The collapse of Enron, AIG, WorldCom, and Credit Suisse didn’t happen in isolation. Behind each failure lay boards that failed to fulfil their fundamental duty to shareholders, employees, customers, and the wider economy. In an era where corporate decisions ripple through global markets, the stakes for effective board governance have never been higher. Drawing on decades of experience at the helm of major corporations and boards through transformational challenges,Patrick O’Sullivan confronts the uncomfortable realities of modern governance. How does a board chair navigate the treacherous waters of working with a domineering CEO? How can new directors break through the inertia of long-established, complacent boards? With exceptional clarity and hard-won insight, O’Sullivan provides a roadmap for boards determined to transcend mediocrity. This isn’t theoretical governance—it’s a practical guide forged in the crucible of real corporate crises. From building genuine transparency to engaging executive management effectively, from fostering board objectivity to defining the essential characteristics of successful board chairs,O’Sullivan delivers the tools that boards need to protect value and drive sustainable performance. For directors, executives, and stakeholders who understand that governance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about corporate survival—this book offers an indispensable framework for excellence in the boardroom.
