Is the UK truly "rubbish" at scaling up its most promising companies?
Host Ralph Grayson welcomes financial markets trailblazer Alasdair Haynes, founder and now President of Aquis Exchange, for an honest discussion on building and scaling a disruptive business. Alasdair shares his 48-year journey, from City trading floors to successfully exiting Aquis to SIX Group, and provides a firsthand account of the founder-to-President transition.
The conversation dissects the critical importance of board evolution and founder succession planning, emphasising that it must be for the "common good" of the company, not a mere "tick box exercise". They dive deep into the urgency of reforming the equity markets to make the IPO process more straightforward, cheaper, and faster for small, growth companies.
This push for public market revival is especially relevant as global IPO proceeds surged 89% year-over-year in Q3 2025, demonstrating renewed investor confidence worldwide. Alasdair introduces his "three stages of company growth" model and passionately argues for a governance structure that is proportionate, allowing entrepreneurs to focus 90% of their time on building the business.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
Episode Insights:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
Do you struggle to articulate your value in the boardroom, or feel trapped in the 'executive doer' mindset? Host Ralph Grayson is joined by Fiona Hathorn, CEO of WB Directors (now part of Nurole) and an expert in Governance and Talent Management, to dissect the challenges and strategies for building a thriving Non-Executive Director (NED) career. Fiona shares her personal journey and the mission behind WB Directors, emphasising that you are "never too young, never too old, and never too male" to be on a board.
The discussion provides tactical advice, from using the 'seven reasons' to be on a board to understanding the core NED functions of conformance and performance. Critically, Fiona highlights the current board landscape undergoing significant transformation, driven by technology and geopolitical risk. For instance, a recent NACD survey reports that 67% of boards are now actively seeking individuals with specific domain expertise, such as AI or data ethics, rather than just a generalist background.
Learn how to elevate your pitch beyond your executive CV, master the art of constructive challenge, and build the right network to secure your seat at the table.
Fiona Hathorn: Fiona is the CEO of WB Directors (formerly Women on Boards UK), now part of Nurole, a purpose-led business dedicated to increasing diversity in executive and non-executive leadership. An expert in Governance, Regulation, and Talent Management, she brings over a decade of experience from senior roles in asset management, having run global equities and emerging markets desks. She is also an advisor to Peel Hunt, Chair of the Nominations Committee at Hanx, and serves on the Advisory Board for the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Is the UK market finally ready for an IPO resurgence, and what must growth company boards do to prepare?
Host Ralph Grayson welcomes James Ashton, Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), a leading advocacy group for small and mid-sized quoted companies in the UK. James draws on his background in financial journalism and as a FTSE 250 Non-Executive Director to discuss the critical role of public equity in driving economic growth across the UK.
They dive into the QCA’s mission to amplify members’ voices to regulators and government, their comprehensive governance guidance, and the new QCA Director Growth Programme, designed to equip directors with the skills needed to thrive in a fast-changing environment.
With recent reports showing that businesses embedding AI into their operations are twice as likely to see value, James and Ralph also touch on emerging boardroom risks like AI, as well as the push for greater investment in UK equities through policy reform. This episode is essential listening for any current or aspiring board member operating in the UK growth company ecosystem.
James Ashton: Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), the organisation that champions the interests of the UK’s small and mid-sized publicly traded businesses and their advisors. James is a seasoned professional who was formerly the City Editor of the Sunday Times and Evening Standard and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for the FTSE 250 investment trust, Finsbury Growth & Income. His expertise lies in advocating for market reform, boosting liquidity, and promoting the value of a public quote for growth.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
How can board directors move beyond being overwhelmed by thousands of pages of materials and start genuinely driving performance?
This episode features Raffaela Rein, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and multi-board director, who argues that the current state of governance is unsustainable. She draws on her journey from BlackRock and launching companies for Rocket Internet to her roles on boards, including Porsche and IU, to highlight the critical gap in director support.
Raffaela details the board effectiveness crisis, noting that, according to a recent PwC survey, over half of directors believe a colleague should be replaced, signalling board underperformance is at a breaking point. To solve this, she unveils BoardLens, her new AI-driven tool designed to act as a "personal Goldman Sachs analyst" for directors and investors.
She explains how AI can synthesise complex board packs, flag narrative changes and discrepancies, and provide strategic memory across an entire investment portfolio, shifting the focus from mere compliance to performance-driven value creation. Discover why leading with an entrepreneurial mindset is the key to navigating the accelerating AI and sustainability transformations in the boardroom.
Raffaela Rein: A renowned tech entrepreneur and board director who has built a career at the intersection of innovation and emerging technologies. She is the Founder of BoardLens, an AI tool created to enhance board effectiveness and drive performance. She also founded CareerFoundry and WildWildVentures and currently serves on multiple boards, including the Porsche Sustainability Board, Private Equity Mutares, and the tech unicorn IU. She has also been recognised by Forbes as a Top Woman in Tech.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Are you struggling to bridge the gap between an executive role and securing your first Non-Executive Director position?
In this episode, host Ralph Grayson welcomes Susanne Chishti, Founder and Chair of FINTECH Circle and a seasoned board member on both private and FTSE 250 boards, to explore how high-calibre professionals can leverage their expertise for the benefit of early-stage companies. Susanne details the contrasting, yet complementary, demands of board service, from the hands-on, problem-solving required by a start-up founder to the governance-focused oversight of a public company.
The discussion provides vital counsel for aspiring NEDs, highlighting the crucial skills founders need, such as B2B sales, enterprise technology, and investment network access. They also delve into the strategic and ethical challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence, particularly its ESG impact. For example, a recent report from Deloitte shows that the power demand from AI data centres in the US could grow more than thirtyfold by 2035, underscoring the board's immediate responsibility to understand and manage technology's footprint.
Susanne also stresses the non-technical skills required in the boardroom: emotional intelligence, a lack of ego, and a commitment to being a supportive team player. This episode is essential for anyone looking to make an effective, value-driven transition into a board career.
Susanne Chishti: Founder and Chair of FINTECH Circle, Europe's number one investor network for FinTech investment and innovation. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, investor, and FTSE board member, serving as a Non-Executive Director at Crown Agents Bank and CMC Markets PLC. Recognised among the Top 100 Women in FinTech Globally for 2024, Susanne chairs the ESG Sub-Committee at Crown Agents Bank and is the co-editor of the bestselling FINTECH Book Series. She brings deep expertise in technology, scaling businesses, and investment to the boardroom.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Are boards truly prepared for today's hyper-volatile geopolitical landscape?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Charles Myers, Chairman and Founder of Signum Global Advisors, a distinguished geopolitical strategist. They delve into the complexities of a Trump 2.0 presidency, the fragmentation of global alliances, and the need for boards to treat geopolitical risk with the same seriousness as financial or cyber risk.
This comes as the US and UK have recently announced a historic £150 billion investment package, signalling a renewed "special relationship" between the two nations, even as the Trump administration is reported to be waging a "culture war" on Europe.
Charles offers actionable advice for UK and European boards on how to engage with the US administration and Democratic leadership, while also dissecting the political dynamics in the UK, from the rise of Reform UK to the challenges facing the current government. This conversation challenges conventional thinking and provides a strategic roadmap for boards and executives to lead effectively in an era of unprecedented global uncertainty.
Charles Myers: The Chairman and Founder of Signum Global Advisors, a distinguished geopolitical strategist who bridges the worlds of global finance and high-stakes politics. Formerly the Vice Chairman of Evercore ISI and Global Head of Equities at Fox-Pitt Kelton, he provides strategic foresight to boards of major global companies.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a truly effective board director in today’s rapidly changing world? In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson sits down with Dr. Scarlett Brown, Director of the Think Tank at Board Intelligence. They dive into the critical shifts happening in corporate governance, from the rise of AI to the need for boards to drive more value.
Scarlett shares her unique journey from feminist sociologist to "corporate governance nerd" and explains why she believes board effectiveness is a science, not an art. The conversation uncovers sobering statistics from the Board Value Index, revealing why many directors feel they aren't adding enough value.
You’ll hear actionable insights on how to unblock barriers to effectiveness, including making board information more consistent and using technology to drive better conversations. They also explore the importance of building trust, embracing innovation, and encouraging a new generation of diverse, T-shaped directors.
Dr. Scarlett Brown: Director of the Think Tank at Board Intelligence, Europe's largest board technology and advisory firm. She specialises in corporate governance, board effectiveness, and the impact of technology on boards. Dr. Brown is a recognised expert and author of Gender and Corporate Boards: The Route to a Seat at the Table.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Have you ever wondered how to land your first non-executive director role?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Sarah Pierman, the CEO of Dynamic Boards. A NED herself since the age of 29, Sarah shares her fascinating journey from a career in finance to disrupting the board recruitment industry. She explains how the traditional NED market is "broken" by nepotism and expensive, exclusive platforms, and reveals her vision for making UK boards the most dynamic in the world.
Sarah breaks down the different types of board roles—from public companies to startups and charities—and offers practical advice on how aspiring NEDs can find their ideal fit. She provides key insights on demonstrating "board readiness" and how to craft a value proposition that goes beyond a standard executive CV.
Listen in to discover how to navigate the NED landscape and become a thoughtful, effective, and empowered board member.
Sarah Pierman: Sarah is the CEO of Dynamic Boards, a data-led advertising platform she launched in 2020 to make it easy and free for people to find and apply for NED roles. She became a non-executive director at 29 and has served on the boards of a specialist bank, a home care franchise, and a banking software provider.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
What does it take to lead through uncertainty—and how can founders and board members scale themselves as effectively as their businesses?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Rupert Jones, former Major General turned leadership coach and boardroom advisor. Drawing from frontline military experience and years of mentoring founders and executives, Rupert explores how leadership is misunderstood, underdeveloped, and often the root cause of failure in scaling companies.
The conversation covers everything from the importance of self-awareness and communication to how boards can build trust and foster influence-led leadership. You’ll also hear how Rupert helps founders move from code-focused technicians to capable CEOs, and how boards can offer real value beyond compliance. Whether you're a first-time founder, an aspiring NED, or a seasoned leader, this episode offers invaluable insights into the mindset and skill set needed to navigate complexity with confidence.
Rupert Jones: Former Standing Joint Force Commander in the British Army, Rupert now works as a leadership coach and boardroom advisor. He specialises in helping founders, executives, and NEDs apply practical leadership strategies drawn from high-stakes environments.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
What does it really take to succeed as a non-executive director in today's complex board environment?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Elise Perraud, COO of NEDonBoard, to discuss how she is championing greater inclusivity, professionalism, and strategic awareness in boardrooms across the UK.
Drawing on her extensive experience in risk management and governance, Elise explains the critical importance of certification, the changing profile of aspiring NEDs, and the role of advisory and trustee roles as stepping stones.
Elise also shares valuable perspectives on the power of peer networks, the underestimated complexity of NED roles, and why younger professionals should start their board journey early.
Whether you're an aspiring director or a seasoned executive considering the shift, this conversation offers timely insights and grounded advice to help you thrive in the boardroom.
Elise Perraud: Chief Operations Officer at NEDonBoard, Elise specialises in board governance, risk management, and non-executive leadership. She is a passionate advocate for diversity, sustainability, and raising professional standards in the boardroom.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
What does it take to truly thrive as a non-executive director in today’s complex boardroom landscape?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by board expert Patrick Dunne OBE to unpack the practicalities of becoming a high-impact NED. Drawing from decades of leadership, governance advisory, and his acclaimed book Boards, Patrick shares how the "three Ps" — Purpose, People, and Process — provide the foundation for effective governance.
The discussion covers everything from mindset shifts and influencing skills to generational diversity and the role of Next Gen boards. Whether you’re an aspiring director, new to boardroom life, or looking to deepen your strategic impact, this conversation offers valuable, actionable insights grounded in real-world experience.
Patrick Dunne OBE: Chair of multiple charities and founder of Board Delta, Patrick is a leading authority on governance and board performance. He is the author of Boards, and has decades of experience advising boards across sectors and geographies.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Are UK public markets still fit for purpose—or are boards losing touch with their shareholders? In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson welcomes Barry Gamble, a leading boardroom thinker and Senior Advisor to the Non-Executive Directors Association. Together, they explore the evolving role of non-executive directors, the decline of AIM, and how public markets are losing companies to private equity.
Barry draws from his deep experience in board governance, activism, and shareholder engagement to question whether current governance structures serve stakeholders effectively. He shares insights into the concept of “board washing,” the growing complexity of regulation, and why formal debate might just be the key to better board decision-making. Barry also previews his upcoming Quoted Companies Alliance debate and reflects on his involvement in revisiting the Higgs Review.
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and current NEDs who want to better understand the risks, responsibilities, and rewards of board service in today’s evolving governance landscape.
Barry Gamble: Barry is Senior Advisor to the Non-Executive Directors Association, Advisory Board member at Board Agenda magazine, and Chair of Boardroom City Debates. He is a seasoned public and private company director, boardroom commentator, and former editor-at-large of Boardroom Magazine, with expertise in governance, shareholder engagement, and boardroom dynamics.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
What separates a good board from a great one—and how can aspiring non-executive directors (NEDs) stand out in today’s evolving boardroom landscape?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Kieran Moynihan, Managing Partner at Board Excellence, to explore the skills, mindset, and dynamics that define high-performing boards.
Drawing on his experience evaluating hundreds of boards across 35+ countries, Kieran shares what aspiring NEDs need to know—from mastering boardroom behaviour to navigating complex governance challenges. The conversation delves into the evolving role of the board, the importance of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence, and why the partnership between executive teams and NEDs is critical for organisational success.
Whether you're preparing for your first NED appointment or seeking to enhance your board effectiveness, this episode offers practical advice and eye-opening insights to help you thrive at the board level.
Kieran Moynihan: Kieran is the Managing Partner of Board Excellence, a global board advisory firm supporting boards and individual directors in effectiveness, governance, and performance. With over 25 years of board experience, including roles as CEO, NED, and Chair, he is a recognised thought leader in board dynamics, evaluation, and leadership development.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Are you ready to make a successful transition from executive leadership to an impactful non-executive director role?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Murray Steele, an acclaimed expert who has guided over 12,000 board members worldwide. Together, they explore essential behaviours for boardroom effectiveness, the nuanced transition from executive to NED, and the critical balance between challenging and supporting executive teams.
This insightful discussion uncovers practical advice, compelling experiences, and essential insights for anyone aspiring to or embarking upon a journey into the boardroom.
Murray Steele: Murray Steele is a distinguished figure in board governance, with over three decades of experience as both Chair and Non-Executive Director across numerous sectors. He currently chairs Octopus Apollo VCT PLC, the UK's second-largest Venture Capital Trust, and Surface Generation, a pioneering advanced manufacturing technology firm. Renowned for establishing and running leading NED development programmes at Cranfield School of Management and the Financial Times, Murray uniquely combines rigorous academic insight with practical boardroom experience, making him a trusted advisor on corporate governance, effective board dynamics, and strategic leadership.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
Ever wondered what it takes to land your first Non-Executive Director role and truly succeed in the boardroom?
In this insightful episode of The Boardroom Path, Graham Durgan, founder of the Non-Executive Directors Association (NEDA), joins host Ralph Grayson to demystify the journey into board-level roles. From exploring essential skills and qualifications to discussing why diversity and inclusion are critical for board effectiveness, Graham shares his extensive experience to guide aspiring NEDs.
This conversation sheds light on practical strategies, common pitfalls, and actionable insights for anyone aiming to transition effectively from executive positions to impactful NED roles.
Graham Durgan: Graham is the founder of the Non-Executive Directors Association (NEDA), a professional body dedicated to preparing and supporting non-executive directors through structured learning, certification, and thought leadership. With a unique career that began in accountancy at PwC and ventured into entrepreneurship—ranging from a ski-holiday business to educational publishing—Graham combines entrepreneurial spirit with decades of experience in governance, training, and mentorship. His work with NEDA focuses on promoting rigorous standards and broadening boardroom diversity, making him a respected authority on the skills and mindsets required to excel as a non-executive director.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com
