WATSON Webinars

The connection between Gender Equality and ESG may seem obvious with Gender Equality neatly fitting into the ‘S’ of ESG. A study commissioned by iSAW found that the impact of Gender Equality is far more profound, affecting not only the ‘S’ but the ‘E’ and ‘G’ as well. In fact, our ability to make progress in ESG is inextricably linked to our progress in achieving Gender Equality. In this webinar, we will discuss the broader implications of Gender Equality on ESG and achieving better business outcomes, and dive deeper into the link between Gender Equality and the ‘G’.

In this webinar, we’ll explore:

• The importance of gender equality to advancing ESG
• How does gender equality impact the E, S, and G
• Gender equality and implications for governance and the evolving role of a director
• The business imperative for gender equality and how that has evolved, including implications stemming from The Great Resignation
• ESG reporting considerations related to gender equality

Alicia is a governance associate at WATSON where she leads and supports governance reviews, board evaluations, director evaluations, policy development, and just in time advice related to board effectiveness and the board’s oversight of human resources, legal and financial matters. With a profound commitment to DEI, ESG and corporate sustainability, Alicia brings these lenses to all aspects of her work. Alicia’s governance experience spans nearly 15 years, both as a board member and an executive reporting to boards. She currently serves on the boards of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and the Vancouver Westside German School Society.

Martin is the Chief Strategy Officer for iSAW (international Strategic Accelerator for Women), whose mission is to accelerate by 10x the pace at which gender equality will be achieved in the workplace. He brings his passion for driving improved business performance to create innovative solutions to ensure that iSAW can deliver its ambition. Martin has a wide range of commercial and digital technology-based leadership experiences in diverse business areas within the BP conglomerate and latterly within the UK’s Ministry of Defense (MoD). Martin is a highly empathetic leader and has always seen the value of diversity and inclusion in leadership in delivering better business outcomes. Martin is now able to spend more energy on this latter passion through his role in the iSAW organization. Martin now lives in London.

Manijeh is a senior governance consultant and lawyer at WATSON where she helps boards of directors and their committees through governance reviews, board and director evaluations, and policy manual development, and advises boards with respect to governance structures, frameworks and capacity assessments. She is also a facilitator in WATSON’s Governance Academy delivering governance education programs to both individual directors and boards. Manijeh has nearly 25 years of experience in governance and law working with private and public companies, regulatory bodies, not-for-profit organizations, member-based organizations, and Crown and public sector organizations. With extensive experience as a director, corporate secretary and general counsel and a deep knowledge of emerging governance issues, Manijeh provides thoughtful insight and expertise to boards and management teams that are practical, effective and enhance their organization’s success.

Is DEI in Your DNA? Embedding DEI in the Fabric of Your Board.

It’s 2022 and it’s highly likely that almost every board will add Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to their agenda.

Boards are steadily making progress in terms of their capability, focus and impact in this area yet most have gaps, and few are at a stage where they would say that DEI is a true strength in their work.

Moderated by Rachel O’Connor, join WATSON senior governance consultant, Jodi Butts, and guest panelist David Simmonds as they discuss about what comes next in DEI. They’ll look at how boards can get ahead of the curve and be ready for the next conversations in DEI. This is about what your board can do to feel truly ready for whatever might come next.

We’ll discuss:

• Where most boards are focused today
• Where they need to expand their thinking and their work
• What leading boards are doing

We’ll bring the topic to life by combining WATSON’s knowledge with real-world insights from guest panelist, David Simmonds, who sees this topic from multiple vantage points: as a director, an executive, and an advisor. We’ll be sure to leave ample time for Q&A and discussion so we can tap into the wisdom and experience of the group.

When: January 25, 1pm EST / 10am PST

Register HERE.

Registration is Complimentary

Prepare to Transition – What the New Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act Means For Your Organization’s Governance

Did you hear? The new Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (the Act) came into force in late October 2021, reflecting an important move to modernize the corporate legislation for not-for-profits in Ontario.

Organizations incorporated under Ontario provincial legislation have three years to come into compliance (sigh of relief), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about the transition now. With such diversity in the sector, the new legislation will have varying impacts, and this can be an opportune time to evolve your organization’s governance structure and approach, or to make long needed changes in these key areas.

Join WATSON’s Natasha Himer in conversation with fellow governance expert Teresa Budd as they host a webinar shedding light on key changes and answering your questions.

In this session, you will:

• Learn about key provisions in the new Act
• Think about the transition from a governance perspective
• Hear lessons learned from similar transitions in the BC and federal jurisdictions
• Explore what your board should be thinking about now as your organization prepares for this transition

Date: November 30, 2021

Time: 9:00 – 9:50 am PST / 12:00 – 12:50pm EST

Cost: FREE

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6516365815082/WN_M3FfysUJRGaotRejYKQ53A

Change comes with a lot of questions, and we want to get to them all. Send us yours in advance at academy@watsoninc.ca

The dynamic duo of board and management is critical to an organization’s effective functioning, and critical to its success.

In this unique relationship, these two groups must balance alignment and collaboration with the need for clear boundaries between operations and oversight.

It’s not as easy as it sounds, especially when organizations are experiencing the stresses of challenge and opportunity.

Join WATSON’s Practice Leads, Rachel O’Connor and Sharon Rudy, and our featured guests panelists: Glenn Wong, Founder of Catalyst Solutions Ltd and LIFT Philanthropy Partners Board Chair, and Bev Briscoe, current Board Chair of Kal Tire , Chair of the Board of Richie Bros. Auctioneers Inc., Lead Director of Goldcorp Inc., and Director of Newmont Inc., as they share their unvarnished stories and experience from both sides of this duo.

We will explore:

• What makes for an effective relationship between Boards, CEOs and executives?
• What are the practices, boundaries and dynamics that make a difference?
• Where do the cracks tend to appear under strain? What are the pitfalls to watch out for?
• How do you adjust the dynamic when you need to, whether to respond to a short-term situation or address an issue?

Boards and executive teams are under significant pressure right now. In times of uncertainty, relationships, communications, and lines of accountability are tested and strained – and can fray.

Learn how you can strengthen your relationship and be better prepared to face the coming months of pandemic recovery – and build a strong organization for the long term.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020
1:00PM EDT/ 2:00PM ADT/ 12:00PM CDT/ 11:00AM MDT/ 10:00AM PDT

More information HERE