74. Navigating Board Stages of Startup Boards: Insights from Chris Cuddy, Board Chair of ezCater
Release Date: 11/17/2024
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineIn this episode of On Boards, Chris Cuddy, a seasoned executive and board leader with over 25 years of experience growing technology-enabled companies in both the private and public sectors shares invaluable insights into the evolution of a company’s board as it progresses through different growth stages. He discusses how the board’s role shifts over time from hands-on support to formal governance.
His unique perspective is informed by his extensive career, including key roles in companies like Cheapflights, Engage, and ezCater, as well as his background in consulting, investment, and board leadership.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Stages of Board Evolution in Startups
- Seed Stage: Founders are often the primary board members, with activities blurred between governance and management. Chris recalls the “early days” of ezCater, likening the stage to “two founders and a PowerPoint.”
- Startup Stage: Boards begin to focus on defining product-market fit and may introduce angel investors. Chris describes his hands-on involvement with ezCater at this stage, from customer calls to financial planning.
- Growth Stage: The board’s role formalizes with the introduction of venture capital. The addition of independent board members and committees becomes essential in order to scale. Chris shares how ezCater’s board evolved to support rapid expansion across the U.S.
- Maturity Stage: The board is now primarily focused on governance, with a clear distinction between board and management roles. Chris reflects on how the board transitions into “maintenance mode.”
- Renewal or Decline: Boards help strategize paths to either reinvigorate or prepare for acquisition. Chris recounts his experience with Engage, navigating challenges during the tech bubble burst.
- Key Traits of a Functional Board
- Selecting board members with domain expertise, cultural fit, and a shared commitment to supporting the company.
- Chris discusses the importance of a highly functional board in advancing a company’s mission and creating stability.
- The Role of the Board Chair
- Chris highlights the importance of the board chair as a bridge between the founders and board members, ensuring transparent communication and balanced input.
- He shares insights on the unusual longevity of his role as ezCater’s board chair, attributing it to his ability to adapt as the board and company evolved.
- Unique Challenges and Responsibilities in Early-Stage Boards
- Chris describes the blurred line between governance and management in the initial stages, emphasizing that board members may often act as extensions of the executive team, especially in strategic, operational, and fundraising efforts.
- Building the Board with Intentionality
- Chris emphasizes the importance of selecting investors who bring value beyond capital, often influencing the board’s dynamic and direction.
- Chris and Raza discuss the need for careful vetting of potential investors and board members to maintain a cohesive and effective board culture.
Memorable Quotes:
- Chris Cuddy on the role of the board in the growth stage: "The ambition and time frames often require venture capital, but this step requires serious reflection. ‘Will this change the DNA of the company?’”
- Board dynamics: “A functional board isn’t just about expertise—it’s about cultural fit and motivation to support the founders and company’s best interests.”
- On the board chair’s responsibilities: “The chair is a bridge between board members and founders, ensuring transparent communication and insuring that everyone’s voice is heard.”
Takeaways for Board Members and Founders:
- Understand the shifting role of the board at each company growth stage.
- Prioritize a balanced board composition that brings both expertise and alignment with the company’s culture.
- In early stages, board members often play a quasi-executive role, actively participating in operational decisions.
- For sustainable growth, founders and the board must align on long-term vision, values, and expectations for governance.