How board provide steady guidance amid AI transformation

Grant Thornton (US) has been developing truly thoughtful content around key board governance topics this year.? I’ve enjoyed dissecting their articles and tumbling down the proverbial rabbit hole with peers on a number of insights that their articles thoughtfully explore. ?As we prepare for NACD Nashville ’s first in-person event for 2025, I’d invite you to have a read and contemplate the intersection of this article and NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) ’s recent Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) report, Technology Leadership in the Boardroom.?

Grant Thornton article found here: https://www.grantthornton.com/insights/articles/audit/2024/how-boards-provide-steady-guidance-amid-ai-transformation

NACD BRC reports here: https://www.nacdonline.org/all-governance/governance-resources/governance-research/blue-ribbon-commission-reports/

The Grant Thornton article, “How boards provide steady guidance amid AI transformation” is a wonderful primer for the January NACD Nashville event at Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management .? If you are a governance leader in Tennessee (or just passing through), I’d welcome you to joins us for an amazing conversation with great technology governance leaders like:

• Nora M. Denzel, Chair of the 2024 NACD BRC and Lead Independent Director at Advanced Micro Devices, who brings a wealth of expertise in technology governance and corporate strategy.
• Dorlisa Flur, a member of the 2024 NACD BRC and a seasoned director on the boards of Sally Beauty Holdings, SpartanNash, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, with deep experience in strategic transformation.
• Barbie Bigelow, NACD.DC QTE, former Chief Information Officer at Lockheed Martin and NACD Nashville Program Ambassador, who will moderate the discussion. Barbie’s leadership in technology strategy and her ability to align innovation with operational excellence make her an ideal guide for this conversation.

Register for the January 23rd, 2025 event here:? https://www.nacdonline.org/nashville/nashville-events/strengthening-technology-oversight-in-the-boardroom/

Whenever I read great content, I always contemplate key questions that could help shape my thinking on emerging governance topics.? ???

Based upon these two great pieces, here’s my list.?

Technology Strategy and Oversight

Alignment with Corporate Strategy:

• How does our current technology strategy align with the organization’s overall purpose, values, and long-term business goals?
• Are there transformative technologies on the horizon that could disrupt our industry, and how are we preparing for them?

Decision-Making Frameworks:

• Have we clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of the board and management in governing transformative technologies and data?
• What thresholds determine when the board should be involved in technology-related decisions?

Technology Committee or Advisory Structure:

• Is our current board structure (e.g., technology committee, subcommittees, or advisory boards) sufficient to address the complexities of technology governance?
• Should we consider forming a dedicated technology committee or enhancing the scope of existing committees?

Board Technology Proficiency

?Education and Expertise:

• How are we ensuring that all board members maintain sufficient proficiency in emerging technologies relevant to our business?
• Are we leveraging external advisors or internal subject-matter experts to improve our understanding of key technology trends?

Recruitment and Succession:

• Does our director recruitment process ensure we are bringing in candidates with the necessary technology expertise and curiosity to guide the company through technological disruptions?

Risk Management and Data Governance

Cybersecurity and Data Risks:

• How is the organization managing cybersecurity risks, particularly in light of evolving regulatory frameworks and emerging threats?
• Are our data governance policies robust enough to ensure data quality, security, and ethical use across the organization?

??Regulatory Compliance:

• How are we adapting to the patchwork of global and domestic data and technology regulations, and are we staying ahead of potential compliance risks?

Metrics and Reporting

?Impact Measurement:

• Are we receiving the right metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of technology initiatives and their alignment with business objectives?
• What insights do we have into the organization’s technical debt, innovation progress, and data governance effectiveness?

???Innovation Oversight:

• How are we monitoring the outcomes of pilot programs and emerging technology initiatives to ensure they align with our strategic goals?
• Are we fostering a culture of experimentation and learning, even in cases of failure?

Strategic Foresight and Continuous Improvement

Future Readiness:

• Are we dedicating enough agenda time to forward-looking discussions about technology’s role in our business strategy?
• What steps are we taking to stay ahead of technology disruptions and ensure the company remains resilient and competitive?

NACD Nashville 's January in person event will further explore these topics and more with an amazing lineup of panelists!? In the interim, please follow NACD Nashville on LinkedIn here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/nacd-nashville/posts/?feedView=all

#corporategovernance NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) NACD Nashville African American Directors Forum Leavey Executive Center at Santa Clara University Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business 美国杜克大学富卡商学院 Belmont University - Jack C. Massey College of Business Nichole Jordan Chris Morgan Craig Miller Paul Connelly, NACD-DC William "Bill" Jones, NACD.DC Mandy McCain, NACD.DC Steve Seger Cynthia Falardeau Danielle Whaley (Needles) Nashville Health Care Council