Crown Corporations – Governance Reflections from the Chair

Another fascinating Collaboratorium podcast this time with my guest Adam Kahane.  Adam is the author of Solving Tough Problems, about which Nelson Mandela said: “This breakthrough book addresses the central challenge of our time: finding a way to work together to solve the problems we have created.”  I have been fascinated by the complexity and fragility of Adam’s multi-stakeholder engagements so I always wanted to find a way to connect him to my leadership and governance networks to have him share some of his facilitation lessons including his insights on how to work with people you don't agree with or like or trust (the theme of one of his most recent books).

A recording of my April 13th conversation with Mike Steep, Executive Director, The Disruptive Technologies and Digital Cities (DTDC) Program, Stanford University Global Projects Center on the acceleration of disruptive technologies (i.e. supply chain logistics, e-commerce, cyber/data integrity, work from home) over the past 24 months, the ensuing opportunities and risks, and key impacts to business leaders and board directors.

My "fireside chat" with the Honorable Elizabeth May, current member of the House of Commons representing Saanich-Gulf Islands in BC and former leader of the Green Party of Canada, was recorded on April 8th for the Directors College's module on Navigating Under Complex Circumstances.  

Discussion with Mike Steep, Founder & Exec Director, Disruptive Technology & Digital Cities Program, Stanford University on the challenges of commercializing university-based research and the journey from early-stage prototype to sustainable start-up.

My "fireside chat" with Sarah Davis, former Loblaws CEO and experienced board director, was recorded on March 4th for the Directors College's foundational module on effective board governance. 

This podcast was recorded on April 28th, 2020, and explored why companies need to reexamine the competencies of their directors given the current and lasting ways in which markets are changing and business models are being disrupted by multiple factors that have only been accelerated by the pandemic.   Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College Guest Panelists: Richard Counihan, CEO DigniFi and Barry Libert, Chairman and CEO, AIMatters

This Podcast was recorded May 6th, 2020 and explores the underlying role of ethics in navigating difficult decisions as a board and executive when disaster strikes. Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College and Executive Director, EMBA in Digital Transformation Guest Panelists: John Dalla Costa, Founder of Centre for Ethical Orientation and Tim O’Brien, GM AI Programs, AI Policy and Ethics Advocacy and Evangelism, Microsoft

COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the way boards assess organizational performance, risk and strategy. This session will explore how composition and committee structure – oversight, financial acumen, diversity of views – will help to develop an effective audit committee for the current environment and beyond. Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College Guest Panelists: Richard Leblanc, Professor, Law, Governance & Ethics, and Director, Masters in Financial Accountability Program, York University and Christine Williams, C.Dir., Chartered Director, Centennial College

Drawing on the experiences, stories, and insights of our two panelists, the session will explore the multiple challenges confronting today’s board directors offering tips on how directors can help their organizations survive in times of rapid change and disruption. Host: Professor Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College Guest Panelists: John Tusa former head of BBC World Service and Suzanne Guèvremont, CBC/Radio-Canada Director

In this June 9, 2020, Podcast of The Collaboratorium, two leading Crown Corporation Board Chairs will share their perspectives on our current environment and how it has impacted approaches to governance and effective board engagement. Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College Guest Panelists: Françoise Bertrand, Chair, Board of Directors, VIA Rail Canada and Douglas Harrison, Chair, Board of Directors, Canadian Commercial Corporation