How can you communicate effectively with your board and turn them into one of your most valuable strategic assets? In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by Anthony Marinelli, Board Chair and Partner, Assurance-East Leader at BDO Canada, and Janet Boyle, Independent Board Member at BDO Canada and Senior Vice President at RBC.

 

Together, they unpack how CEOs and senior leaders can foster trust, transparency, and strategic alignment with their boards. Tune in to hear practical advice on the role and value of independent board members, leveraging your board as a strategic partner, and much more.

 

What you’ll hear in this episode :

[1:40 ] Management vs. board of directors responsibilities.

[4:01 ] Balancing dual roles as board chair and partner.

[5:49 ] Keys to a strong board-management relationship.

[10:05 ] Tips for better board collaboration.

[14:16 ] The board’s value in understanding discarded ideas.

[16:04 ] Navigating difficult conversations with trust.

[20:32 ] The value of independent board members.

[27:43 ] How to be agile amid constant change.

[32:48 ] Setting the right tone at the top.

[35:47 ] How to get on a board of directors.

 

Mentioned:

Anne-Marie Henson

Anthony Marinelli

Janet Boyle

BDO Canada

 

Quotes:

 

“My advice to new CEOs: start early with individual relationships. Don’t wait until first board meetings. Get to know the people, find out what their experiences are, what your board members do, and where they can add value.”

 

“A common mistake I've seen is that CEOs and management sometimes treat the board as an audience instead of a resource.”

 

“As an independent board member, the value is really bringing a very different perspective that the organization does not currently have.”

 

“One thing that CEOs, especially new ones, should remember, is that the board should be one of their most valuable strategic assets, not just an oversight body. Using the board properly will help them have success in their job.”

 

“Boards don’t expect perfection. They want to go through this process and work with management to get there.”

 

“I will double down on using the board for conversation, and not for presentation. Make sure you’re sharing ideas with them and don’t wait until you have a finished product before going to the board with it.”