205. Helping boards manage geopolitical risk with Jon Huntsman Jr.
May 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Former US governor Jon Huntsman Jr. and experts discuss the urgency of board-level conversations on geopolitical risk. They explore challenges like evolving board governance, navigating geopolitical risks in a multipolar world, enhancing board insights on geopolitics, and seizing opportunities amidst global challenges.
Boards are enhancing strategic talent management and utilizing technology to address emerging challenges like supply chain disruptions and cybersecurity.
Boards are proactively aligning risk with strategy, leveraging specialized talent, and fostering resilience to navigate geopolitical headwinds effectively.
Deep dives
The Changing Landscape of Board Discussions on Geopolitical Risks
The dynamics of board discussions have shifted significantly towards deeper integration of geopolitical risk considerations within organizations. Boards are now faced with increased complexity, including shareholder and stakeholder demands, business agility, and market volatility. With boards spending more time on strategic topics like geopolitics, technology, and risk management, there is a growing need for continuous learning and enhanced board preparedness. The evolution of board priorities underscores the critical importance of incorporating geopolitical risk insights into corporate strategies.
Expanding Board Responsibilities and Meeting the Growing Mandates
Boards are expanding their responsibilities to address an array of emerging challenges, including geopolitical risks, artificial intelligence, supply chain disruptions, and cybersecurity. With the rise in board preparation time and the adoption of virtual meetings alongside traditional in-person sessions, boards are enhancing their capacity to tackle heightened mandates effectively. The integration of technology and strategic talent management is aiding boards in adapting to the evolving business landscape.
Enhancing Board Governance and Focus on Geopolitical Resilience
Board governance is increasingly pivoting towards a proactive approach in addressing geopolitical risks and fostering resilience within organizations. To navigate geopolitical headwinds, boards are leveraging specialized talent, aligning risk with strategy, and establishing robust oversight mechanisms. The emphasis on informed decision-making, scenario planning, and continuous learning underscores the significance of integrating geopolitical insights and policy considerations into board governance.
Future Outlook and Strategic Planning for Boards
As companies reassess their global footprints and strategic directions, boards are at the forefront of driving foresight and strategic guidance. By categorizing market risks, fostering internal geopolitical risk teams, and exploring silver linings amidst challenges, boards are enhancing their ability to anticipate and respond effectively to geopolitical disruptions. The proactive alignment between boards and management in identifying opportunities, managing risks, and driving strategic direction positions boards at the helm of organizational resilience and strategic foresight.
The need for board-level strategic conversations on geopolitical risk is urgent. To discuss how boards can guide companies through an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, we’re joined by Jon Huntsman Jr. Jon is a former US governor and diplomat who has spent nearly two decades in US public service at the state, national, and international levels. He sits on the boards of Ford, Mobileye, and Chevron, and is also the Vice Chairman of MasterCard. We're also joined by Ziad Haider, a partner in our Singapore office who co-leads our Geopolitics Practice, and Celia Huber, a senior partner in our Bay Area location who leads our North American Board Services Practice.