AMID DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND DISRUPTION, BOARD CONSULTANTS WILL HELP DEFINE THE FUTURE OF WORK

For the best board consultants and futurist keynote speakers, a growing rise in interest surrounding research areas like business strategy, innovation, AI, technology trends, change management and the future of work is leading to a surge in consulting and public guest speaking requests. We get it – corporate governance only continues to grow more complex and demanding. As a result, boards of directors in 2024 and 2025 will only lean more heavily on top board consultants to reinforce corporate oversight capabilities. A multitude of disruptive forces—from digital transformation to shareholder activism—are compelling members to boost their expertise across an array of new risks and responsibilities. By engaging specialized consulting pros, executives can diagnose and address governance gaps while adapting to rising expectations.

A major driver behind directors turning to board consultants is the rapid pace of technological change confronting companies. With digitalization altering business models and operations, boards need to sharpen their oversight of management’s technology strategies. Consulting futurists and keynote speakers with deep expertise in information security, data privacy and digital transformation can evaluate a board’s technology fluency and recommend enhanced skillsets and training.

Also bear in mind that boards require counsel to traverse the mounting emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues demanded by investors and broader stakeholders. Leading board consultants can guide directors on embedding sustainability into corporate strategy and governance structures. Experts also help boards design more robust ESG reporting and disclosure procedures.

Oh – be advised too that the threat of shareholder activism shows no signs of abating. Activist hedge funds are increasingly targeting companies across sectors and market caps. The best board consultants can prepare directors to counter activist advances by scrutinizing business plans, capital allocation policies and leadership performance. Pros also advise boards on investor relations and better aligning executive pay with shareholder returns.

Moreover, surging M&A activity compels boards to have strong processes for evaluating potential deals. Transactions often create new risks even as they promise opportunities. All that being said, top board consultants assist directors in developing systematic approaches to assessing transactions from both strategic and governance standpoints.

As board members address this cascade of challenges in 2024, 2025 and ahead, external advisors will provide vital reinforcement. With expertise, resources and experience that directors often lack, board consultants empower members and committees to meet rising governance expectations in these disruptive times. More boards will choose to invest in expert counsel.