Roger Kenny is the Vice-Chairman of CTPartners Board Consultants, and an internationally recognized expert on boards and corporate governance. In this conversation, he talks about the role of boards and how that role will change. More importantly, he highlights what actions will those looking to fill board positions have to take.

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0:00 The relationship between boards and their companies has always been a challenge, especially on issues such as compensation

1:30 How could some of the lessons learned by boards in the past prevent some of the challenges we face today? Roger looks at the history of the General Motors board and draws some valuable conclusions

2:55 What is the function of a board and what should it be doing? Their job, says Roger, is to help Management drive strategy and offer their own wisdom. The days of the “rubber stamp” are over

3:50 What should boards be focusing on today. Succession planning and compensation are at the top of the list.

4:45 What are the signs that a board is in trouble? Autocratic CEOs, when the Chair doesn’t operate from a position of strength and compensation problems are all warning signs you might not be operating at your best

6:02 What are the key skills or competencies board members will have to bring to the table? Experience is important, as is Operations experience and other functional skills. Diversity of experience as well as demographics will be increasingly important

7:25 If there’s one thing that Boards need to focus on, it’s executing the company’s strategy. CEO selection runs a close second. The buck doesn’t stop at the CEO any more.