Leading Minds of Governance & Tech

^{Featuring 2025 New England Visionaries Speak}

Directors gathered for candid conversations on the most pressing issues facing today’s boards. They dug into how boards are planning around tariff uncertainty, keeping pace with regulatory shifts, and rethinking long-term strategy in light of new tax rules. Building stronger partnerships with technology leaders was a major theme. Discussions highlighted what CIOs and CISOs expect from their boards, how directors can meet evolving cybersecurity reporting requirements, and how technology is reshaping workforce and compensation oversight.

A fireside chat with Rich Lesser, CEO of Boston Consulting Group, provided first-hand perspectives on the biggest challenges and opportunities on the horizon, underscoring practical ways boards can partner with CEOs to navigate change. Panels tackled AI, compensation, cyber, and regulation, while peer-to-peer exchanges gave directors a forum to share unfiltered advice and real-world solutions. The event delivered what directors value most: actionable insights, peer connections, and fresh perspective for the challenges ahead.

Several overarching themes emerged from the panel discussions:

• Navigating Tariff Uncertainty. How directors can account for shifting trade dynamics in strategic planning.
• Regulatory Shifts & Tax Strategy. Practical steps boards can take to anticipate and adapt to changing rules.
• Partnering with Technology Leaders. What CIOs and CISOs want from their boards and how directors can strengthen oversight.
• Long-Term Strategy Amid Tax Revisions. How to recalibrate business models for resilience and growth.
• Cybersecurity Oversight Now. Current regulatory and reporting expectations every board must address.
• Technology & Human Capital. Understanding how innovation is reshaping workforce and compensation oversight.
• CEO Perspectives on the Road Ahead. Three critical challenges and opportunities companies will face in the coming years.
• Board–CEO Best Practices. Proven ways directors can add value during major transitions and change periods.

2025 New England Visionaries Speak: Insight from the Top

The 2025 New England Visionaries Speak, an annual event hosted by NACD’s New England Chapter, brought directors face-to-face with CEOs and governance leaders on the issues shaping the boardroom. This panel offered candid conversations on balancing growth with risk, harnessing AI and digital tools to transform business, and steering organizations through economic and regulatory shifts. The panel also explored how values and purpose are shaping decision-making at the highest levels.

The Takeaway

Directors left with unfiltered insights they could only gain from sitting down with those who've steered companies through disruption and opportunity alike.