At our recent Chair & Non-executive Director Forum, Board leaders and executives from across our Community came together to share insight around the Board’s role in unlocking strategic value, building tech fluency and addressing cyber resilience.  

During the Forum, attendees were asked to identify one area where they wanted to improve as a Chair or NED. 41 percent of respondents answered, “Knowledge of technology” and 31 percent said, “External reference points”. These findings demonstrate the vital need for Board leaders and their executive teams to invest in personal development and access to external perspectives. 
 

As organisations enter a new generation of technology, prioritising cyber security ensures an environment that is future-proofed, competitive and risk-ready. As such, it is key that Boards ensure their businesses are horizon scanning, managing their risk register effectively, anticipating disruption and enabling their leadership teams to be tech fluent in order to limit substantial risks. 

When attendees of the Forum were asked to use one word to describe the biggest driver of business transformation over the next 12 months, the two dominant responses were 'AI' and 'Growth’. 
 

Drawing from our Forum discussions, we’ve put together five priorities for the modern Board:
 

1.  Invest in Leadership Development and Strengthen Tech Fluency: Ongoing learning is vital to maintain relevance and Board effectiveness. Boards must embed technology literacy into their organisational agenda to improve innovation and growth opportunities

2.  Foster Strategic Chair-Board Relationships: Strong collaboration and aligned leadership help maintains clarity, clear communication and efficiency during times of confliction 

3.  Prioritise Cyber Resilience and Organisational Preparedness: Regular briefings, cyber-attack simulations and exercising blue team operations ensure Boards are confidently prepared during the decision-making process of a crisis

4.  Utilise External Reference Points: Establish external relationships with organisations, advisors and attend industry events to assess risks, and build knowledge

5.  Challenge Governance and Responsibility for Cyber Risk: Ensure conditions for resilience are in place and compatible with organisational security outcomes. Boards and directors need to effectively manage and assess cyber risk exposure and adhere to regulations 

In our recent Inspiring Leaders Podcast episode featuring Criticaleye Board Mentors Sally Bridgeland, Chair Development Bank of Wales and Keith Cochrane, Chair, Schneck Process Group explore Risk in the Boardroom, touching on similar discussion points. The episode is a must listen for Board members looking to unlock value, sustain momentum and navigate risk across their organisations. 

What’s clear is that, Board leaders and executives that actively engage in cyber resilience, strategic planning and tech fluency development will be best placed to lead their organisation effectively.  

At Criticaleye, we help Board leaders transition their organisations to navigate these risks. Our Chair Ready Programme is one such offering we provide, supporting experienced non-executive directors looking to step into their first Chair role and building a framework to develop the skills for organisational success.  

Get in touch with our team to find out more about how we can assist you in unlocking strategy value, building tech fluency and addressing cyber resilience.