Nominating & Governance – Board Effectiveness Roundtable

Designed for a small cohort of experienced directors serving on Nominating & Governance Committees, this program explored the governance inflection points shaping board leadership today. The three-part series was structured across three levels of governance impact—Individual Directors, Committee Leadership, and Full Board Effectiveness relevant to the real-life challenges boards face. Participants engaged in peer exchange with fellow directors who share similar committee responsibilities, sharing candid perspectives, situation-based governance practices, and comparing approaches. The conversations were complemented by facilitated discussion and insights from Egon Zehnder.

Session 1: Building High-Impact Individual Directors
From Capable to Exceptional Board Member in an Era of Disruption

This session focused on how boards can strengthen the impact of individual directors, to build a future-forward board through onboarding, evaluation, and director development to ensure each member contributes meaningful value. Participants explored one of the most sensitive governance challenges boards face: how to address underperforming directors—including when concerns involve the Board Chair—while preserving trust, dignity, and board cohesion.

Session 2: Elevating the Nominating & Governance Committee’s Impact
From Process Owner to Strategic Steward of the Board

This session examined how committees can move beyond compliance to actively shape board composition, succession planning, and long-term governance resilience. Participants explored how to approach board refreshment thoughtfully—balancing diversity of perspective, skill, and experience with interpersonal chemistry—while navigating transitions in ways that strengthen the board without destabilizing it.

Session 3: Driving Broader Board Effectiveness
Designing Governance for Strategy and Long-Term Value

This session examined how boards can rethink governance design—from committee structures to board agendas—to better support long-term value creation in a complex environment. Participants explored how to evaluate board effectiveness beyond traditional compliance metrics, focusing on the dynamics and practices that enable boards to truly add value.