Global Trends in the Boardroom

2024-03-05

Global Trends in the Boardroom


Online event, "Global Trends in the Boardroom," in collaboration with Heidrick & Struggles, was a remarkable opportunity to delve into the evolving landscape of boardrooms worldwide. Led by esteemed speaker Alice Breeden and moderated by Tatiana Furtseva, this event illuminated crucial insights into board inclusivity and effectiveness.

Alice Breeden, a seasoned Regional co-managing partner, CEO & Board of Directors Practice at Heidrick & Struggles with over two decades of experience, shared invaluable research on trends shaping boards globally. Among the key takeaways were three significant shifts observed in global boards:

De-risking CEO Succession and Board Refreshment: Boards are increasingly proactive in succession planning, ensuring a continuous refreshment process to future-proof all aspects of board operations.

Preparing for Transformational Trends: Boards are recognizing their societal roles and prioritizing the ability to disrupt and challenge over mere drive for results.

Seeking and Embracing Diverse Voices: Emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives, boards aim to reflect stakeholders, shareholders, customers, and employees, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard.

Highlighting the progress in gender diversity, Alice noted that while there's significant improvement globally, there's still work to be done. However, the trajectory is promising. The United Kingdom is one of the handful of markets where at least 20% of companies have reached gender parity.

The discussion sparked lively engagement, with the audience keen to understand how these trends apply to the Ukrainian context and how Ukrainian experts can enter European boards. For those aspiring to board roles, Alice provided practical advice:

Leverage your skills, network, and competencies. Gain P&L experience while balancing it with leadership skills. Familiarize yourself with executive search firms and craft a compelling board bio. Stay resilient and remain focused on your goals.

Overall, today's dialogue served as a beacon of inspiration and practical guidance for those navigating the evolving landscape of boardrooms. Let's continue to champion inclusivity and effectiveness in board governance worldwide.