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This is an annual advanced-level forum designed to significantly advance the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of people committed to developing governance excellence in our world. This is a forum that joins together advanced governance practitioners, governance scholars/practitioners, governance consultants/coaches, and others interested in studying and discussing governance at an advanced level.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Please contact Jeremiah Dameron for sponsorship information.
2025 Face-to-Face Virtual Advanced Practice Forum Fees:
- Affiliates $240 USD
- Non-Affiliates $275 USD
Click to Register
2025 Face-to-Face Virtual Advanced Practice Forum Session Outline:
Governance in the Eye of the Storm: Ensuring Impact Amid Turbulence
A Purpose-Driven, Future-Focused, Accountable, and Real Impact Governance Approach
Thursday, April 10, 2025
10:00-4:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time
OUTLINE
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Opening Connections
SESSION 1
Governing in Our Turbulent World – Purposeful Governance in a Transforming and Unstable World
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Faculty: Paul Smith, Board Futurist, CEO, Future Directors
The forum begins with an inspiring keynote on the evolving role of Boards in an era of heightened careholdership/ownership and system partner expectations. This session will explore how Boards can align organizational purpose with global challenges, such as equity, sustainability, creating long-term impact and value, along with creating success in the face of political instability, climate change, poverty, financial crises, etc. Boards can be derailed, get stuck, be distracted, and/or become polarized in these uncertain times. We will study and discuss how to remain or become “purpose” focused and govern effectively in uncertain times.
11:15 – 11:30 AM: Break
SESSION 2
Integrating ESG: Beyond Compliance to Strategic Value Creation
11:30 – 12:45 PM
Faculty: Ted Humphrey, Board Chair, Nuvision Federal Credit Union and Michelle Quintyn, Former CEO, Goodwill Industries, Southwestern Ontario
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have moved from being a regulatory requirement to a strategic imperative for Boards. Is ESG still relevant? This session will cover how Boards can go beyond tick-box compliance to integrate ESG into their decision-making processes, align ESG with corporate strategy, and communicate its value to system partners and interested parties. Case stories and expert insights will provide actionable approaches to ESG oriented governance.
12:45 – 1:15 PM: Lunch Break
SESSION 3
Three Big Governance Challenges to Board Effectiveness. How Does Policy Governance Prepare and Enable Boards for Success in the Face of These Challenges, Particularly with the Growth of Artificial Intelligence?
1:15 – 2:30 PM
Faculty: Tom Keyse, Senior Consultant, Charney Associates
Board effectiveness is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. It takes courage, thought leadership, governing principles, and collective determination. It also takes practice. In this session, we will explore three potential big pitfalls for governance in our pressure-cooker world (invasion, inversion, and inertia). We will also discuss how the Policy Governance system addresses these challenges head-on and equips Boards for success, even as artificial intelligence poses ever-changing threats and opportunities.
2:30 – 2:40 PM: Break
SESSION 4
Using Healthy Tension to Overcome Chronic Board Issues and Conflicting Values… Getting Your Board Unstuck. What Do You Do If a Board Member Goes Rogue?
2:40 PM – 3:50 PM
Faculty: Karen Fryday-Field, Senior Consultant, Meridian Edge Leadership & Governance Consulting
This session is designed to stimulate both your “heart” and your “mind”. We will discuss why it is hard for people to change their mind and shift their perspectives/thinking. We will also explore finding ways to breakthrough chronic governance issues and conflicting values which can appear to be mountains to climb in terms of advancing governance impact. They can drain the energy and will of a Board. Using healthy tension to see polarization differently and regain energy, focus, and… enjoyment in governing, will be our goal for this session.
We will also explore how Boards can lead and respond when one or more Board Members are perceived to go "rogue", including:
- What are the signs and symptoms that one or more Board Members may be going rogue? What does it mean?
- Are there times when rogue behaviour is appropriate or needed or acceptable?
- What are the signs and symptoms that Board Members are behaving sinisterly and swimming upstream against the Board goals, intentions, values, and code of conduct?
- What can the Board do if the Board Chair is under attack by sinister behaviors?
- What can the Board do if the CEO is under attack by sinister behaviours by Board Members?
SESSION 5
The Future of Governance: A Call to Action
3:50 PM – 4:30 PM: Closing Reflections
Faculty: All Participants and Faculty
This wrap-up session will synthesize key insights from the day, leaving participants with actionable takeaways to implement within their Boards. The discussion will emphasize the importance of forward-looking governance, purpose-driven leadership, Board accountability, and getting real about a commitment to long-term organizational and societal impact.
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Key Face-to-Face Advanced Practice Virtual Forum Features:
- Interactive Formats: Each session will incorporate some provocative debate, expert presentations, Q&A, and group activities.
- Thought Leadership: Leading academics, futurists, and governance practitioners will deliver and stimulate cutting-edge insights.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitated time for participants to connect and discuss transformative ideas.
- You will receive a recording of this forum and materials utilized in the sessions for your personal further study and reflection.
- You will meet with a community of committed leaders who work to advance effective, impactful governance.
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