Fuel for Forward-Thinking Boards

227a64be-d84c-404b-adf0-3e1db922b3f0

What the Best Board Chairs Bring to the Table

7 leadership traits to help the whole board deliver maximum value

Even the most capable board can falter without the right chair at the helm. The chair shapes the agenda, manages the discussion, helps resolve conflict, and ultimately sets the board up to deliver value. In our latest article, we outline seven essential qualities that distinguish high-performing board chairs—insights boards can use when considering future leaders or that current chairs can consult for self-assessment and development.

Articles

Boardspan’s OARS Governance Framework: When Everyone Pulls Together

Strengthen board effectiveness with Boardspan's OARS board governance framework: oversight, accountability, risk mitigation, and strategy.

Read

Why Energy and Defense Companies Are Rethinking Board Composition

As disruption accelerates, boards are rethinking who’s at the table—seeking the right mix of legacy experience and real-world expertise in tech, risk, and talent. Discover why this shift is gaining traction across industries—and what it means for your board.

Read

Leading When It's Messy: Real Advice From Real Boards

Boardspan recently convened conversations with 25+ board directors to discuss the current business environment, their outlook over the next year, and the advice they’re giving to their management teams.

Read

Tone at the Top In 2025 - How the Best Boards Keep Organizations on Track in Challenging Times

Learn how boards set the tone at the top and apply board best practices to guide culture, uphold values, and lead through uncertainty.

Read

Effective Strategies for Recruiting Board Members: Three common scenarios

Recruiting new directors? See how leading boards approach recruitment with foresight—not just urgency.

Read

6 Hot Topics in Boardrooms Today

What’s keeping Nom & Gov Chairs up at night? Here’s what they’re tackling—and why it matters.

Read

The Governance Curve™ - Your Board's Roadmap To Strategic Excellence

Discover how leading boards are advancing their governance maturity—and what it takes to move the needle.

Read

AI and Governance: Five Questions Answered

AI is everywhere. What does that mean for your board? Five smart questions, answered with real-world insight.

Read

Management Succession Planning: Why It’s Hard, How to Fix It

Explore why management succession planning remains a top challenge for boards and discover practical steps to overcome common barriers and build a robust succession strategy.

Read

Building Strong Board Committees: The Devil is in the Details

Strong committees are the backbone of effective boards. Discover the key elements that make them excel.

Read

Governance Planning: A Holistic Roadmap for Better Board Performance

A structured governance plan can transform board performance. Discover how intentional planning leads to better outcomes.

Read

Risk Management & Risk Imagination for Boards - Q&A with Ken Bacon

Ken Bacon, seasoned board director and former Fannie Mae executive, discusses how boards can enhance risk oversight by embracing imagination, anticipating emerging threats, and building resilient governance frameworks.

Read

4 Questions to Ask When Building a Governance Framework

Explore the foundational elements of effective board governance by addressing four critical questions that help clarify responsibilities, assess board composition, ensure access to essential information, and establish a strategic plan.

Read

How the Best Boards are Built: Q&A With Maggie Wilderotter

Maggie Wilderotter, former Chair and CEO of Frontier Communications and current board chair at DocuSign, shares insights on building high-performing boards

Read

The Board's Changing Role In Culture

Examine how today’s boards influence company culture by defining values, aligning leadership, overseeing accountability, and identifying red flags before issues escalate.

Read

5 Ways Boards Can Lead Corporate Culture

Discover five practical strategies for boards to actively shape corporate culture—modeling values, aligning with mission, and engaging employees directly.

Read

The Evolving Role of the Board of Directors - Q&A with George Roberts

Explore how board responsibilities are evolving, with insights from KKR co-founder George Roberts on governance, risk oversight, and director engagement.

Read