Board Culture in an Era of Rising Expectations

As the pace of change accelerates and expectations of corporate directors continue to rise, it is critical that boards develop and maintain a strong culture of shared assumptions, values, and beliefs that influence corporate and board behavior. Curating a culture of trust, respect, and openness in which directors feel supported in expressing differing points of view and engaging in candid discussion is paramount to their role as fiduciaries on the company and shareholders’ behalf. As with any organization, the culture of the board must be intentional and cared for over time. Striking the right balance between consensus, groupthink, and the best answers to existential questions regarding the board’s duties and the company’s future is no small task.

In order to help us navigate these tumultuous waters, we are pleased to have this virtual fireside chat with Irene Chang Britt, who currently serves on the boards of Victoria’s Secret and Brighthouse Financial among others (having previously served at Dunkin’ Brands and Tailored Brands) and Rusty O’Kelley, who co-leads the Board & CEO Advisory practice at Russell Reynolds Associates where he advises boards on, among other things, enhancing performance and culture. This discussion will be moderated by Glenn Booraem, a principal at Vanguard, as well as a member of the NACD Philadelphia Chapter’s board.