4. Board Diversity, private company boards & the impact of social media: a conversation with Beth Boland

Beth Boland is a force to be reckoned with.  Named one of Massachusetts "most influential lawyers," Beth was first initiated into the world of shareholder defense working as a clerk for a district judge on the Mike Milken and Ivan Boesky cases. Now chair of Securities Enforcement & Litigation Practice at Foley & Lardner LLP, she also serves as President of the New England chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).  An expert on how boards operate, she champions the expansion of diversity on boards and has worked tirelessly to bring gender diversity to the boardroom. Thanks for listening! We love our listeners! Drop us a line or give us guest suggestions here Quotes "I think folks are really growing away from the idea of thinking of their board as a potential nuisance that they have to deal with, and [thinking of it] as one that is really a strategic asset." [12:10] "I guarantee you that there are some rock star women and aspiring directors of color who will knock your socks off." [19:05] "Take care of your people, who will take care of your product, which will take care of your shareholders." [27:40] Big Ideas  The increasing interest of private companies to run their boards more similarly to their publicly held counterparts. [09:50] Board expansion and diversity. [14:53] Delaware courts' decision to hold boards accountable for additional stakeholder interests. [22:38]   Links Beth Boland's Website Beth Boland on LinkedIn B Corps Business Roundtable NACD