Great board members don’t jump in with recommendations – even when asked directly. Instead, they share perspective, data, and guide a CEO/executive team to decide and fully own the decision. This is respectful, wise, and growth-mindset driven. It’s respectful because it empowers a CEO to listen to differing perspectives and ultimately own the decision –…
The Gray Zone
I’ll never forget that lesson on ethics — taught by one of my favorite grad school professors, Irv Grousbeck. A business manager is asked a tough question. She has the choice to reply without technically lying, but leave out important details and not be fully transparent. It’s the type of response that leaves you with…
Your Board as a Braintrust
As a startup founder, one of your most important tasks toward long-term success is building a supportive board of directors. However, a supportive board doesn’t just cheer you on — it operates as a brain trust. Ed Catmull, former CEO of Pixar, delves into this concept in his book Creativity, Inc.: One of Pixar’s key mechanisms…