Many people think you have to be an accountant or finance professional to sit on a board.

Nope! But, you do need to know how to navigate financial statements AND, more importantly, ask all the right questions of the numbers...often with a bit of skeptisicm.

In this episode, Paul is joined by new Future Directors Faculty Member and sports nut, Dr David Bond. He also teaches this finance stuff to uni students, via his popular YouTube channel, and gets to live and breathe it too inside the multiple boards he serves on.

NOTE: This is a recording of one of our Directors Circle sessions that we put on live for our Future Directors members (see link to join below). The sound quality is not our usual.

Also in this episode:

• Learn how to leverage real-time financial data to enhance decision-making.
• Explore modern approaches to financial governance beyond static board papers.
• Gain insights on the future of financial literacy for board directors.

Links:

Connect With David Bond: YouTube | | LinkedIn

Join the Future Directors Community: Join for FREE

Connect with Paul Smith: LinkedIn

What a coup! Famed author Bob Burg joins Paul for a rare podcast interview.

Bob Burg is a world-renowned author who has sold over 2 million books. In this episode, Bob shared the timeless principles behind this influential work, The Go-Giver (co-authored with John David Mann) and explained why shifting your focus from GETTING to GIVING can transform your business (and your board) and also your life.

Together, we also explored the profound idea of "providing immense value to others" and how this mindset leads to better board performance.

Also in this episode:

• The foundational principles of The Go-Giver and why it's more relevant than ever.
• How focusing on value creation builds trust in any organisation.
• The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and how apply in the boardroom.
• Shifting from a transactional mindset to a relationship approach in governance.

Best quote from Bob:

"To rationalize is to tell ourselves 'rational lies,' creating a justification for something we know deep down may not be right."

Links:

Bob's book: The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann

Learn more about Bob Burg: BobBurg.com

Join the Future Directors Community: Join for FREE

Connect with Paul Smith: LinkedIn

We love a good crossover episode!

In late 2024, your host Paul Smith featured on The Jasper Blueprint podcast with Bessi Graham. It was so relevant for Future Directors' listener...that we decided to add it to our episode list.

In this episode, Bessi and I explore governance as a competitive edge in small to medium-sized businesses. Focusing on future-fit boards that manage responsibilities across ALL stakeholders, our conversation went beyond the traditional view of governance as mere compliance.

The episode highlights the pivotal role governance plays in decision-making, particularly in privately-owned businesses where it is often overlooked.

Also in this episode:

• Effective governance includes diversity of thought, curiosity, and ongoing education for all involved participants in board settings.
• Stakeholder mapping reveals overlooked perspectives that significantly influences decision-making and strategic direction.
• Emphasising fit-for-purpose governance structures significantly improves the functionality and inclusivity of board and decision-making processes.

Links:

Subscribe to the Jasper Blueprint podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Connect With Bessi Graham: Website | | LinkedIn

Join the Future Directors Community: Join for FREE

Connect with Paul Smith: LinkedIn