Issues That Impact: David Barnard
Vitamix chair David Barnard on the issues that will impact his company over the next 15 years.
Private Company Director - March 2025
Cover Package
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.
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: Bill Graebel
The chair of Graebel Companies Inc. on the issues that will challenge his company for the next decade-plus.
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.
Columns
Great Uncertainty Demands Great Governance
In times of heightened uncertainty, private company boards can play an even more significant role.
Does the CEO Know?
Emotional intelligence is emerging as a vital skill for chief executives of private companies.
Departments
What’s Your Board Engagement Personality?
Explore three very different types of boards and how a board’s personality can determine company success.
From Start-Up Ingenuity to Big-Picture Focus
The board of Essential Ingredients has constantly evolved to change along with the business landscape.
Top of the Agenda
Voices of Experience, March 2025
Leading private company directors on winning the war for talent.
Meet the Director: Sabrina Hannam
The Boardswell director on demystifying the enigmatic world of board culture.
