87. The Boardroom Blind Spot with John Rose

In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh speak with John Rose, an international marketing executive, entrepreneur, and board advisor who has led businesses across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

John discusses his global career—from founding the first ad agency in Russia to relocating his company to Dubai and his recent research project, "The Boardroom Blindspot," a global survey exploring why marketing expertise is underrepresented on boards.

He also shares insights from his work with the Virtual Advisory Board and Board Brothers, highlighting the impact that advisory boards are having on governance. John has served as a board member and advisor for several companies, including Atypical Digital, WLB, Cow Level and Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs.

Key takeaways

1.A global career defined by reinvention

• • John began his career in Boston media and advertising before co-founding the first Western ad agency in what was at the time the Soviet Union. As global markets shifted, he built a thriving international business across Eastern Europe.

  • When the war broke out with Ukraine, he and his team quickly relocated from Russia to Dubai, rebuilding their agency from the ground up and now represents Dubai's tourism in a number of countries.

2. Dubai's culture of openness and innovation

• • John described Dubai as "the city of the future," efficient, safe, and globally connected, with a government and business culture that actively supports growth.

  • Dubai offered a welcoming and dynamic environment for rebuilding. With 90% or more of residents coming from abroad, the city fosters a strong sense of belonging and entrepreneurial energy.

3. The Boardroom Blind Spot

• • John's research survey, conducted with the Virtual Advisory Board*, revealed that fewer than 14% of boards surveyed include directors with marketing expertise. The survey included 416 board members and executives across 46 countries.

  • Results showed that 60% of respondents believe that marketing perspective would add value, but only 11% have addressed the gap.

  • John asserts that boards are still dominated by finance and legal expertise but largely excludes marketing expertise which brings a customer-centric lens essential for growth, purpose, and communication in a rapidly changing world.

4. Preparing marketers to serve effectively on boards

• • John believes marketing professionals must take some of the responsibility for closing the gap by learning to "speak board"-connecting creative and customer insights to business outcomes, governance, and shareholder value.

  • Strategic marketers, especially CMOs and Chief Growth Officers, can bridge this divide by pursuing board education and gaining experience through nonprofit and/or smaller boards.

Quotes

• "86% of companies don't have any marketing expertise on their boards -      that's pretty significant."

• "I think we (marketing) are the interpreters. I think we're the people who help cross the gap between what the marketplace wants and desires and what the company can deliver."

Links

The Boardroom Blindspot

Guest Bio

John Rose is an accomplished senior executive, entrepreneur, investor, board member, and creative director with over 30 years of experience leading marketing and media businesses across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. He is a founding member of the Virtual Advisory Board,

co-founder of Board Brothers, and a frequent speaker on global governance and marketing leadership. John's expertise spans brand strategy, international expansion, and board governance, with a special focus on helping companies bridge marketing insight with corporate purpose and growth. He currently resides in Dubai, where he continues to advise boards and global organizations on marketing strategy and board composition.

* The Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) is a virtual and global platform which connects its members and helps them navigate the global board of directors and advisory board ecosystems.