Elizabeth (Liz) Watson

Founder & CEO

A widely respected governance expert and lawyer, Liz is the CEO and Founder of Watson Board Advisors. She has counselled thousands of directors, Chairs, and CEOs on the full range of governance issues. Liz is passionate about helping boards and directors become highly effective at shaping the future of their organizations, with sustainable business success that strengthens society.

Favorite Saying

“Governance is about how people work together for a common goal.”

Most Dangerous Myth

“Policies matter more than people.”

Best question:

“How does this fit with the organization’s purpose?”

Experience and Credentials

Founded Watson Board Advisors in 2005
Appointed King’s Counsel in 2012; has practiced law for more than 35 years
A sought after speaker and contributor on governance, CEO and board recruitment, and the importance of diversity on boards
Taught at the ICD’s Directors Education Program on Governance Effectiveness
Founding member of the selection committee for the Canadian Excellence in Governance Awards and previously served for four years on the ICD Fellowship Awards Selection Committee
Authored CPA Canada’s publication on Building and Sustaining an Effective Board
Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and one of the inaugural Top 100 Influential Women of British Columbia
As a director, Liz serves on the board of Peterson, a family-owned, North American based real estate company, and the Woodward’s Foundation, a private family foundation.
Previously served as Board Chair of SHAD Canada and Choice School for Gifted Children, and as a director on the boards of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Women in the Lead Inc., the BC Cancer Foundation and as an Advisory Board member for Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.
LLB from the University of British Columbia; completed executive education in governance at Harvard University, and in finance at Ivey Business School.