
