The boardroom - Next-Up

Partner retirement: The hidden risks law firm boards must address

Guest writer Caroline Black | 19 December 2024

The retirement of senior partners from law firms might seem like a natural progression, but it presents significant governance challenges that boards must actively manage. While partner retirement is inevitable, the associated risks can be substantial if not properly overseen. Law firms, in particular, face unique challenges. Unlike corporate structures, partners are both owners and … Partner retirement: The hidden risks law firm boards must address

Would your leader work for their own company?

Northern Lights | 13 April 2017

A few weeks ago I attended a CBI round table on the economy. Inevitably these mostly large employers started talking about the nightmare their businesses/organisations are going to face without cheap EU labour. I have added the word ‘cheap’, but that was essentially the issue. I drove away fuming. These bosses are disconnected from their … Would your leader work for their own company?

9 Lessons on Being a Non-Executive Director

Northern Lights | 9 December 2016

This blog first appeared on PRiME, an online magazine for women in their prime and looks at lessons I learned, what has gone well – and what am I still learning? Ten years ago, I was invited to join my first board as a non-executive director. It was an advisory board to a business school. … 9 Lessons on Being a Non-Executive Director

Ten questions every board should be asking about social media

Northern Lights | 2 December 2016

This week I was asked by RSM in Leeds to speak on digital transformation for charity leaders. It’s always hard to know how to explain strategic social media to people who don’t understand it. What angle do you start from? I generally talk through stories showing what has been achieved, rather than the details. But … Ten questions every board should be asking about social media

Can you network too much?

Northern Lights | 11 August 2016

Am I doing enough with our existing network – which is both vast and has quality relationships in there? And could constant networking actually damage your business?

Brexit – time to ignore the doom-mongers

Northern Lights | 5 July 2016

If the UK was a business, you would be looking at the drama of the last ten days and say ‘it’s time to change tack and start focusing on what you do. Stop the boardroom politics, grow up, get out there and win business and look after your employees’. Reading the papers this weekend, you … Brexit – time to ignore the doom-mongers

Could your boardroom ethics cost you £20bn?

Northern Lights | 5 October 2015

For too long, the issue of ethics in the boardroom has been seen as rather fluffy or for the CSR department and not about core business. But in the last few weeks we have seen just what the cost can be. Martin Winterkorn, chief executive of the world’s second-largest carmaker VW, has stepped down as … Could your boardroom ethics cost you £20bn?

Digital disruption – how is it shaping companies and boards of the future?

Northern Lights | 2 July 2015

What do companies of the future look like? And what sort of boards do you need to run them? From the discussions at a Heidrick & Struggles breakfast debate this morning, traditional corporates are struggling to think digital, disrupt their existing models or recruit the talent to help them. However, all is not hazy. Our … Digital disruption – how is it shaping companies and boards of the future?

How to get more women on boards and in leadership roles?

Northern Lights | 4 June 2015

The argument is won. Sort of. Most boards – whether enthusiastically or reluctantly – admit they need more women at the top of their organisation. Some because they know it just makes business sense, others because they look increasingly odd and out of touch if they are all ‘pale, male and stale’. But doing it … How to get more women on boards and in leadership roles?