Executive Session: The Directors & Boards Podcast Executive Session, Episode 18: Nichelle Maynard-Elliott, Lynda Clarizio and Diana Garvis Purcel
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May 27, 2025 
Lynda Clarizio, a director at CDW and Taboola and a co-founder of The 98, dives into the complexities of navigating social issues in board discussions. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a healthy boardroom culture for sound decision-making. The dialogue also highlights how risk management should evolve beyond mere avoidance to become a strategic advantage, ensuring boards are prepared for today’s challenges. Furthermore, Clarizio and her co-guests shed light on the necessity of addressing political topics to safeguard corporate governance and economic stability.
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Importance of Boardroom Culture
- Nichelle Maynard-Elliott explains that healthy boardroom culture is crucial for sustainable success beyond shareholder return.
- It fosters trust, openness, and strategic oversight, while poor culture leads to groupthink and ethical risks.
Improving Board Culture
- Boards should first acknowledge cultural dysfunction, then define clear values like integrity and respect in charters.
- Consider refreshing board members or independent evaluations to shift toxic board dynamics.
Maintaining Board Culture
- Maintain board culture by cultivating interpersonal relationships outside meetings.
- Provide ongoing training on governance, decision-making, and unconscious bias to build cultural skills.