The role Boards can have in contributing to failure – Conversation with Matt Henderson

In this bonus content class, added in March 2023, Margaret is joined by Matt Henderson. Recently retired, Matt’s career involved over 30 years as a corporate restructuring and insolvency expert. Here, over two video discussions with Margaret, he offers his unique perspective on why organisations fail and the key mistakes Boards can make in contributing to that failure.

The role Boards can have in contributing to failure – Part One (16:54)

  • What is the most common reason for businesses to fail?
  • The importance of people and relationships
  • Boards under stress – the danger of reverting to type
  • The vital role of Non-Execs in a crisis situation

The role Boards can have in contributing to failure – Part Two (18:01)

  • Understanding Board Dynamics and reacting to them
  • Don’t be too polite – avoid group think!
  • Guarding against unjustified optimism
  • How to minimise high stakes behaviours

Having heard from Matt on how Boards can often get it ‘wrong’ in times of crisis, our next class sees Margaret joined by Esther Roberton again. In their final video conversation, they consider how Boards can get it ‘right’.