In this episode, host Munir Haque welcomes Brian Hayward, author of The Great Chair and Founder of Aldare Resources, to the show to discuss the governance insights and role of the board chair as presented in his book. Brian has nearly 40 years of experience at the C-suite and board level and his practical insights into board leadership are founded on having attended over 600 board meetings, serving as CEO, director, and chair. Munir and Brian dig into how the board chair is key to strategic governance.Brian talks about why he wrote his book and focused so specifically on the role of the board chair. He shares insights from the book, including the Three M’s - maestro, mediator, and mentor - that a good board chair should adopt in order to be effective and explains how each M drives chair leadership. Munir explores what Brian calls SPF - strategy, people, and finance - and learns everything from the appropriate length for a board meeting, how to best set up the room, and how to keep the conversation focused and engaging. Everything Brian shares is a practical examination of how a board chair can set the tone and lead a board to a successful operation. About Brian HaywardAs Founder/President of Aldare Resources, Brian provides governance, strategy, and business development services to international clients across various sectors. He helps organizations navigate transitions, drawing on his deep business & governance experience, strategic mindset, and team-building skills. He mentors people to develop confidence and leadership acumen through bespoke personal coaching.Brian has a distinguished track record of board leadership, having served on over 20 boards in different industries and continents. He has chaired more than a dozen boards, independent committees, audit committees, and advisory boards, demonstrating his expertise in governance, risk management, and strategic decision-making--often when existential issues are front and center.Brian isn't an academic delivering theory--his perspective comes from getting his hands dirty. He's been through at least 600 board meetings--public companies, private firms, not-for-profits, and startups--as a CEO, junior Director, Committee and Board Chair. Presently, he's a director (former Board Chair) of Cerebra, a digital sleep health company, Lead Independent Director at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, and director of Dorais Foundation.Brian holds an M.Sc from McGill University, a C.Dir from McMaster University, and an ICD.D from the University of Toronto. He is also certified in cybersecurity governance by MIT Sloan School of Management. He is fluent in English and French, and has a passion for continuous learning and improvement.Finally, he is the author of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed book: The Great Chair--A Window on Effective Board Governance, sharing practical tips and insights from those over 600 board meetings. Learn more at www.greatchair.ca or www.aldare.ca, or for those who like "active learning" by listening to the audiobook!Resources discussed in this episode:“The Great Chair: A Window on Effective Board Leadership” by Brian Hayward—Contact Munir Haque | ActionEdge Executive Development: Website: AEEDNow.comLinkedin: Action Edge Executive Development Inc.Contact Brian Hayward: Website: GreatChair.caLinkedin—TranscriptBryan Hayward: [00:00:02] 'The Maestro', the chair is not unlike the conductor in front of a symphony orchestra. Doesn't play any instruments and doesn't articulate, but is clearly somebody that the musicians are paying attention to. They know when they're offline or if their points are resonating. It was a book written out of frustration, curiosity, and with a desire to create something that would make a difference for, at least, some people in some meetings. Not necessarily a cure-all.Munir Haque: [00:00:47] Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Boardroom 180 Podcast. I'm your host Munir Haque, an executive coach and senior board strategist. I have partnered with Action Edge Executive Development to lead their governance and political acumen division. In each episode, we meet with governance leaders and step into their boardrooms, where decisions shape the world around us.Munir Haque: [00:01:07] Hello everybody! On today's show, I'm happy to be welcoming Bryan Hayward on the Boardroom 180 Podcast. Bryan Hayward is a governance expert, seasoned leader and author of the acclaimed book, 'The Great Chair: A Window on Effective Board Leadership'. With nearly 40 years of experience at the C-suite level and board level, he's attended over 600 board meetings, serving as CEO, director, and chair. His award winning book distills his insights into practical tools for effective board leadership. Bryan has led high stakes organizational transitions, including ownership changes and governance overhauls working with public companies, family businesses, startups, and nonprofits. Notable achievements ...
