BoardVision

You don’t discover how prepared the board is for a crisis when all is well. You find out when the pressure is on.

In this special episode, live from NACD Directors Summit® 2026, Michael Montelongo and Vincent Brooks join NACD's Mohamed Younis to explore what effective board leadership looks like when the stakes are high. Drawing on their experience across military, government, and corporate leadership, they discuss how boards can prepare for crises, make decisions with imperfect information, and build organizational resilience before it’s tested.

Host: Mohamed Younis, senior vice president of content, NACD

Guests: Michael Montelongo, director, Civeo Corp., NACD, Merlin

Vincent Brooks, NACD.DC®, director, Diamondback Energy, Amentum
Related NACD Resources:

• Assessing the Company's Adaptability: Questions for Boards
• "In Crisis, Nonprofit Boards Look to Scenario Planning"

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

What worked in the past won’t always lead a company forward. To guide effective transformation, boards should be less impressed by yesterday's success.

In this special explainer episode featuring NACD strategic content partner Russell Reynolds Associates, Constantine Alexandrakis explores the ways boards can enable, rather than slow, change.

Guest: Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO, Russell Reynolds Associates; author, The Catalyst CEO

Russell Reynolds Associates is a NACD strategic content partner, providing directors with critical and timely information, and perspectives. Russell Reynolds Associates is a financial supporter of the NACD.

Related Resources:

• The Catalyst CEO
• Work Futurist Gary Bolles on the Transformation Mindset
• Governance Resources: Digital Transformation

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

A sale or divestiture is more than a financial transaction. For the board, there’s also the strategic alignment between asset and buyer and what value can be created after a deal closes.

In this episode, RSM’s Joe Goldberg and Bethany Sensenig, a member of multiple boards, talk with NACD’s Mohamed Younis. Together, they discuss the board’s role in evaluating and guiding sales and divestitures, as well as in ensuring transaction readiness.

Host: Mohamed Younis, senior vice president of content, NACD

Guests: Joe Goldberg, partner and deal services leader, RSM

Bethany Sensenig, board member, Alpha Cognition, Supernus Pharmaceuticals; chief financial officer, CenExcel

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:

• Governance Outlook: The Governance Challenges of M&A in a Changing Market
• Director Essentials: The Oversight of M&A

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Many companies don’t have procedures for offboarding directors. So, how can boards approach a conversation that's often overdue—and uncomfortable?

In this episode, Evelyn Dilsaver, a director on the board of Bailard, Health Equity, and Somnigroup International, and NACD advisor Susan Paley unpack director offboarding. They discuss what may cause a director to step down, how boards can handle departures with care, and why succession planning is crucial.

Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor

Guest: Evelyn Dilsaver, audit committee chair, Somnigroup International; director, Bailard, Healthy Equity, PACS Group, QuidelOrtho; advisory board member, Protiviti

Related NACD Resources:

• Guidance for Boards on Identifying and Addressing Problematic Director Behavior
• The Healthy Departure: Considerations for Effective Off-Boarding
• Director Essentials: Succession Planning for Board and Committee Leaders

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Board refreshment may seem like a numbers game at some companies: years served, age reached. But curiosity, not tenure, is a key factor that determines whether a director still contributes effectively.

In this episode, Evelyn Dilsaver, a director on the board of Bailard, Health Equity, and Somnigroup International, and NACD advisor Susan Paley discuss board refreshment strategies. They explore the mechanisms used for board refreshment, how to safeguard institutional knowledge, and why board culture and refreshment go hand in hand.

Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor

Guest: Evelyn Dilsaver, audit committee chair, Somnigroup International; director, Bailard, Healthy Equity, PACS Group, QuidelOrtho; advisory board member, Protiviti

Related NACD Resources:

• “How to Proactively Approach Board Refreshment”
• “The Case for Term Limits”
• Director Essentials: Board and Director Evaluations

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

Board work is year-round. Case in point: Planning for the next proxy season starts when the current annual meeting ends.

In this episode, board member Anne Sheehan talks with NACD advisor Susan Paley. Together, they
discuss why companies hold annual shareholder meetings. They also dive into a typical annual
meeting agenda, the board’s role in reviewing proxy statements, and what a successful meeting
outcome looks like.

Host: Susan Paley, NACD advisor

Guest: Anne Sheehan, chair, nominating and governance committee, Victoria’s Secret & Co.; board
member, Janus Henderson Group; senior advisor, PJT Partners; former chair, Investor Advisory
Committee, US Securities and Exchange Commission; former director of corporate governance,
California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS)

Related NACD Resources:

• Director Essentials: Annual Meetings and Proxy Voting
• “Developing a Response Plan to ‘Against’ Recommendations”
• “Proxy Firms Are Under the Microscope. How Should Boards Adapt?”

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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

Related NACD Resources:

• “Strengthening Trust and Reputation in a World Impacted by Social Media”
• “Protecting Corporate Leadership: A Call to Action for Corporate Boards”

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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 Dynamics

Visit https://www.nacdonline.org/ for further research and information.

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 Chapter

Related 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. 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 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
• “Beyond the Appointment: Communicate CEO Transitions for Long-Term Success”
• “The Evolution of the C-Suite and Its Impact on Board Dynamics”

Visit https://www.nacdonline.org/ for further research and information.

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 https://www.nacdonline.org/ for further research and information.

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 Chapters

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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 Success
• Documenting Governance (Boardroom Tool)

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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 Investors
• The Importance of Investor Relations to the Board

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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 Structures
• Director Essentials: Succession Planning for Board and Committee Leaders

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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 Stick
• Survey Analysis: Board-CEO Relationship

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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 Boardroom

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.

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 Lifestyle
• Culture as the Foundation: Building a High-Performance Board

Visit nacdonline.org for further research and information.