Inside the 2023 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission Report

In Person  | January 18, 2024  |  4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST  |  Houston, TX

In Houston on January 18, we hosted an engaging discussion with Blue Ribbon Commissioners Gaurdie Banister and Jarvis Hollingsworth, who offered behind-the-scenes insight into the development and key findings of the 2023 Blue Ribbon Commission Report: Culture as the Foundation for Building a High-Performance Board.

The panel highlighted why board culture is essential to agility, effective oversight, and navigating disruption. Key themes included defining and reinforcing a high-performing culture, addressing underperformance, and preparing directors to lead with impact in today’s complex environment.

Key Topics Covered

• The NACD Blue Ribbon Commission’s focus on board culture as a driver of performance.
• The board chair’s tone-setting role and the Nom/Gov committee’s responsibility for governance and culture.
• How to define, reinforce, and correct board culture as outlined by the BRC.
• The importance of onboarding, inclusion, and integrating diverse or nontraditional directors.
• Managing underperformance and having courageous conversations with directors.
• Board refreshment strategies, including rotating leadership roles and skill audits.
• The limitations of virtual board meetings for trust-building and candid dialogue.

Key Takeaways

• Strong board culture is foundational to agility, decision-making, and supporting management.
• Set clear expectations at onboarding—including norms, performance standards, and offboarding.
• Normalize feedback and accountability through annual board assessments and peer reviews.
• Inclusion requires structure, mentorship, and psychological safety for all voices to be heard.
• Every director shares responsibility for shaping and sustaining culture—not just the chair.
• In-person meetings foster trust, candid conversation, and alignment in ways virtual meetings cannot.
• Directors should contribute meaningfully—or step off the board if value or alignment is lacking.

Program Videos

View the complete program playlist, including the following video clips:

• What is the 2023 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission Report: Overview
• Why Discussing Board Culture Matters: Importance and Initiators Explained
• Managing Challenges in Building Board Culture: Navigating the Problematic Director
• Strategies for Transforming Your Board's Culture
• Thoughts on Building a Board Culture in the Virtual World
• Insights Unveiled: Key Takeaways from Our Expert Panel

The Power of Perspective: Insights from Attendees

Program Resources

• 2023 Blue Ribbon Commission Report: Culture as the Foundation for Building a High-Performance Board
• NACD Board Vision podcast
• 2024 Governance Outlook Report

Panelists

Founder & CEO

Gaurdie Banister

Founder & CEO, Different Points of View, Inc. Director, Dow Chemical Co, Enbridge Inc., Russell Reynolds Associates Inc., Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity

Gaurdie E. Banister Jr. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Different Points of View, Inc. a private firm that provides advisory services in the areas of leadership and safety. He is the former President and Chief Executive Officer...

Read Full Bio

Director

Anna Catalano

HF Sinclair Corporation, NACD Texas TriCities Chapter, The World Innovation Network, Frontdoor, Inc.

Anna C. Catalano manages an active board portfolio, serving as an independent director for public and private corporations and not-for-profit organizations. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of HF Sinclair Corporation (NYSE: DINO),Frontdoor (NASDAQ: FTDR), Ecovyst (NYSE: ECVT), and Hexion, Inc., (private)…

Read Full Bio

Vice Chairman

Jarvis V. Hollingsworth

Vice Chairman, Irradiant Partners LP | Director, Vital Energy, Inc., Core Scientific, Inc., Memorial Hermann Health System; Chair, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, NACD Texas TriCities Chapter

Jarvis V. Hollingsworth is Vice Chairman of Irradiant Partners L.P., an investment advisor that focuses on investments in renewable energy and liquid and private credit. Previously, he served as the Secretary/General Counsel and on the board of directors of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. and is a former Partner...

Read Full Bio