The ninth session was a really thought-provoking discussion on the changing role of the senior executive, specifically how international executives can find business and social purpose, and understand the legal and reputational risks of charitable and other non-profit roles. Some of the key takeaways from the session included:
- When contemplating taking on a position, decide in advance how much time you can realistically dedicate.
- Show humility. Not everybody will naturally fit into that space; learn from others in the role.
- Be wary of mass-market NED training or placement programmes. Joining other aspiring NEDs won’t necessarily take you to where you want to be. Talk to people you know and look for mentors who can guide you.
- Always do your due diligence, even for well-known, established charities. Ongoing due diligence is also essential. Ensure minutes of meetings are accurate. Keep your own notes and document your own decision-making. Remember, “if it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen.”
- As obvious as it may seem, being authentic is key. Ensure the charitable trust you are considering joining aligns with your own interests.
Thank you again to our expert panel of speakers for a superb session:
Mark Stroyan, Partner, Manchester Square Partners (UK)
Catharine Williams, Owner Founder, All Things People (UK)
Jennifer Emms, Partner Elect, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP (UK)
Colleen Cleary, Principal and Founder, CC Solicitors (Ireland)
Alison Young, Director, Leaders in Change (UK) (Chair)
The second International Forum of Senior Executives and Founders (IFSEA) Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders was held virtually from Tuesday, 2 February – Tuesday, 16 March 2021. This unique specialist conference ran as a series of virtual international expert panels and two networking events per week, bringing together over 65 leading global experts from 13 countries around the world to discuss issues commonly faced by international Senior Executives and Founders, particularly during these times of global crisis, disruption and opportunity.
View other sessions from the IFSEA 2021 Virtual Conference here.
Find out more about the International Forum of Senior Executive Advisers and become a member here.
