The Board Curators

While the focus on C-suite leadership is critical, boards that overlook the broader talent pipeline are taking a significant risk. A company's long-term success depends not just on top executives but on strong leadership and capable talent at all levels. Neglecting to develop this talent can lead to organizational instability, performance gaps, and difficulty navigating future challenges. When boards fail to prioritize leadership development beyond the C-suite, they risk: Succession Gaps: Without a strong bench, finding suitable replacements for key roles becomes more challenging, leaving the company vulnerable in times of transition. Talent Attrition: High-potential employees may seek opportunities elsewhere if they don't see clear paths for advancement, leading to a loss of critical talent. Innovation Stagnation: Diverse perspectives and ideas often come from rising leaders. Without a focus on nurturing talent across the organization, innovation can stall. Board oversight of talent development should extend to ensure there’s a robust pipeline that aligns with the company’s strategic goals. Beyond the CEO, leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and succession planning at every level are key to maintaining a resilient and forward-thinking organization. Is your board investing in leadership growth beyond the C-suite? Discover how we help boards build talent strategies that strengthen organizational leadership at every level. Visit www.theboardcurators.com to learn more. Daphne E. Jones Teri G. Fontenot Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. Bradley Strock Nichelle Maynard-Elliott #BoardLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #LeadershipDevelopment #CorporateGovernance #TheBoardCurators #TalentPipeline #ExecutiveLeadership #StrategicPlanning

In today’s fast-paced business environment, boards must go beyond oversight and play a strategic role in succession planning and leadership development. Ensuring a smooth transition of leadership is critical to a company’s long-term success, and it’s up to the board to have a robust plan in place. At The Board Curators, we believe boards should be deeply involved in identifying future leaders within the company and fostering their growth. This means not only evaluating the CEO but also working closely with management to ensure the development of key talent across all levels. A strong succession plan can protect the organization from unexpected leadership changes, strengthen continuity, and create a leadership pipeline that aligns with the company’s strategic goals. ✅ Is your board prepared for the next leadership transition? ✅ Are you investing in leadership development at every level? It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about shaping the future. How is your board ensuring a smooth leadership transition while driving long-term success? Learn how to make succession planning a priority with The Board Curators. Visit www.theboardcurators.com to discover how we help boards stay ahead of the curve. Daphne E. Jones Nichelle Maynard-Elliott Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. Teri G. Fontenot Bradley Strock #BoardLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #CorporateGovernance #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicPlanning #TheBoardCurators #ExecutiveLeadership #FutureOfLeadership

Here’s a powerful moment from when our CEO and Founder, Daphne E. Jones, was invited to speak at the Yardstick Management Institute’s C-Suite Retreat in Nevis. She was asked, “What did you do to stand out to secure your first board seat?” In this clip, Daphne shares her journey and the #winning strategies she used to break barriers and land her first board seat. It's a testament to the power of perseverance, preparation, and the mindset of refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer. Daphne's passion for helping others achieve their dreams of getting a seat at the boardroom table shines through, and it’s a mission she continues to champion every day. Watch the video and get inspired to step up, stand out, and find a way to win! Are you ready to apply these strategies and make your mark? Whether you’re aiming for your first board seat or looking to expand your leadership impact, The Board Curators is here to help you navigate your journey. Watch the clip, get inspired, and take the next step in your leadership journey. Let’s find your path to the boardroom. Visit www.theboardcurators.com to learn more. Daphne E. Jones Nichelle Maynard-Elliott Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. Teri G. Fontenot Bradley Strock #BoardLeadership #WomenInBusiness #DaphneEJones #TheBoardCurators

Is It Time for Private Equity Boards to Step Up? As we continue through 2024, private equity and venture capital investors are managing more than $1.93 trillion (as of April 2023) in "dry powder" waiting to be deployed. With new deals constantly being made, private equity boards are being formed and reshaped, and their influence on corporate governance is more crucial than ever. In an article by the NACD, it’s clear that private equity boards are evolving to take on a more strategic role. Traditionally focused on investors' needs, these boards now have the opportunity to bring in independent directors to provide diverse perspectives, strategic insights, and industry expertise. Private equity boards must move beyond a narrow focus and embrace the need for fresh talent and new ideas to navigate today's complex business challenges. The key takeaway? To stay ahead, private equity boards need to prioritize diversity of thought, focus on talent development, and ensure they’re strategically aligned with the evolving needs of the business. As boards continue to play a vital role in value creation, now is the time for private equity investors to rethink how they structure and optimize their boards. 💡 What steps do you think private equity boards should take to increase independence and improve their strategic value? Read the full article by NACD: https://lnkd.in/eqUgdH5u. Daphne E. Jones Nichelle Maynard-Elliott Teri G. Fontenot Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. Bradley Strock #CorporateGovernance #PrivateEquity #BoardLeadership #StrategicGrowth #TheBoardCurators #ValueCreation #DiversityInBoards #Leadership

Last week, Daphne E. Jones and Nichelle Maynard-Elliott had the pleasure of attending the NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Directors Summit, a premier gathering of corporate leaders focused on shaping the future of corporate governance. The event provided invaluable insights into the evolving responsibilities of board directors, including emerging trends in risk management, technology, and diversity. Both Daphne and Nichelle are committed to driving meaningful change in the boardroom, and this summit reinforced the importance of strong, forward-thinking governance. Engaging with like-minded leaders and discussing the future of board leadership has further inspired their commitment to fostering diversity, innovation, and strategic oversight. The future of corporate boards is bright, and we’re excited to continue contributing to the conversation and pushing the boundaries of effective leadership. #NACDDirectorsSummit #CorporateGovernance #BoardLeadership #FutureOfBoards #DiversityInLeadership #TheBoardCurators #DaphneEJones #NichelleMaynardElliott

As AI and emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, boards have a critical role in overseeing how companies integrate these powerful tools. It’s no longer just about driving innovation; it’s about ensuring that the risks associated with AI—whether cybersecurity, ethical concerns, or data privacy—are effectively managed. “From my own experience in leading technology-driven transformations, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for boards to have the right expertise to navigate this rapidly changing landscape. Boards that understand the potential of AI and other emerging technologies are better equipped to ask the right questions and make strategic decisions that drive long-term success,” says Daphne E. Jones, Founder of The Board Curators. The question for today’s leaders is: Does your board have the right mix of skills to oversee AI integration while mitigating the risks? Are we, as leaders, keeping pace with these technological advancements to truly govern effectively? At The Board Curators, we prepare executives to step confidently into these discussions and ensure they’re board-ready in a tech-driven world. Daphne E. Jones Nichelle Maynard-Elliott Bradley Strock Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. Teri G. Fontenot #AI #CorporateGovernance #BoardLeadership #EmergingTechnologies #TechRisk #TheBoardCurators #Cybersecurity #StrategicLeadership #DaphneJones

The landscape of corporate governance and regulatory compliance continues to evolve, and it’s not just public companies that need to pay attention. At The Board Curators, we believe that executives seeking board positions must stay ahead of these developments, especially as industries like alternative asset management face increasing scrutiny. The Managed Funds Association's (MFA) recent leadership transition highlights the importance of strategic planning and board oversight as organizations navigate regulatory challenges and potential tax changes. Strong, forward-thinking leadership is essential for tackling the complexities of modern governance. The MFA, representing $3.2 trillion in assets, has named Jody Gunderson of AB CarVal as its new chair while preparing for risks of higher taxes and new regulations, particularly as the U.S. nears its 2024 presidential election. Already, the MFA has scored regulatory victories, but continues to fight new SEC rules that could impact private funds, short-selling transparency, and cybersecurity policies. These issues reflect broader governance challenges that require boards to be agile, informed, and proactive in shaping their company’s future. As you consider your next steps toward a board position, it's crucial to understand how regulatory changes and governance strategies intersect. What steps can boards take to ensure they are prepared to navigate the shifting regulatory landscape and protect shareholder interests? Read the full article by Carolina Mandl at Reuters: https://lnkd.in/eekghRAz. Daphne E. Jones Nichelle Maynard-Elliott Bradley Strock Teri G. Fontenot Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. #CorporateGovernance #Regulations #BoardLeadership #Finance #MFA #TheBoardCurators #GovernanceTrends #ExecutiveLeadership

The landscape of shareholder activism is changing, with "occasional activists" – institutional investors, individuals, and even company insiders – taking on a more significant role in influencing corporate governance. According to a recent article from MoFo.com, the number of activist campaigns in 2024 is on track to exceed the record levels seen in 2022 and 2023. In the first half of this year alone, 147 campaigns have already been launched, indicating that activism is no longer just for dedicated funds. What’s interesting is that more first-time activists and company insiders are using their influence to push for changes, from submitting shareholder proposals to launching proxy contests. This rise in occasional activism reflects a democratization of shareholder engagement, where even those without a history of activism are now shaping the direction of corporations. One notable trend is the impact of the SEC's universal proxy card (UPC) rules, which allow shareholders to pick nominees from competing slates. These rules have not only doubled the number of founder proxy fights but have also sped up the settlement process, with the median time to settle dropping to 73 days in 2024. The rise of occasional activism signifies a new era where diverse voices have a say in corporate governance, making it more important than ever for companies to stay engaged and responsive to shareholder concerns. 💡 What do you think? How will this shift toward occasional activism impact corporate decision-making and the future of governance? For the full article and more insights, check out the original post on MoFo.com: https://lnkd.in/e_ar9CQp. On November 25th, our CEO and founder Daphne E. Jones will be speaking on a panel at PLI's Twenty-Second Annual Directors' Institute on Corporate Governance discussing: Governance and Shareholder Activism. She will be sharing her perspectives on things like universal proxy implementation, current trends in shareholder activism and much more! #CorporateGovernance #ShareholderActivism #BoardLeadership #UniversalProxyCard #OccasionalActivists #TheBoardCurators #CorporateStrategy #InvestorRelations

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at The Board Curators! 🎉 As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we take this opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions, diverse perspectives, and rich culture that Hispanic and Latino communities bring to the world of business and corporate leadership. Representation and diversity in the boardroom are more than just values—they are catalysts for innovation, creativity, and meaningful change. By embracing different voices, experiences, and cultures, we create stronger, more dynamic boards that drive organizations forward. At The Board Curators, we're committed to championing the growth of Hispanic and Latino leaders in board positions, ensuring that their talents and insights are recognized, valued, and given the space to flourish. We believe that diverse leadership is not only a reflection of our society but also a key driver of success in today’s competitive landscape. This month, let's celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino professionals and continue to support efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion in boardrooms across the globe. ¡Adelante! Daphne E. Jones Nichelle Maynard-Elliott Bradley Strock Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. Teri G. Fontenot #HispanicHeritageMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #BoardLeadership #CorporateGovernance #LatinoLeaders #TheBoardCurators #RepresentationMatters #CelebrateDiversity

Major Shakeup at 23andMe: What It Means for Corporate Governance and Leadership In a surprising turn of events, all seven of 23andMe's independent directors have resigned, highlighting significant challenges for the genetic-testing company. This move comes amid ongoing negotiations with CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki, who seeks to take the company private. According to CBS News, the directors stepped down after months of waiting for a "fully financed, fully diligenced, actionable proposal" from Wojcicki, stating that their departure was due to a "clear" difference of opinion on the company's future. Wojcicki holds a concentrated voting power of 49%, which ultimately influenced their decision. Wojcicki responded by expressing her surprise and disappointment but reiterated that taking 23andMe private would allow it to focus on long-term growth, away from the pressures of the public market. The company has faced financial struggles since going public in 2021, reporting a staggering $667 million net loss in the last fiscal year and seeing its stock price plummet by over 97%. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of board independence and strong governance, especially in times of crisis or major transitions. It raises crucial questions about the balance of power between CEOs and board members and how that dynamic can impact a company’s future. 🔍 What are your thoughts? How can companies ensure balanced decision-making when one individual holds a significant amount of control? What steps should 23andMe take next to restore confidence in its leadership and direction? How impactful is taking a company private so it can restructure or revamp its strategy? For more details on this developing story, read the full article by CBS News: 23andMe Directors Resign Amid Push to Go Private https://lnkd.in/eG9Z_wb5 Daphne E. Jones Nichelle Maynard-Elliott Teri G. Fontenot Bradley Strock Dr. Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, Ed.D. #CorporateGovernance #BoardLeadership #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipChallenges #CorporateTransparency #23andMe #BoardResignations #LeadershipLessons #TheBoardCurators