WATSON Speaks

Liz shares secrets of effective board governance with women’s leadership mentor Eleanor Beaton on Fierce Feminine Leadership: The Success Podcast for Women in Business.   

Each week, Eleanor shares inspiring interviews with powerful women in business, along with practical tools and tricks you can use today to step into your power, smash your glass ceiling and take your seat at the tables where the big deals and decisions are made.

Listen here

Liz spoke to the Women’s Leadership Circle on Oct. 11 about ‘The Principles of Good Governance.’ The event was hosted in partnership with the Institute of Corporate Directors.

“Boards we work with are serious about becoming more diverse. Although progress is less than ideal, we believe boards will continue to feature diversity as a key component in board renewal as they seek directors with the right competencies, commitment and character. While the diversity pool has initially focused on women, cultural and age diversity are also gaining more consideration.”

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For public company boards, increased levels of gender diversity are linked to improved financial performance. There is a great deal of discussion about the benefits of having diversity on a board of directors. Regardless of the type of board, evidence would suggest that having a diversity in its many forms–gender, culture, skills, knowledge, age leads to better decision-making.

What does this mean in practical terms for directors at both publicly-traded companies and for non-profit boards? Moderator Jennifer Coulson, Senior Manager, ESC Integration, bcIMC poses this question to Liz and fellow panelist Judith Sayer, President, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.

The Institute of Corporate Directors breakfast session in Victoria offers members the opportunity to hear how boards can improve their recruitment practices and improve processes to foster a diversity of views and a constructive board culture.

Sauder Viewpoints asks Liz to weigh in on the complexities of ethics in the boardroom.

WATSON is watching directors roll up their sleeves in three main areas: strategy development, risk management and leadership development. “Boards and directors must work with intention. The topics they discuss cannot be random.”

Visit Viewpoints, UBC’s magazine for Sauder alumni and friends to see all their articles.