Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Understand the implications of the post-proxy-season environment, including evolving corporate governance practices, risk oversight demands, and intensifying shareholder engagement. The discussion will focus on the impact of regulatory developments and increased investor scrutiny, with particular attention to the strategic decision to internalize proxy voting and stewardship functions through AI-enabled capabilities. We will examine how these shifts reflect a broader reset in corporate governance standards, proxy advisors’ role, and what directors should do now to position their organizations for sustainable, long-term value creation.

This discussion reframes the concept of director decision-making and board culture through the lens of leader character. Making the concept more objective, assessable and developable, improving directors’ capacity to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities. Understand the connection between individual director character and board culture, and improve group decision-making dynamics, stakeholder relationships and strategic outcomes. Participants will gain practical knowledge on strengthening their own judgment, enhancing stakeholder relationships, and elevating strategic outcomes. Expect evidence-based approaches to self-assessment and actionable strategies for building high-character boards.

Not-for-profit organizations operate in an environment of escalating complexity, constrained resources, and shifting donor expectations. Boards have to balance staying true to the mission with operational pragmatism, while ensuring organizational agility without mission drift. Participants will explore strategies for strengthening governance structures, cultivating leadership pipelines, and positioning organizations for sustainable impact. Drawing on sector expertise, participants will gain practical approaches to enhance board effectiveness, navigate transitions with confidence, and ensure their organizations remain resilient and mission-driven amid ongoing disruption.