Effective Board Leadership: The Art of Doing It Well and the Risks of Getting It Wrong

Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance (Oct 8, 2025) "Effective Board Leadership: The Art of Doing It Well and the Risks of Getting It Wrong" by Ray Garcia, Paul DeNicola and Ariel Smilowitz of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, based on a PwC memorandum produced in collaboration with Stanford, argues exceptional boards do not happen by accident — they are driven by leaders (chairs, lead directors, committee chairs) who combine strategic foresight, emotional intelligence and unrelenting commitment to long-term organisational health. Outstanding leaders unite directors, work toward a shared vision, challenge and coach the CEO in equal measure, refresh talent relentlessly and stay unflappable in crises; when leadership falters, they act fast — frank evaluations, role rotation, clarified responsibilities, change. Direct guidance for SEA mid-market boards selecting next chair.