The EB peer group for existing and aspiring NEDs, Trustees, Board Advisors and Consultants working at board level currently has three cohorts, with plans to expand further in 2025. Whilst each group is based on the same premise, each meeting is held in a different day and is inherently unique as we deal with real-time issues and questions from the members.

This month, each group started with a challenge from facilitator and mentor Andrew Marsh – based on a real-life scenario currently in the news we were asked to tackle what we would do if another company had taken over ownership of our company and written to all employees telling them to prove their worth or they will be out of a job.

We split into two groups to discuss how we would respond as a board if this happened and a whole host of responses came back which we discussed, war-gamed, time-lined and ultimately made sure there was a route to ensure that the company would come out of it fit for purpose in the future. Whilst we had some fun there were clear lines of necessary action and lessons for us all on being robust as a board in a challenging situation.

Each group then signed in, informing their colleagues on their business scores, personal scores, actions and questions for the day. Scores were looking healthy in general – those with issues holding their scores down know that they can turn to the group on our WhatsApp community for support. This is a great added benefit for all members.

EB1 then concentrated on a member’s question about pay rises when papers are presented to the board from a charity finance manager that doesn’t align with minimum wage and NIC requirements.

EB2 looked at when the time is right to move on, how to find independent NED roles, and NED v owner roles and appropriate conversations. The group ran out of time to look at the question about earning whilst sleeping but will liaise on the community platform to progress their thoughts on that!

EB3  focused on how they feel about the current global situation, the McKinsey Horizon Model, war-gaming on outsourcing issue, the risk of AI to a board, what time period is right for NEDs and how a NED can best define value proposition.

All of the groups concluded by looking at their 1-3-5’s for this year’s planning and ensuring they were happy with the actions they have committed to.

There are just a few places left on each of the existing cohorts, so if you think this sounds like it could help you and your career please do get in touch on peter@theexperiencebank.co.uk