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:
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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
