This past month, I spent a day engaging in thought-provoking dialogue at the Deloitte Davos Experience. The issues discussed each year at the World Economic Forum provide a context for the most important challenges of our time. I’d like to share with you a few data points on water stewardship that was the starting point [...]

Last week I attended a conference in New York City hosted by the National Association of Corporate Directors.  Core to this organization is the belief in education of directors who serve shareholders and other important stakeholders. Here are some directional issues that will redefine standards and behaviors and will require boards to transform their governance [...]

Last week I attended a governance conference in New York City.  The primary focus of the meeting was education of directors who serve members and other important stakeholders. The real challenge that CEOs and boards face, is to learn as fast as the world is changing.  This implies a commitment to strengthening our skills to [...]

As the snow from this very harsh winter begins to melt, those of us who are golfers begin the transition from the winter doldrums to a hopeful new season.  One way to prepare your body and your mind is to watch professionals play on televised tournaments.  In analyzing the professional swings, I am always struck [...]

On January 25th, 2011, The Credit Union Leadership Forum held its first Web Seminar entitled, “A Practical Perspective: Regulatory Realities”, featuring Paul Peterson, NCUA Associate General Counsel, Teresa Halleck, President & CEO, San Diego County Credit Union and Sarah Snell Cooke, Editor-in-Chief, Credit Union Times and myself. We discussed the practical and real-world implications of [...]

The world as we know it is in a continuous state of change for corporate directors. In the past, work mattered more than process.  With those in Congress and the Executive Branch concerned about another economic crisis, increased transparency and attention to processes will be required. In the past, board members, corporate secretaries and general [...]

Recently, the SEC issued Rule 14a-11 which has major implications for the way shareholders have access to nominating directors to boards.   The implementation of these rules is currently being challenged in court by the United States Chamber of Commerce.  However, the SEC direction is to encourage increased communication between shareholders and directors.  So while we [...]

If I ask people to describe the attributes of a good leader, the smartest ones will always mention the ability to stay calm during difficult situations, find ways to be positive and hopeful and ensure the implementation of effective risk management strategies. The economic climate, coupled with recent regulations announced by the Securities and Exchange [...]

During the holidays, television stations always run a continuous loop of the Yuletide log with a soundtrack of Christmas songs. It reminds us of shared values and gives people a sense of the holiday spirit. Presently, we are watching a 24/7 “continuous loop” of the BP disaster, with up to 100,000 gallons of oil being [...]

The pressure Wall Street places on companies to meet arbitrarily defined goals in this environment is staggering and can drive even decent ethical people to skate along the edge of reporting integrity. As directors, we are the shareholder’s last backstop to ensure integrity in thisprocess. I believe the SEC is increasingly viewing it thatway. It challenges us all [...]