70. Navigating Board Dynamics and Strategic Leadership with Karen Boykin-Towns
Release Date: 06/04/2024
88. Global board leadership with Linda McGoldrick
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh speak with Dr. Linda McGoldrick, an international board director, strategy leader, and policy expert in healthcare and life sciences. With 30 years of global experience across the U.S., U.K., and European boards, Linda shares what defines high-performing boards, the importance of trust and diversity of thought, and how geopolitical and technological shifts are transforming governance today. Key takeaways Traits of high performing boards Regardless of size or geography, effective boards are well-prepared, prioritize...
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87. The Boardroom Blind Spot with John Rose
On Boards Podcast
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,...
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86. The imperfect path to better boards with Jim Brown
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Jim Brown, co-founder of OrgHealth and author of the global bestseller “The Imperfect Board Member.” With 30 years of experience advising boards and CEOs, Jim shares how embracing imperfection leads to stronger leadership, healthier organizations, and better board performance. He dives into the evolution of governance over the last two decades and the cultural challenges boards face today. Jim also previews his forthcoming book arriving in 2026, “The Imperfect CEO,” set 20 years after his first...
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85. Pioneering augmented directorship with Jamie Green
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Jamie Green, co-founder and CEO of Tutaki, an AI-powered workbench designed to make board directors significantly more effective. Drawing from his background in consulting at McKinsey, Green created a technological solution to solve a widespread challenge in board rooms across the U.S. and abroad: information overload and limited time to prepare. Tutaki is an AI system that acts as an expert co-pilot to help directors surface context, identify risk and deliver impact. Jamie also shares how AI is reshaping...
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84. Optimal Diversity in the Boardroom with Dr. Keith Dorsey
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, Dr. Keith Dorsey an executive coach, author, active board member, and expert in leadership development and corporate governance. joins hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh His book, The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table, provides insights and strategies for women aspiring to become board members. Keith holds a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and serves on multiple boards including Vimly Benefit Solutions, Pacific Crest Trail Association and Pepperdine...
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83. Matching Board Members with Public Company Boards with Suzanne Brown
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaik welcome Suzanne Brown, Director of New York Stock Exchange Board Services. She shares her unique career journey from law and the nonprofit world to board placement leadership at the New York Stock Exchange. Suzanne unpacks how NYSE Board Services was created to bridge the gap between talented board-ready individuals and the NYSE companies that need them. Suzanne also explains their unique “CEO-vetted” approach, the powerful influence of the NYSE brand, and the structural components that make their board placement program...
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82. Reimagining AI Board Intelligence with Raffaela Rein
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Raffaela Rein, a seasoned entrepreneur and board member with expertise in frontier technology and innovation-driven leadership. Raffaela began her career as an analyst at BlackRock, and launched three companies for the world's largest incubator, Rocket Internet, across China, Australia, and Taiwan before becoming an entrepreneur. She serves on multiple corporate and private equity-backed boards, including Porsche, Mutares and International University IU. As the founder of WildWildVentures and CareerFoundry, she has...
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81. Building a High-Performing Board with Lynn Clarke
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Lynn Clarke, an experienced leader in family board governance who has served on more than a dozen family and private equity-backed boards including as an independent chair and lead director. Lynn is also a strategic advisor and mentor and has served on boards spanning from beverage and food services to e-commerce and manufacturing. Lynn has mentored next generation board members and leaders throughout her career and was named the Private Company Director of the Year by National Association of Corporate Directors in...
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80. Mastering Robert’s Rules of Orders with Susan Leahy
On Boards Podcast
In this episode hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Susan Leahy, the founder of Robert’s Rules Made Simple. Susan has trained and advised thousands of board members, board chairs and others on how to master Robert’s Rules of Order, to help lead and participate in productive meetings. Key Takeaways 1. History of Robert’s Rules of Order Robert’s Rules of Order is a decision making process developed in the 1800s by General Henry M. Robert, who was frustrated by disorganized meetings. Roberts created a guide, first published in 1876, which summarized and simplify...
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79. Enhancing Board Composition and Strategies for Board Leadership
On Boards Podcast
In this episode of On Boards, hosts Joe Ayoub and Raza Shaikh welcome Tom Rosedale, a partner at the law firm of Nutter McClennen & Fish. Tom serves as chair of the firm’s Corporate and Transactions Department and is a member its Executive Committee. Tom has 27+ years of experience as a corporate attorney and regularly advises public and private company boards of directors in tech, life sciences and more. He has also served on the board of directors of multiple companies including Caring Cross, Vector BioMed, and AMD Global Telemedicine. The discussion with Tom...
info_outlineWith an extensive background in policy, advocacy, and corporate governance, Karen shares insights from her roles at Pfizer, iFIT Health & Fitness, and the NAACP. She recounts her journey to becoming a board member including her experiences during the IPO process at iFIT, and the challenges and triumphs of leading through turbulent times.
Additionally, Karen reflects on the significance of diversity in board composition and the enduring impact of Brown v. Board of Education on the 70th anniversary of the decision.
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Big Ideas/Thoughts/Quotes
1. First For-Profit Board Experience: iFIT Health & Fitness
Karen recounts her journey leading to joining the board of iFIT Health & Fitness, her first for profit board seat, emphasizing the importance of networking and building relationships. She shares how an unexpected opportunity arose from her connections with the Church of Latter-Day Saints and describes the rapid onboarding process and initial experiences as a new board member during a critical time for the company.
"You never know who's watching, it came through a relationship."
Challenges and Decisions During the IPO Process
Karen provides an inside look at the fast-paced environment leading up to iFIT’s planned IPO. She discusses the board’s decision-making process in response to adverse market conditions and the strategic adjustments that were necessary. The conversation highlights the importance of having a diverse and well-composed board to navigate events that are significant & challenging for a company.
"When you are preparing an S-1, you learn everything about a company very quickly."
"The numbers weren't where they were projected to be at that particular time, and I'm really proud of us because it could have been easy to just buckle down and go forward, but that was not the right thing for the company."
Post-IPO Attempt and Company Turnaround
The discussion moves to the aftermath of the decision to not proceed with the IPO and the strategies employed to stabilize and grow iFIT Health & Fitness.
"What I'm happy to say is that despite the overall industry being at a bit of a downturn, we have come through the worst of it, at least we hope we've navigated through the turmoil and are at a new era."
2. Work at Pfizer
Karen reflects on her 20-year career at Pfizer, where she transitioned from government work to corporate affairs. She discusses her role as Pfizer’s first Chief Diversity Officer and the development of a global diversity and inclusion strategy.
Leadership During COVID-19
Karen discusses the significant challenges and achievements of Pfizer during the COVID-19 pandemic under the leadership of Albert Bourla. Karen’s insights emphasize the critical role of strong leadership in navigating crises and driving impactful results.
"I believe to my core that no one else could have gotten that company to have that level of impact in such a short period of time [during the Covid outbreak] other than Albert Bourla and the team that he leads."
"Leadership matters"
3. Role with the NAACP
Karen is the Vice Chair of the NAACP’s National Board of Directors and provides an overview of her role discussing the organization’s mission, structure, and its ongoing important advocacy work. She also reflects on the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision and its lasting impact on education equality. The conversation underscores the importance of historical context in shaping current and future initiatives for civil rights and social justice.
On recognizing the 70th anniversary of Brown v Board of Education in the Oval Office
“It is a moment I will never forget and it's not just about being in the Oval Office with the President, but it was being there with these family members who had made so many sacrifices."
4. Final Thoughts and Takeaways
The episode concludes with Karen’s reflections on the importance of leadership, diversity, and strategic decision-making in board roles. She shares personal insights from her career journey and offers advice for aspiring board members, emphasizing the value of passion and commitment to the mission of the organizations board members serve.