Archive
April 2021
Uber’s Journey: A Fireside Chat with Keir Gumbs
As a significant player in the gig economy, Uber has often been in the spotlight, and each step or misstep is regularly debated in the media. Find out what it takes to be a part of what has been called a “once-in-a-generation company” and hear a candid and in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities that today’s leaders in the high-tech world face.
Find out more »March 2021
Aspiring Directors: Pathways to a Board Seat
Join us for an engaging discussion on what it means to be appointed as a Director of a Board by sharing the experiences of long term Director David Pyott, newly appointed Director Christine Scheunemann, and George Anderson, who regularly represents Boards looking for their next…
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Un-packing SPACS: Risks, Rewards and Everything in Between
Thank You to Our Sponsors! Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACS) have exploded as an increasingly popular way for private companies to go public. There were more SPAC IPOs in 2020 than traditional IPOs. The market for SPAC IPOs and so-called “de-SPAC”…
Find out more »February 2021
Mergers & Acquisitions Workshop: A Mock Boardroom Scenario
Be the decision-maker in this mergers and acquisitions (M&A) workshop, which will use a mock boardroom setting to incorporate the many key aspects of the M&A process. The discussion will be facilitated by M&A legal and financial professionals that will tie in current, real-life examples…
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Directors Forum 2021
In light of our changed reality, and with increasingly stringent requirements, directors, management and investors must now lead their organizations through uncharted territory. Our 16th annual conference – held in partnership with University of California Berkeley Center for Law and Business – will provide an open forum…
Find out more »November 2020
Where Innovation and Value Chain Meet
Thank You to Our Sponsor! Value-chain management plays a critical role in the complexity of supply chains. Directors face the evolving marketplace, which demands boundaryless thinking to ensure a supply chain that reacts quickly to continuously changing needs. Our…
Find out more »October 2020
When Disruption Maximizes Opportunity
Life has suddenly and unexpectedly been disrupted for everyone, whether you are a board director or on the management team. We didn’t make a conscious choice to disrupt our lives or our company’s stability; circumstances made it for us. In this session, techniques to turn…
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Fireside Chat with Jenny Ming and Richard Bennett
Join our Fireside Chat with Jenny Ming, former President & CEO of Charlotte Russe, and former President of Old Navy, as she discusses her career and leadership journey with interviewer extraordinaire, Rick Bennett, President & CEO of ValueEdge Advisors. Hear from one of the most…
Find out more »September 2020
End-of-Summer Networking Social (Members-Only)
Networking, networking, networking! Corporate Directors Forum is excited to launch our new virtual platform, Remo, which is a virtual space that empowers people to freely communicate and connect with each other “face-to-face.” Join us over lunch for a fun, Members-Only hour of independent, free-flowing virtual…
Find out more »August 2020
Preparing for a Future-Ready Workforce
We find ourselves living “in interesting times,” which may stay “interesting” for longer than anticipated. Our current reality has created an entirely different future and has accelerated the pace of human capital transformation. In our new normal, boards of directors are pressed to review their workforce strategies…
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Top Privacy, Cyber & Regulatory Mistakes Boards Can Avoid
As boards respond to the challenges and limitations regarding privacy, cyber and related regulatory issues, one of their key goals is to avoid costly mistakes, with a focus on making savvy, highly effective decisions that will safeguard the organization. As privacy and cybersecurity converge, it is…
Find out more »July 2020
Preparing Your Board Bio
Come learn how to prepare your board bio as you seek a director position.
Find out more »Essentials of Corporate Directorship: Preparing for Your First Board Seat
Public companies are continuously searching for qualified board candidates. The new California mandate, requiring the inclusion of women on boards, creates even greater demand. Understand the full scope of what it means to be a director on a publicly-traded company board. Let the Corporate Directors…
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Evolution in the Boardroom: Building a Data-Driven Culture
Data can be one of the organizations most powerful tools and serve as an accelerator to empower innovation. It is critical that a company capture and analyze new information and trends that could impact its business outcomes. Most organizations today are data-rich. The amount of…
Find out more »June 2020
A Moment of Truth: The Board’s Role in a New Reality
At this uniquely challenging time, where crises have collided, boards of directors are facing a new reality brought about by a pandemic and the explosion of issues related to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our panel of experts will discuss how – at this moment of truth…
Find out more »May 2020
Overcoming a Disrupted Supply Chain
Our experts will discuss the impact of this disruption and offer solutions to overcoming major breakdowns in the production and distribution of a supply chain.
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Succession Planning in an Unpredictable Time
One of the top priorities of a company’s board of directors is ensuring that an effective CEO succession plan is in place. To achieve this goal, the board must focus on identifying and developing experienced, highly qualified executives who will be equipped to step into key roles when necessary. When the right leader is on top, with a successor identified, the risks to both business continuity and organizational performance is significantly reduced. Our
Find out more »April 2020
Pivoting Strategies: Corporate Leadership’s New Reality
Boards of directors, CEOs and organizational leaders are being faced with abrupt shifts in every facet of their business in a new reality, which was unimaginable just a few months ago. Join us to hear from experienced CEOs and board directors about resilience and what it takes to pivot effectively in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty.
Find out more »March 2020
Human Capital: Strategizing for the Next Decade
The transformation of today’s workforce makes it imperative to manage talent as a key strategic asset. The evolving skills that an organization needs are a significant component of human capital and associated strategies. As an intangible asset not listed on a company’s balance sheet, effective human capital oversight is critical for an organization to achieve its goals and remain agile.
Find out more »February 2020
Has the Notion of Business Ethics Become Passé?
Is there a legitimate role for ethics as a driver of business behavior in our increasingly transactional world? Though the question may sound unduly provocative, company boards and executives – without necessarily even realizing it – are often forced to confront this issue. What role should ethics play in business decision-making, and has the answer to this question changed as the characteristics of shareholders and stakeholders has evolved over the years?
Find out more »January 2020
Directors Forum 2020
Our 15th annual conference will provide open, “off-the-record” dialogue and global perspectives from directors, investors and management on today’s key governance issues. Participants will share their experiences and provide frameworks for dealing with the most relevant governance topics, ranging from economic and global risks, to…
Find out more »December 2019
Breakfast Roundtable Seminar – Getting Ready for 2020: Employment & Privacy Law
Join Troutman Sanders to learn about new employment laws and developments affecting your workplace, and the new California Consumer Privacy Act, including practical suggestions for compliance.
Find out more »November 2019
Jerry Sanders on The Future of Business in San Diego
What does the future of business in San Diego hold?
Find out more »October 2019
Fireside Chat with Viasat CEO, Mark Dankberg
How do you launch a startup and build it into a multi-billion dollar business? Come learn from someone who did just that. Listen to Mark Dankberg, chairman and CEO of Viasat, in a fireside chat with reporter, Mike Freeman, tell the story of how and why.
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Social Media & the Board: The Good, Bad & Unpredictable
Leveraged wisely, powerful messaging can make a reputation, build a brand, or successfully launch a new product or innovation. An organization’s ability to communicate effectively, both internally and publicly, can be the difference between success and failure. In the age of social networks, communication from the CEO or management team has the power to either strengthen or weaken an organization. Hand-in-hand with strategic communications, today’s Boards of Directors must oversee reputation management.
Find out more »September 2019
Director of the Year Awards
The Director of the Year Award was created to recognize directors for outstanding performance in the boardroom and behind the scenes. Nominees may be from any industry and must be a resident of the San Diego area or serve on a board of a company located in…
Find out more »August 2019
Shareholder Activism: Long vs. Short-Termism
Long-termism vs. short-termism is a constant tug-of-war, requiring an ongoing balance between the goals of two opposing perspectives. While companies face intense pressure from financial markets to maximize short-term results, short-termism has the potential to undermine future growth and limit future investment returns. Our experts will discuss the impact of a long-term vs. short-term focus on the stability and growth of organizations and their reliance on capital markets.
Find out more »June 2019
Essentials of Corporate Directorship: Preparing for Your First Board Seat
Public companies are continuously searching for qualified board candidates. The new California mandate, requiring the inclusion of women on boards, creates even greater demand.
Find out more »
Disruptive Innovation & Technology
Disruptive innovation and disruptive technology… what is the difference? How does each one affect business and what do directors and business leaders need to understand to stay ahead of disruptive trends?
Find out more »May 2019
Essentials of Corporate Directorship: Preparing for Your First Board Seat
Public companies are continuously searching for qualified board candidates. The new California mandate, requiring the inclusion of women on boards, creates even greater demand.
Find out more »
First-Time Directors & Onboarding
What do first-time directors need to know, and how can the onboarding process assist with the transition to joining a board?
Find out more »April 2019
Cybersecurity: What Directors Need to Know and What They Should Be Asking
“Cybersecurity risks pose grave threats to our investors, our capital markets, and our country.” Securities and Exchange Commission – 2018.
Find out more »March 2019
The Empowered Board
Despite the trend toward separating the roles of CEO and Board Chair, many companies still choose to combine these roles. Each with pros and cons, it cannot be denied that a powerful and active board can help minimize risk and be a true asset to the organization. Strong and independent directors can be counted on to provide counsel to support management in times of crisis.
Find out more »February 2019
The New Board Mandate: What Does it Really Mean?
Is the recent California law (SB-826) requiring women on boards good for corporate governance?
Should it stay? Should it go? Does it matter?
Does it help or hinder the broader question of board diversity?
How can boards ensure they have the necessary perspectives at the table?
December 2018
Shareholder Activism: The Ins and Outs
As a director or executive, what should you know? What questions should you be asking? What should you do in response to an activist campaign?
Find out more »November 2018
Cyber Risk: Do You Recognize Your Organization’s Vulnerability?
Cybersecurity is both a risk and a strategy issue in the news every day. The threat is especially significant to organizations, considering the magnitude of potential damage to their reputation, competitive standing and proprietary information.
Find out more »August 2018
Open Breakfast: AI & Robotics: A Leadership Perspective
Our panelists Hansol Hong, Eugene Izhikevich, Gioia Messinger, and Darren Moe will discuss anticipated effects of AI and robotics on areas such as IT, operations, manufacturing, supply chain and customer-facing activities.
Find out more »July 2018
Members-Only Roundtable: Your IP Plan: Strategize Today to Maximize Tomorrow
Join your peers for an insightful, interactive discussion about the in's-and-out's of developing a solid IP plan that protects you today, while allowing you to maximize future opportunities. Hosted and facilitated by Ray Wagenknecht, US Patent Attorney & Founder of the Wagenknecht IP Law Group, and Antony Novom, US Patent Attorney at the Wagenknecht IP Law Group.
Find out more »Open Breakfast: Capitalize on Near Misses
Our expert panelists Michael J. Berthelot, Haney Hong, John Skousen, & Amy Wakeham will discuss best practices to help the board and management understand unforeseen risks, deal with crises, and limit potential damage, while allowing their organization to thrive.
Find out more »June 2018
Open Breakfast: Dare to Maximize Your Board’s Potential
Learn from Sabrina Martucci Johnson what every CEO and C-suite executive should know about the dynamics of new and established boards.
Find out more »May 2018
Open Breakfast: Mastering Board Effectiveness: Assessment, Matrixes and Succession
Hear what our experienced directors and industry experts Karin Eastham, Edwin A. Guiles, Phil Johnston, & Carrie Stone have to say about refreshing the board, how boards members are evaluated and how that strengthens board effectiveness and fosters a continuous feedback mindset.
Find out more »April 2018
Open Breakfast: The Right Stuff: Attracting & Keeping the Right Talent in San Diego
Our panel of experts Janice P. Brown, Randall Clark, Scott Dobroski, & Michael E. Oclaray will provide solutions for companies to compete in attracting, hiring and retaining the best talent. They will share their own experiences and insights regarding successful solutions that will help guide key talent-related decisions.
Find out more »March 2018
Open Breakfast: Susan Salka: Harness Your Vision to Make an Impact
How did a single service travel nurse organization in 1985 grow to become the industry leader in healthcare workforce solutions today? Join Susan Salka, CEO and President of AMN Healthcare, as she shares an insider's view of a leadership success story.
Find out more »February 2018
Open Breakfast: The CEO’s Role in Today’s Social Issues
In a time where polarization is at an all-time high and information is shared rapidly, what is the role of the CEO in addressing these issues and how can they navigate these tricky waters? Our experienced panelists Tara Ceranic Salinas, Lenny Comma, Hank Nordhoffwill, & Chris Wollerman provide insights on managing these complex issues in turbulent times.T
Find out more »December 2017
Economic Outlook 2018: What’s in Store for San Diegans?
What economic risks and opportunities will San Diego businesses face in the next 12 months? Our panel of economic experts Ray Major, Norm Miller, & Lynn Reaser will share how we can leverage today’s economic indicators and discuss how these and other critical factors, reflected by global and national economic trends, affect our own plans for growth and development.
Find out more »October 2017
The M&A Landscape: Is “Deal-Making” In Your Organization’s Future?
Our panel Chuck Adams, Barbara Borden, Les Howe & Greg Lucier bring both experience and expertise to discussing an in-depth examination of the full cycle of a deal as well as provide insights regarding creation of value while avoiding unwelcome surprises.
Find out more »September 2017
May 2017
"Groupthink at Play in the Boardroom… and the Art of Challenging Consensus"
Because most important decisions in business are made by committees, vigilance of the process is required. Dana R. Carney Ph.D., Neil Kurtz, M.D., Magda Marquet, Ph.D., & John Mutch will walk through how it happens, and our other panelists will share personal experiences as activist investors, directors, CEOs and chairmen.
Find out more »March 2017
A BIG THINK* Breakfast Event: "The Current State of Privacy: Do We Still Have the Freedom ‘to be left alone’?"
With the ever-expanding reach of Google and Facebook, the behind-the-scenes impact of “Search Engine Manipulation Effect” (aka autocomplete) can condition and manipulate our thinking on politics, news/current events, what we like, what we buy – everything! We’ll look at these and other techniques used to influence us, in ways most of us are unaware.
Find out more »February 2017
“How Great Boards STAY Great”
What makes a great board? Can all the board members clearly articulate how the board adds value? How does the board actually measure its value to the organization?
Dr. Erica M. Rivera brings extensive experience in the psychological aspects of leadership and executive behavior to share research on how great boards actually do add value.