The Savvy Director Blog

Imposter syndrome shows up in boardrooms more often than you think. This article explores why capable people doubt themselves, the competence traps that fuel those feelings, and practical ways to reframe imposter thoughts.

It seems that, everywhere I go, someone is talking about imposter syndrome.

First it was an online discussion about 'Cultivating Your Influence in the Boardroom'.

Then a conversation with board directors at the inaugural Women Get On Board Summit. (Hold the date for WGOB'...

Directors need confidence, but unchecked ego can undermine trust and collaboration. This article examines common ego‑driven pitfalls and practical ways to balance self‑assurance with self‑awareness.

“The paradox of board leadership is that, while you might earn a seat on a board of directors thanks to your abilities, knowledge, or popularity, serving well as a board member means leaving your ego behind.” – Susan Mogensen, Brown Dog Consulting

It’s not a surprise that, as a general rule, boar...

This blog tackles the growing pressure on boards to address every emerging governance trend and introduces a three‑tier framework to help directors prioritize what truly matters and allocate board time effectively.

 If you sit on a board today, you’ve seen the flood of “must-have” topics: artificial intelligence, AI ethics, cybersecurity/resilience, ESG disclosures, climate risk, DEI, modern slavery, biodiversity, geopolitical risk, digital transformation, gender and age diversity, talent ...

Intrinsic motivation is a powerful driver of board effectiveness, shaping how directors prepare, think, and engage in discussions. This post explains how autonomy, mastery, and purpose help directors sustain performance.

Have you ever served on a board with a director you’d consider ideal? Someone you can’t wait to have in the boardroom, to engage in conversation that’s forward thinking, inspiring, and infused with values and goals aligned with the organization you both serve?

If you haven...

You may think hackers only go after banks, tech giants, and multinational corporations. But the truth is non-profits and charities are prime targets for cybercrime, and the risks are growing.

Even though non-profits and charities hold valuable assets like do...

This blog explores how a lack of focused preparation leads to reduced confidence and impact in the boardroom. It introduces the PREP Framework as a simple process to help directors move from feeling rushed to being fully prepared and ready to contribute.

Remember that feeling just before walking into your first board meeting? That combination of excitement and trepidation? You were wondering what you had got yourself into. But you couldn’t wait to make your mark.

But maybe that feeling has c...

AI can enhance board effectiveness—but only if directors remain fully engaged in the thinking process. This post highlights the importance of independent thinking, careful reading, and accountability in ensuring that decisions remain sound in the age of AI.

 “Small is the number of them that see with their own eyes
and feel with their own hearts.” – Albert Einstein

In today’s fast-moving digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work, learn, and make decisions....

Board diversity only delivers value when every director feels comfortable contributing. This article explains the causes of silence in the boardroom and offers ways to encourage participation and strengthen engagement.

Does it sometimes feel as though you hear from the same few directors at every board meeting? What about all the others? Why do they stay silent? And more importantly, what can be done about it?

These days, many boards are consciously pursuing more diversity around the board...

This blog supports directors who struggle to speak up in the boardroom. It provides practical strategies to build confidence, prepare thoroughly, and contribute meaningfully, especially for new and diverse directors.

Sometimes I hear from board directors who are struggling to find their voice in the boardroom. They don’t feel comfortable speaking up, or they can’t seem to make themselves heard.

It can be a particular challenge for newcomers to the board, or for those who feel outnumbered b...

Effective directors interpret information through multiple perspectives. This post explains how using strategy, people, finance, and risk lenses sharpens focus, strengthens oversight, and enhances boardroom contribution.

In our recent Savvy Director blog post, Focus on What Matters, I wrote about the importance of boards staying focused on mission-critical issues. With the flood of board materials, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. Board meetings are filled with reports, updates, and disc...