This piece is part of a series of observations from our past Directors to Watch, encompassing the ways board service has changed since they received the honor and what they are doing to ensure they continue to thrive as board members amid an evolving landscape.
Jill Marcotte
Directors to Watch 2020
Ozinga, A. Stucki Company
Thank you for recognizing me as a Director to Watch in 2020. That recognition was a meaningful milestone in my board journey, one that has been both deeply rewarding and continuously evolving. I’ve always had a strong passion for understanding people, business dynamics and innovation, and serving on boards has only deepened that commitment.
Since receiving the honor, the boardroom landscape has undergone significant transformation. Topics like supply chain resilience and cybersecurity, once considered operational, are now central to strategic discussions. At the same time, broader economic, political and social forces increasingly shape boardroom agendas. We regularly examine how these external factors influence cost structures, pricing, supply and demand and competitive positioning.
In 2020, our primary focus was navigating the uncertainty brought on by COVID-19. Since then, the conversation has shifted to include issues like tariffs, inflation and geopolitical instability. Boards are now expected to not only interpret global events, but also anticipate their business implications and craft agile, forward-thinking strategies.
Some organizations excel in this environment of constant change, quickly adapting and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Others struggle to keep pace with the speed of disruption. Today’s leaders must manage economic volatility, shifting consumer expectations and rapid technological advancement, particularly in AI. Boards are increasingly looking to leadership to drive digital transformation while building agile, resource-efficient organizations prepared for long-term growth.
Since being named a Director to Watch, I’ve witnessed remarkable shifts in the business landscape. These changes have made the journey even more dynamic, challenging and intellectually stimulating. I remain committed to learning, contributing and helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity, resilience and purpose.