Helping entrepreneurs understand the role of the board

Entrepreneurs—that group of individuals who put their resources and, often, their reputation on the line, in pursuit of a big dream—are interesting people. Some are brash and larger than life; others are quieter and more considered. Despite variations in style and personality, one common thread that binds entrepreneurs is the importance of leveraging (often limited) resources to best advantage to maximise the chance of seeing their dream realised. One important and oft-overlooked resource is the board of directors. Some of the questions I've heard entrepreneurs ask include:

• What is a board, what is corporate governance and why even have a board?
• What role can the board of directors play in the success of entrepreneurial businesses?
• Don't boards just get in the way most of the time?
• What viable models exist, to ensure the board adds value?
• How should the board–manager relationship be managed?
• How can I leverage the board's knowledge without them 'getting in the way'?

I will be in Brisbane Australia on Tue 7 February 2017 to help entrepreneurs and directors of entrepreneurial businesses explore these questions. The Brisbane branch of Entrepreneurs' Organisation, a global network of more than 10,000 business owners in 42 countries, has invited me to deliver a talk and to host a workshop for members. The title of the two sessions are as follows:

• The board as a value-creating engine (talk over breakfast)
• Boards, corporate governance and so on—what does it all mean, and who cares? (morning workshop)

If you would like to know more, follow the link, or get in touch with the team at EO Brisbane Events.