Chairs and CEOs - Read On!

I heard the old story about regret the other day. You know the one - when, near death, no-one wishes they had spent more time in meetings... And it got me thinking.

Folks, I have spent so much time?in governance meetings. Board meetings. Pre-Board meetings. Senior Management Team meetings. Committee meetings. If I had a penny for all the hours I have sat behind closed doors in meetings, I could have long retired.?

That said, for me, this has been (for the most part) time well spent. In my time in governance roles, I have (mostly) enjoyed the ride, learned loads from those I have worked alongside and continue to learn and grow through the Board advisory work that I am doing now.?

During my career, I have worked with Chairs who have been hugely successful leaders of FTSE 100 companies and with sector Chief Executives, some of whom have been outstanding.? I have been a Trustee, Founder, Company Secretary and CEO over the years. I even studied governance at a senior level, graduating both as a Chartered Secretary and later with a Masters in Corporate Governance and Business Ethics.?So, I have form in this area.

....Keep reading for news of the special offer!?

In my career, I have been lucky enough to have been "in the room where it happens” and witnessed remarkable leadership in action. I have seen big strategic decisions turn on chance interventions and remarks that bring a whole new light to plans and ideas. I have seen incoming Chairs transform Board dynamics and move organisations forward at a whole new pace. Sadly, I have also seen truly horrible behaviour from people who should have known better - that kind of thing leaves its mark on people's careers and their lives. I have seen how governance influences how an organisation delivers services on the front line and so why good governance really matters.

Life in and around the Boardroom can be exhilarating, challenging, demanding and fun – all at the same time. Navigating all this is not easy and for the Chair and the CEO, so it can be a lonely road to walk sometimes - when it can be difficult to raise points, feedback or critique with colleagues, given the history, or context, or time. This can be a lot of weight to carry, for those in charge.

Here's the special offer!

At Ajaz.org, we offer support and advice for Chairs and/or CEOs. We do Board reviews, appraisals, help on thorny issues and take on the elephants in the room. We walk alongside those leaders going through difficult days - particularly where relationship problems or conflict are getting in the way. Our offer is entirely free of charge, and we have capacity in the diary now for new conversations.?When we can, we support on communications and AI - more news on this to follow.

So, if you need a hand with a Board-related issue or if you just need someone to talk to, why not reach out? You can do this privately or through your organisation. You can find me at [email protected].

Loads of love,

Nicola