Andrew
Knox Senior Client Partner,
Korn/Ferry International
Marco
Thompson
Managing Director,
Express Ventures
Dean
Yoost
Director,
Pacific Life, Emulex Corp., Union Bank of California
While being asked
to serve on a board is an honor and presents an exciting opportunity,
board service carries risk. Prospective directors must take
the time to fully understand what they are signing up for.
This breakfast is not just for neophyte directors,
since even most seasoned directors have had board experiences
for which
they "rued the day."
Like any relationship, it is often easier to get into it, than
out of it, so proceed carefully and do not hesitate to ask
tough questions such as:
What are the culture and
values of the company--are they a fit with yours? How can you
be sure?
What is the mission of
the company and how does it make money?
Why do they want you?
How
much access will you have to management? Do you genuinely
like the CEO?
What is the current condition
of the company? Are there any
red flags--what might you be
stepping into? Who will tell you?
In addition to receiving
a checklist of effective questions that will reduce the risks
of being a board
mis-fit, our experienced panelists will dig deeper, share
their experiences and highlight some of the oversights and pitfalls
that
can befall even a veteran director, allowing you to
increase your odds of having a successful board experience!
