A clear responsibility for the Chairman is establishing a Board and Executive team that can lead the organisation forward. This means incorporating fresh skills and perspectives in order to navigate complexity and change. Fidelio’s purpose is to support the Chairman and CEO to achieve this goal, in the full knowledge that Boards and Executive teams will need to draw from a wider and more diverse talent pool.
Three Tasks for the Chairman
1) Succession Planning: Chairs seeking to increase the diversity of their Boards are still told that there are ‘not enough good women’ in the sector, or who meet the brief. Chairs are now pushing back against this. The “A Seat at the Table” Programme demonstrates that there are talented women already in positions authority, who are willing and able to assume a seat at the top table in a Non-Executive or Executive capacity.
Increasingly, Fidelio is being approached by Chairmen and Senior Independent Directors, who are keen to broaden their Search beyond the usual suspects for Board roles and are confident that Fidelio has a good overview of talented women who will add value to the Board.
Everything I took from the “A Seat at the Table” programme is actionable in my current role and beyond
Divisional CEO, Financial Services
2) Board & Executive Development: Given the complexity and change facing business today, Chairmen and CEOs are also keen to develop the leadership team to increase effectiveness and gain access to diverse and relevant perspectives. “A Seat at the Table” has become recognised for its practical approach to enhancing Board skills and honing Board effectiveness. We have welcomed women who have recently moved into Executive Committee roles for leading companies, as well as Non-Executive Directors seeking to build their effectiveness in the Board room and keep their knowledge and skills fresh.
The “A Seat at the Table” programme allowed me to gain a better understanding of board dynamics and of the top skills required to be as effective as possible as a director
Senior Independent Director, FTSE 250
3) Empowering Senior Women in their Board Careers: Last but not least, “A Seat at the Table” puts women firmly in the driving seat of their own Board careers. It addresses the very important issues of:
- how best to allocate time;
- how to flourish in a major Executive role and start establishing a Non-Executive portfolio and
- how to be on the radar screen and be considered for aspirational Board roles where one can add value.
Women who bring purpose to their Board careers with a clear sense and understanding of value, enhance the organisations they are with today, as well as the Board they may join tomorrow. This is clearly of value to Chairmen and CEOs as they build effective Boards and leadership teams.
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Fidelio’s “A Seat at the Table” Programme for senior female executives and directors is a major contributor to supporting Chairmen and CEOs in this regard. As such we are delighted to announce dates for our fifth and sixth iterations of the programme:
- Spring 2018 “A Seat at the Table” to be held 13th / 14th March 2018
- Autumn 2018 “A Seat at the Table” to be held 5th / 6th September 2018
To find out more about joining the “A Seat at the Table” Programme, including registration details, please contact Emily Baker.
Notes to Editors:
The Programme – “A Seat at the Table“ is a unique two day programme around the Board table providing insight into complexity and Board effectiveness, as well as the route to the Boardroom. The goal is to increase female representation at the top table and develop tomorrow’s female CEOs and Chairs. Participants are Senior Female Executives and Directors with extensive leadership experience along with the ambition and potential to become highly effective Board Directors. To date we have welcomed women from leading FTSE 100 and international companies – including from the US, continental Europe and Africa.
Participants in “A Seat at the Table” leave with practical tools to help them succeed, including:
- a framework for understanding leadership structures and styles;
- a mirror for personal presence including within a group dynamic; and
- a road map of critical networks and milestones, in order to achieve their professional and personal objectives.
“A Seat at the Table“ – the feedback:
- “very rich in content, a great blend of technical aspects, softer skills and confidence building … An excellent Board readiness programme” – CEO, Major Subsidiary, Global Financial Services Company
- “practically narrowed the gap between my current position and the Board […] demystifying being on the Board” – Head of Leadership and Learning, Multinational Industrial Company
- “the best concentrated injection of development and learning that I have ever had … It hits the mark perfectly” – FTSE 100 Group HR Executive
We are currently completing registrations for “A Seat at the Table“, Wednesday 6th – Thursday 7th September 2017. The March 2018 programme will be held 13th – 14th March 2018 and has just opened for bookings. The delegate enrolment fee is £7,500 plus VAT for this two day residential programme at Leeds Castle, Kent, UK.
About Fidelio
As a Board Development and Executive Search consultancy, Fidelio has a clear focus on building Boards and leadership teams fit for the future. We do this through Search, Development and Evaluation, underpinned by a deep understanding of what shareholders and stakeholders expect from the leadership team. Diversity is hardwired into every aspect of Fidelio’s offering. Based in London we work internationally; 50% of our Search, Development and Evaluation work is outside the UK.
For further information on how we can support your company through Search, Development or Evaluation, or of Fidelio’s “A Seat at the Table“ programme for senior female executives and directors please contact Emily Baker, or alternatively call + 44 (0) 20 7759 2200.