Executive Session: The Directors & Boards Podcast

In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Alisa Coren Norris, lead independent director of Standard Motor Products, and Jessica Saperstein, director of Church Mutual Insurance Company, about why customer and employee experience belongs at the top of the board agenda. In our second interview, Cindie Jamison, chair of Darden Restaurants and Big Lots, discusses her book, Shards in My Hair: Tales from Breaking the Glass Ceiling, exploring pitfalls today's directors need to avoid in the boardroom. And in our final discussion, Sheryl Schwartz, diector of public company Cartesian Growth Corporation II and private company Gaia Real Estate REIT, examines the distinguishing characteristics of public and private company board service, including aspects of private company governance that public company directors might find attractive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Rochelle Campbell, director and nom/gov chair of Civics and Service International and CEO and managing member of Leadership Elevated, about CEO assessment and evaluation. In our second interview, James White, chair of The Honest Company and director of CAVA, and Krista White, founder of Kiki for the Future, explore observations from their book Culture Design: How to Build a High-Performing, Resilient Organization with Purpose. And in our final discussion, James Harley, principal product manager of Nasdaq, examines the ways that AI is being used in the boardroom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Lauren Chung, former director of NorthView Acquisition Corporation and Genenta Science, about the essential skills of today's CEOs. In our second interview, Shelly Lombard, director and chair of the audit committee of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, discusses the evolving role of the audit committee and the audit committee chair. And in our final discussion, Raj Gupta, former chairman of Rohm and Haas Company and former chair of Delphi/Aptiv and Avantor, explores the strengths and trade-offs of different ownership structures and the practices public boards might borrow to boost long-term performance and agility.Don’t miss an episode! Follow the Executive Session podcast on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Tami Rosen, director and chief development officer of Pagaya, about what it means for a company to be "bionic" when it comes to AI. In our second interview, Cindy Brinkley, director and chair of the human capital (or human resources) committees of Energizer, Ameren and Schnuck Markets, explores the evolution of the human capital committee. And in our final discussion, Joel Fleming, partner with Equity Litigation Group LLP, discusses how boards can uphold their duties of care and loyalty when external guardrails fade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Patrick Gadson, partner of Sullivan Cromwell, about shareholder activism. In our second interview, Jonathan Foster, director and audit committee chair of Amcor and Lear, explores engaging shareholders with varying points of view. And in our final discussion, Bentina Terry, director of Mueller Water Products and president and CEO of Southern Company telecommunications subsidiaries Southern Linc and Southern Telecom Inc., examines what resiliency means for public companies and how boards can prepare for the inevitability of black swans.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Sandra Sánchez-Oldenhage, director of Procaps and Centro Médico ABC, about the best measures, methods and standards for board evaluation. In our second discussion, we meet with Ana Dutra, director and member of the nom/gov committees of Pembina Pipeline Corporation and CarParts.com, to explore the ways by which the role of the nom/gov committee has evolved and expanded. And in our final segment, Joe Mayberry, head of AI at Sailpoint Technologies, breaks down what AI agents are and the key questions boards should be asking management about them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we speak with Brandon Smith, executive vice president and general counsel at CHS Inc., about the role of the general counsel and how the board can best work with the chief legal officer of their company. In our second discussion, we meet with Hollie Castro, director and compensation committee chair of Groupe Dynamite, to explore the issues that will arise when six generations begin to work with each other in the workplace as well as the board's role in guiding their company toward a talent strategy that works for all. And in our final segment, Lisa Lim, former director and audit committee chair of HF Foods Group Inc. and current strategic advisory board member of WilliamsMarston, examines the macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges that are most primed to confront boards in the immediate to near future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Andrew Shapiro, founder of Lawndale Capital Advisors, shares insights on shareholder activism and its impact on corporate governance. Marissa Andrada emphasizes the role of board culture in driving a company's success, using real-world examples. Odette Bolano and Lisa Grow dive into effective board-management relationships, stressing transparency and communication as keys to success. They also touch on the unique challenges in the electric utility sector, advocating for robust investor engagement and a proactive governance mindset.

In this episode of Executive Session, Marta Ronquillo Newhart, director of Lincoln Tech, shares how leadership in the boardroom is shifting — and what it takes to thrive in this new era. Then, Dr. Scott Michael Moore, practice professor of political science and director of China programs and strategic initiatives at The University of Pennsylvania, unpacks the high-stakes reality of U.S.–China relations and what they mean for your company’s strategy. Finally, Dr. Nikki Lanier, CEO of Harper Slade Advisors and former director of Premier Bank, explores the disruptive force of “swan stacking” and why it’s a risk every director should have on their radar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest edition of Executive Session, the official podcast of Directors & Boards, we’re diving into two conversations every public company director should hear. First, Mimi Thigpen, director and audit committee chair of Globe Life, joins Bill Hayes to reveal why staying ahead of emerging trends and preparing for the risks you can’t see coming is critical to boardroom success. Then, Bob McCormick of the Council of Institutional Investors and Charles Elson, director of Enhabit Home Health & Hospice and executive editor at large of Directors & Boards, unpack Texas’s bold bid to lure public company incorporations — and what it means for Delaware’s long-standing dominance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.