From the Publisher
This is the book which I wish I had read at the start of my NED career - however, even after some years in the role, it has given me a huge amount of valuable advice and guidance, which I will definitely make use of in my current positions. Board Talk is a highly readable book, which provides an engaging and relevant approach to the way Board members can be most effective in their role and bring real value to their Boards. In many Board meetings, there is often a limited time for each NED to make a contribution; the advice in this book will help to ensure that all interactions, both in and out of formal meetings, can be as meaningful and relevant as possible. I thoroughly recommend it, whether you are a new or experienced Board member. Mary Champion, Portfolio Non-Executive Director and Board member
A wise, accessible and energising book and an invaluable handbook for Board chairs and members at all levels, and those aspiring to Board roles. Dame Shan Morgan, NHS Foundation Trust Chair
This book shines a light on what actually happens in a boardroom - not just the formal processes of corporate governance, but how board members interact, what they need to know and how they can make effective contributions. Essential reading for anyone on a board, or who would like to step up to the board. Colin Skellett, Group Chief Executive, Wessex Water
This is an authoritative, accessible and practical book which will help board members get beneath the governance codes to see and understand what’s really going on in their boardroom. Underpinned by a well-researched evidence base and a wealth of experience, the book covers the key conversations which boards must have to be effective. Alison Johns, Chief Executive, Advance HE
This is a very valuable book with practical tools to both help individual board members and boards prompt challenging topic conversations, and rise to the growing challenges on organisations in a new era where purpose, sustainability and inclusion need to be central. Bevis Watts, Chief Executive Officer, Triodos Bank
This is the book I would most like to give - not just to experienced and aspiring independent directors but to executive board members also. The book provides assurance that the skills required to work on a Board can be learnt. By building core capabilities and learning how to deploy those wisely you can find your voice, be heard in a way that is true to who you are and be effective. So, I found the book wonderfully practical, refreshingly clear and straightforward and just helpful. I would have liked someone to have given my younger self something like this with encouragement to practise! Like any muscle, it gets stronger the more you use it. That said, it also made me think about how I behave currently so that we can all learn something new. Tracey Killen - Former John Lewis Partnership Main Board Director and portfolio Non executive director.
This book will be a great source of insight for those taking on board positions or aspiring to do so. I wish it had been available to me at that point in my career - it would have saved a lot of learning on the job. Mike Cartwright, Portfolio Finance Director and CFO
In my experience, Boards work best when members of the Board can communicate clearly with each other. It is all too easy to become buried under mountains of papers, presentations, accounts, risks registers and performance charts. All of these things are necessary but the real power of a Board is when we can talk and engage executives and non-executives together. Each brings a different perspective through their own knowledge and skills. Our best Boards are inclusive and diverse. They are open, transparent and courageous. To be that and deliver that, we need to have conversations which seek to clarify, challenge, support and inspire. This book sets out the journeys Boards need to be on. The authors take us through 18 conversations which populate what makes a great Board. Professor Steven West CBE, DL, FRCPodM, FRSM,FRSA, honMFPH Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England.
Board Talk is an indispensable guide for board members seeking to navigate today's complexity and constant change. With its comprehensive coverage of 18 crucial conversations, this book equips readers with the tools to foster effective dialogue inside and outside the boardroom. The authors' expertise shines through as they address key topics such as strategy, accountability, and working relationships. Whether you're a seasoned board member or aspiring to join a board, this book offers invaluable insights and practical advice. Berrak Banu Kurt - SVP and Head of People and Culture, Volvo Group
Essential reading for NED's who want to thrive in the boardroom. This book combines practical, easy-to-read guidance with robust models and techniques. It is not just the book I wish I'd had when I started my non-executive career, it's also the book I'll return to again and again. Susan Young, Non-Executive Director and executive coach.
This book is a refreshing look at the importance of communication in making Boards truly effective. As an experienced non-executive director, I found some new perspectives to develop my practice. Gail Bragg, Portfolio Non-Executive Director
