Current Issue

Private Company Director • March 2025

Governance 2040 • Building The Best-In-Class Private Company Board

Cover Package

Issues That Impact: Bill Graebel

The chair of Graebel Companies Inc. on the issues that will challenge his company for the next decade-plus.

Issues That Impact: Brandi Harleaux

The South Post Oak Recycling Center CEO on the issues facing her company in the next 15 years.

Issues That Impact: David Barnard

Vitamix chair David Barnard on the issues that will impact his company over the next 15 years.

The Board’s Role in Cybersecurity Incident Response

Seven questions boards should ask to make sure management is responding effectively to cyber breaches.

Board Composition Best Practices

Seven approaches to driving excellence in your private company board.

The Value of Independent Directors

Independent directors aid management by focusing on strategy, talent development and executive team performance.

Recruiting the Best Directors

How your board can attract individuals with attributes that help businesses thrive for generations.

Cultivating the Board/CEO Relationship

Both directors and the chief executive play a role in ensuring a productive discourse between the board and management.

Conflicts of Interest: Which Hat Do You Wear to Board Meetings?

For boards, addressing conflicts of interest requires transparency, ethical leadership and vigilance.

Features

Directors to Watch 2025

The latest members of our esteemed Directors to Watch.

The Most Significant Governance Trends of 2025

This year and going forward, private company directors will be challenged by AI, an evolving political landscape, a shifting economy and more.

Becoming a High-Performing Family Chair

The mentee/mentor relationship of David Barnard and Lynn Clarke has been vital in the former’s role as chair of 105-year-old Vitamix.

Revamping Your Board’s Onboarding Process

Boards benefit when enthusiastic and motivated directors are met with an organized and thorough welcome.

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