EP77 How Exceptional Leaders Shift the Room with Elizabeth Watson

You can be the smartest person in the boardroom and still have zero impact. That idea sits at the heart of this conversation.

In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike sits down with Elizabeth Watson, one of Canada’s most respected voices in governance. With more than three decades as a lawyer, over twenty years advising boards and CEOs, and board experience that spans Peterson, Shad, and the Institute of Corporate Directors, Elizabeth brings a clear and generous perspective on what truly defines an effective director.

Together, they explore why personal competencies matter more than credentials, and how qualities like presence, curiosity, courage, and emotional intelligence can shift the entire tone of a boardroom. Elizabeth explains how impactful directors help others get unstuck, create meaningful moments of insight, and guide conversations toward clarity and action.

They discuss the difference between healthy ideological debate and interpersonal tension that derails progress, along with how the chair and CEO can build a relationship rooted in trust and shared purpose. The conversation also looks at why “nice” culture can quietly limit board effectiveness and how directors can contribute more fully to strategy in a world shaped by disruption, uncertainty, and emerging technologies like AI.

If you are a CEO, an aspiring director, or already serving on a board, this episode offers a grounded look at what great governance requires today and the personal attributes that set standout directors apart.

Episode Resources:

Elizabeth Watson: Website / LinkedIn

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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