Episódios
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Directors are no strangers to volatility. But how can boards learn to separate signals from noise as the economic playbook they have relied on for years is rewritten?
In this episode, Yolanda Daniel, a director on the boards of Leslie’s and Valtir and an experienced finance executive, and Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board, talk with NACD vice president of strategic engagement Marcel Bucsescu. Together, they discuss the forces reshaping the economy. They also explore the economic indicators directors should be watching, how boards can work with management to evaluate risk and opportunity, and what drives sound capital allocation decisions in an uncertain environment.
Host: Marcel Bucsescu, NACD vice president of strategic engagement
Guests: Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board
Yolanda Daniel, director, Leslie’s and Valtir; former vice president of finance, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; former chief financial officer, Grainger Canada
Related NACD Resources:
Navigating Changing US Policy“Focusing on the Future in Uncertain Times”“How Boards Help Businesses Navigate Uncertainty”
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Physical threat actors now bypass the “let’s talk about it” stage and go straight to acting on their grievances, says cybersecurity expert and board member Ron Green. That’s why directors must take their physical security seriously.
In this episode, Green talks with NACD program manager of digital and cybersecurity content Dylan Sandlin. Together, they explore physical security for board members. They also discuss the connection between cybersecurity and physical security and how directors can anticipate and prepare for physical security risks.
Host: Dylan Sandlin, program manager of digital and cybersecurity content, NACD
Guest: Ron Green, NACD.DC®, partner in the CISO/CSO advisory practice, 5OH Consulting; board member, SailPoint, Santander Bank; former chair, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, US Secret Service Cyber Investigations Advisory Board
“Strengthening Trust and Reputation in a World Impacted by Social Media”“Protecting Corporate Leadership: A Call to Action for Corporate Boards”
Related NACD Resources:
Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information. -
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As high–net-worth individuals with access to sensitive company information, board members are increasingly targeted by cyber-threat actors. Awareness of these threats—and personal vigilance—are essential to stay protected.
In this episode, cybersecurity expert and board member Ron Green talks with NACD program manager of digital and cybersecurity content Dylan Sandlin. Together, they discuss personal cybersecurity for board members and the cyber risks they face. They also dive into how directors can be targeted and best practices for personal digital hygiene.
Host: Dylan Sandlin, program manager of digital and cybersecurity content, NACD
Guest: Ron Green, NACD.DC®, partner in the CISO/CSO advisory practice, 5OH Consulting; board member, SailPoint, Santander Bank; former chair, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, US Secret Service Cyber Investigations Advisory Board
Related NACD Resources:
Director’s Handbook on Cyber-Risk Oversight“A Director’s Digital Life May Be a Liability”Personal Cybersecurity Protection Guide for Corporate Directors
Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information. -
“Business is easy. Family business is hard,” says Charlie Bitzer, chair and CEO of ABARTA. The
relationships and dynamics within family-owned companies present distinct challenges for their
boards.In this episode, Bitzer talks with NACD senior member engagement advisor Kait Armstrong about
the governance of family-owned businesses. They discuss the difficulties of generational transitions,
the importance of aligning culture between the board and the family, and how independent
directors can engage family leaders in tough conversations.Host: Kait Armstrong, NACD senior member engagement advisor
Guest: Charlie Bitzer, chair and CEO of ABARTA
Related NACD Resources:
“Steering a Family Business Through Ownership Transitions” “How Family Businesses Actually Make Governance Work” Director Essentials: Family Business Boards and Family DynamicsVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Culture is often described as the “operating system” of an organization. But what role
does culture play in the boardroom, and how does it shape the way boards make
decisions?In this episode, Beth Albright, president and CEO of Saidia and a director on the board
of the NACD Philadelphia chapter, speaks with NACD advisor Susan Paley. Together,
they explore why board culture matters. They also discuss the board chair’s role in
managing dominant voices, how structured onboarding and “board buddies” help
reinforce cultural norms, and why even informal moments outside the boardroom can
strengthen governance.Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Beth Albright, NACD.DC®, president and CEO, Saidia; director, NACD
Philadelphia ChapterRelated NACD Resources:
“Championing a Culture of Innovation”Report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Culture as the Foundation: Building a High-Performance Board“Starting the Dialogue on Board Culture: A Discussion Guide”
Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information. -
For CEOs, a board’s support can make all the difference. But knowing what kind of
support to ask for isn’t always obvious.In this episode, Wayne Peacock, vice chair of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the
former CEO of USAA, and Dona Young, a director on the boards of USAA, NACD, and
Spahn & Rose, spoke with NACD director of governance content Mallory Bucher.
Peacock and Young are cochairs of the NACD 2025 Blue Ribbon Commission. Peacock
and Young are cochairs of the NACD 2025 Blue Ribbon Commission. Together, they
discuss how boards can work with CEOs to create the conditions where both parties
can thrive. They also explore the ways directors can provide guidance without
micromanaging and why transparency is central to a high-functioning board-CEO
relationship.Host: Mallory Bucher, director of governance content, NACD
Guests: Dona Young, NACD.DC®, director, USAA, NACD, Spahn &; Rose; cochair,
NACD 2025 Blue Ribbon CommissionWayne Peacock, vice chair, Elizabeth Dole Foundation; former CEO, USAA; cochair,
NACD 2025 Blue Ribbon CommissionRelated NACD Resources:
Building a High-Trust Board-CEO Relationship“Beyond the Appointment: Communicate CEO Transitions for Long-Term
Success”“The Evolution of the C-Suite and Its Impact on Board Dynamics”Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Boards have high expectations for CEOs, but what do directors truly want beyond the numbers and reports?
In this episode, Wayne Peacock, vice chair of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the former CEO of USAA, and Dona Young, a director on the boards of USAA, NACD, and Spahn & Rose, spoke with NACD director of governance content Mallory Bucher. Peacock and Young are cochairs of the NACD 2025 Blue Ribbon Commission. Together, they unpack what directors expect from CEOs. They also discuss how to establish trust early and maintain it through disagreement and disruption, and why steady leadership and transparency matter most when the stakes are high.
Host: Mallory Bucher, director of governance content, NACD
Guests: Dona Young, NACD.DC®, director, USAA, NACD, Spahn & Rose; cochair, NACD 2025 Blue Ribbon Commission
Wayne Peacock, vice chair, Elizabeth Dole Foundation; former CEO, USAA; cochair, NACD 2025 Blue Ribbon Commission
Related NACD Resources:
Building a High-Trust Board-CEO Relationship“Making CEO Succession Plans Stick”“A Director’s Responsibility to the CEO”Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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For some directors, networking may feel like a chore. But it can be one of the most
valuable practices for deepening governance insights and staying current in the
boardroom.In this episode, Katrinka McCallum, a director on the boards of ACI Worldwide and
Intrusion, and NACD advisor Susan Paley explore the value of board networks. They
also discuss practical strategies for making networking purposeful rather than
transactional, ways to balance time and resources, and how a network evolves over the
arc of a director’s board career.Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Katrinka McCallum, NACD.DC, director, ACI Worldwide and Intrusion
Related NACD Resources:
“You Joined a Board. Now What?” NACD ChaptersVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Building governance from the ground up at early-stage companies is Jack Lazar’s specialty—and his favorite kind of challenge.
In this episode, Lazar and NACD advisor Susan Paley explore Lazar’s extensive Silicon Valley career. They also discuss the nuances of private company board service, what it takes to work with visionary founders, and why effective governance always comes back to people and relationships.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Jack Lazar, 2025 NACD Directorship 100™ Private Company Director of the Year and a director at Astera Labs, Box, GlobalFoundries, Resideo Technologies, and Tonal Systems
Related NACD Resources:
The Growth Catalyzer: Jack Lazar (link TK)Building a Board for Start-Up SuccessDocumenting Governance (Boardroom Tool)Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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How do investors assess the quality of boards? To start, they look for well-defined and transparent director roles and responsibilities, says Aeisha Mastagni, a CalSTRS senior portfolio manager.
In this episode, Mastagni and NACD’s Marcel Bucsescu look at the investor’s perspective on board effectiveness. They explore the importance of clear disclosures, board quality red flags, and the ways in which Mastagni and other investors interact with and influence boards.
Host: Marcel Bucsescu, NACD vice president of strategic engagement
Guest: Aeisha Mastagni, senior portfolio manager in the Sustainable Investment and Stewardship Strategies unit, California State Teachers’ Retirement System; chair, Council of Institutional Investors; chair, Golden 1 Credit Union
Related NACD Resources:
Building Long-Term Value: Insights from Leading InvestorsThe Importance of Investor Relations to the BoardVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Boards don’t always need a well-known, “rock star” chair; sometimes, individuals who simply possess strong leadership qualities are more successful in the role.
In this episode, board member Virginia Gambale and NACD advisor Susan Paley explore the role of independent chairs. They discuss the difference between board leaders and other board members, the relationships to prioritize in the role, and the qualities of effective chairs.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Virginia Gambale, chair, Nutanix; board member, Consumer Edge, Evertec, Virtu Financial, and 10x Banking Technology; managing partner, Azimuth Partners
Related NACD Resources:
Director Essentials: Board Leadership StructuresDirector Essentials: Succession Planning for Board and Committee LeadersVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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An executive coach is not typically an advisor, a problem solver, or a performance corrector. Rather, a coach is someone who helps with self-discovery, Dawn Zier says.
In this episode, Zier, an executive leadership coach and board member, and NACD advisor Susan Paley discuss the role of coaches in the governance ecosystem. They explore when and why a CEO or C-suite coach may be necessary or desired; why this is a positive thing for executive leadership, the board, and the company; and the board’s role in establishing and supporting the success of a CEO-coach relationship.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Dawn Zier, executive leadership coach, The ExCo Group; chair, Hain Celestial Group; board member, Acorns and Prestige Consumer Healthcare; former CEO, Nutrisystem
Related NACD Resources:
Making CEO Succession Plans StickSurvey Analysis: Board-CEO RelationshipVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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It can feel impossible to distinguish between reality and hype when it comes to new technologies. But that’s exactly what strategic boards are doing, says Grant Thornton’s Adam Bowen.
In this episode, Bowen and NACD’s Dylan Sandlin discuss the board’s role in tying digital transformation to strategy, how technology executives can work with the board, and how directors can stay current on new technologies.
Host: Dylan Sandlin, program manager of digital and cybersecurity content at NACD
Guest: Adam Bowen, managing director in the Business Consulting practice at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
Grant Thornton is a NACD sponsor, providing directors with critical and timely information, and perspectives. Grant Thornton is a financial supporter of the NACD.
Related NACD Resources:
“A Guide to Energizing Technology Governance”The 2024 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission report: Technology Leadership in the BoardroomVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Am I as good as my board peers? Do they think I’m a fraud? If you’ve found yourself asking such questions, you may be experiencing impostor syndrome.
In this episode, board member and author Keith Dorsey and NACD advisor Susan Paley discuss impostor syndrome and self-doubt in the boardroom. They define what “impostor syndrome” is, how it manifests among directors, and how to tackle it individually and with peers.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Keith Dorsey, NACD.DC®, senior advisor, United States, Boyden; board member, Continu, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School
Related NACD Resources:
Redesigning Your Life: The Transition to a Portfolio LifestyleCulture as the Foundation: Building a High-Performance BoardVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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The transition from an executive to a board career, or a portfolio lifestyle, is more than it appears; the change can be seismic, in fact.
In this episode, board member Paul Williams and NACD advisor Susan Paley discuss how Williams transitioned away from his full-time career toward a portfolio lifestyle. They cover the value he finds in board service, his shift in mindset from outward achievement to inward fulfillment, and the day-to-day changes he’s experienced.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Paul S. Williams, director, American Funds/Capital Group; trustee, Public Storage, George Jackson Academy
Related NACD Resources:
Redesigning Your Life: The Transition to a Portfolio LifestyleDemystifying the Path to Board ServiceVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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When faced with disruption, companies may feel compelled to pause business plans. To the contrary, RSM tax partner Karen Galivan believes, they must continue to innovate.
In this episode, Galivan speaks with NACD advisor Susan Paley about how boards and companies are handling disruption amid geopolitical uncertainty, including tariff impacts. They define what a “disruptor” is and discuss the practices and structures that can be put in place to create resilience.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Karen Galivan, tax partner, RSM US LLP; board member, RSM US, Junior Achievement of Chicago
RSM is a NACD sponsor, providing directors with critical and timely information, and perspectives. RSM is a financial supporter of the NACD.
Related NACD Resources:
Navigating Changing US Policy: Key Board Implications (landing page)How to Tackle Organizational Blind Spots and DisruptionVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Under the leadership of next-gen directors, the future boardroom will be more agile, tech-enabled, and engaged, predicts board member Caroline Tsay.
In this episode, Tsay and NACD advisor Susan Paley discuss the next generation of board members. They cover Tsay’s journey as both a next-gen and an experienced board member, how the current business and geopolitical environments influence director selection, and how board culture shifts when next-gen directors are in the room.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Caroline Tsay, board member, The Coca-Cola Co., Morningstar; cofounder and former CEO, Compute Software
Related NACD Resources:
Mentoring Needs a Collective PushTwenty-First–Century Board Oversight of Talent and SuccessionVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Service is Bob McDonald’s—and a nonprofit board’s—way of life.
In this episode, McDonald and Mary Jacobson dive into McDonald’s journey from military to government to board service. They also discuss the nuances of nonprofit governance, how to approach finding nonprofit board roles, and what it takes to be an effective nonprofit director.
Host: Mary T. Jacobson, senior regional director of the NACD chapter network
Guest: Hon. Robert A. McDonald, chair, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, West Point Association of Graduates; board member, Every Cure; former secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs; former chair and CEO, Procter & Gamble Co.; US Army veteran
NACD Resources:
Hon. Robert A. McDonald: Committed to Helping OthersDo Nonprofits Need Board Governance? (recorded event)Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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Ever wonder what it’s like to be a board member?
In this episode, Rob Galford and Susan Paley examine what a typical year looks like for public company directors. They discuss board calendars, agenda setting, best practices to avoid asymmetric information, and how to improve the experience of being a board member.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Robert M. Galford, lead independent director, Forrester Research; managing partner, Center for Leading Organizations
NACD Resources:
Modernizing the Boardroom: Rethinking Meetings for Real Impact (event)Director FAQ: Setting the Board Calendar and Meeting AgendasVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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It’s one thing to be smart and curious. But to truly differentiate yourself as a leader requires processing time to look for patterns, lessons, and insights, says Adam Bryant.
In this episode, Bryant and Susan Paley discuss the difficulties of and the motivations behind modern leadership, including the importance of listening, the paradoxes of leadership, and how the best leadership wisdom is also life wisdom.
Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor
Guest: Adam Bryant, senior managing director and partner with the ExCo Group, former Corner Office columnist for the New York Times, author of The Leap to Leader, and coauthor of The CEO Test
NACD Resources:
Twenty-First–Century Board Oversight of Talent and SuccessionSummer Reading: The Evolving Nature of LeadershipVisit nacdonline.org for further research and information.
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