The Corporate Director Podcast

In this episode of The Corporate Director Podcast, we sit down with Claudia Allen, Senior Advisor at KPMG’s Board Leadership Center. The conversation delves into survey findings that highlight the current state of AI adoption at organizations and key concerns for directors. Claudia offers valuable advice on staying informed about AI and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. If you’re looking to learn more about how to navigate AI adoption at your organization, read more here.

Kevin Roy, Managing Director at S&P Global, explores how to leverage investor relations for a competitive edge. He discusses the evolving role of IR post-pandemic and its impact on company valuations. Key topics include the importance of credibility and responsiveness in building trust, along with the increasing relevance of ESG and AI in shaping investor strategies. Kevin also addresses the cautious approach in today’s IPO market and how strategic messaging is essential for effective communication between management and investors.

Kristy Grant-Hart, Vice President at Spark Compliance and former FCPA defense attorney, shares her expertise on critical compliance risks today. She dives into alarming issues like modern slavery and the ever-complex landscape of AI regulations. Kristy emphasizes the need for comprehensive training to curb bribery and corruption, especially in supply chains. Additionally, she advocates for the often-overlooked role of Chief Compliance Officers in board meetings, highlighting their value in risk management and strategic communication.

In this episode of The Corporate Director Podcast, we’re joined by Doug Schnell and Sebastian Alsheimer, partners at Wilson Sonsini. The conversation centers around shareholder engagement trends and the evolving landscape of shareholder activism as we approach the 2025 proxy season. The guests share their insights on how the new U.S. presidential administration's stance on DEI and ESG might impact corporate governance. They also provide practical advice for directors and corporate leaders on navigating the ESG/DEI backlash, protecting against shareholder activism, and fostering effective shareholder engagement. If you like this episode be sure to check out our guide on preparing your board for shareholder activism.

Ana Dutra, a former CEO and Fortune 250 executive with extensive board experience, shares invaluable insights on corporate governance and strategy. She emphasizes the significance of aligning CEO succession planning with strategic missions. Ana discusses the critical need for boards to engage in long-term discussions and tackle the challenges of geopolitical risks. She also highlights the role of generative AI in shaping modern business strategies, urging board members to adapt and educate themselves continuously.

In this special 150th edition of The Corporate Director Podcast, hosts Dottie Schindlinger and Meghan Day are joined by Diligent's CEO & President Brian Stafford and Annalisa Barrett, Senior Advisor at KPMG’s Board Leadership Center. The episode reflects on key developments over the past decade in corporate governance, discusses the growing importance of CEO succession planning, and explores the transformative potential of AI in governance and risk management.

Melanie Nolen, Head of Research at Chief Executive Group, leads intriguing discussions on the priorities for corporate boards heading into 2025. She highlights the surge in focus on growth opportunities and the critical need for improved CEO succession planning. The conversation also touches on how boards are adapting strategies in response to disruptions, such as cybersecurity threats and the evolving landscape of innovation. Insights from the Director Confidence Index reveal shifting sentiments among corporate directors that could shape governance policies.

In this episode of The Corporate Director Podcast, we welcome Timothy Youngblood, Chief Information Security Officer at Astrix Security. Timothy shares his insights on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and its implications for corporate governance. He delves into the lessons learned from cyber events in 2024, the significant threats organizations should prepare for in 2025, and the shift from reactive to proactive cyber risk management. Additionally, Timothy discusses the impact of AI on cybersecurity, potential regulatory changes, and strategies for boards to future-proof their approach to cyber risk management.

In this episode of The Corporate Director Podcast, host Dottie Schindlinger welcomes Craig Stronberg, Senior Director at PwC Intelligence, to discuss the evolving landscape of corporate governance under the Trump Administration. They delve into the implications of new government policies on corporate taxes, industry regulation, and international trade, and explore how these changes could affect various sectors. Craig also shares insights on the importance of reimagining risk management and staying informed with diverse global perspectives.

In this episode of Inside Today’s Boardrooms, host Dottie Schindlinger is joined by John Rodi, Co-Leader at the KPMG Board Leadership Center, to discuss data governance and risk. John highlights why data-related risk has become a pressing concern for companies and boards, delves into the most significant data-related risks today, and explains how companies are managing these risks through effective data governance frameworks. The conversation also touches on the implications of Generative AI (GenAI) on data governance and cybersecurity risk profiles.