Shows
The Boardroom PathEvgeny Shadchnev on Transitioning From Founder to CEOWhy has founder CEO succession become one of the most stressful and consequential decisions a board can make?In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Evgeny Shadchnev, founder of Makers, author of Startup CEO Succession and coach to founder CEOs, about how to navigate leadership transitions when the stakes feel deeply personal and financially critical. Drawing on his own journey from founder CEO to coach, Evgeny explains the crucial shift from building a product to building the company that builds the product, and why behaviours that work in a five‑person team be...
2025-12-1049 minThe Boardroom PathAre Boards Adding Enough Value? Megan Pantelides on the EvidenceWhat does a high‑value board really look like in a world of scandals, regulation fatigue, and infinite agendas? In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Board Intelligence’s Megan Pantelides to unpack the mindset, skills, and information boards need to move from box‑ticking to real strategic impact. They explore why critical thinking, curiosity and humility separate effective directors from “back‑seat drivers”, and why great governance is really the discipline of a well‑run company – and economy.Megan shares insights from Board Intelligence’s Board Value Index, where nearly half of dire...
2025-12-0344 minThe Boardroom PathThe AI Arms Race: What NEDs Must Know About Cyber, Data and AIHow should boards really think about cyber and AI when every organisation feels under siege? In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Danny Lopez, CEO of Glasswall and experienced NED, about why cybersecurity is now the defining risk of our time – and why boards must stop treating it as a narrow IT issue. They explore how to reframe cyber as core to trust, reputation and licence to operate, and why good NEDs do not need to code but do need sharp, strategic questions and real intellectual curiosity. Drawing on recent data...
2025-11-2648 minThe Boardroom PathHow Great NEDs Think: Lessons in Leadership, Brand and Governance with Robert SeniorWhat does it really take to thrive in the boardroom rather than simply occupy a seat at the table? In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Rob Senior, former worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi and now a plural non-executive, investor and advisor. Drawing on a career that spans founding and selling Fallon, leading global creative campaigns, and serving on PLC, private, scale-up and academic boards, Rob offers a candid look at how executives should rethink their move into NED roles.He unpacks the nuanced relationship between boards and CEOs, why...
2025-11-1941 minThe Boardroom PathThe Secret Diary of the Boardroom: What Every NED Needs to Know About GovernanceIs your board truly equipped for effective governance, or are you just checking a box? In this insightful episode, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Erika Eliasson-Norris, Founder & CEO of Beyond Governance and author of The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary, to lift the lid on the guarded realities of boardroom life.Erika, who also serves as the Governance Assessor to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, argues that corporate failure rarely stems from a single event; instead, it's rooted in a culture that undermines governance structures. The conversation explores the pivotal role of the...
2025-11-1241 minThe Boardroom PathCharles Hall on the Public vs. Private Market: An Analyst's Guide for Boards and FoundersIs the UK public market truly a dinosaur, or is it on the cusp of a major renewal? In this essential episode for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Charles Hall, Head of Research at Peel Hunt. Charles, a leading voice in the market reform debate, delivers a candid and incisive analysis of the forces shaping UK capital markets, critiquing the "erosion of public listings" and the over-reliance on private capital. He argues passionately that public markets are a "public good" that pay more tax and offer "permanent capital"...
2025-11-0556 minThe Boardroom PathThe Scale-Up Capital Crisis: Alasdair Haynes on Why the IPO Process Must ChangeIs 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"...
2025-10-2942 minThe Boardroom PathThe Helicopter View: Mastering the Executive-to-NED TransitionDo 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...
2025-10-2254 min
The Journey of a Search CEOEpisode 7 - Ralph Grayson discusses his insights into the search industry and explains how he continues to support and mentor future generationsIn this episode, Candice Bourne has an enlightening interview with Ralph Grayson, Co Founder and Managing Partner of Sainty Hird & Partners about serendipity and innovation in the search industry.
2025-10-1736 minThe Boardroom PathThe QCA Mission: Driving Investment for Small and Mid-Cap UK BoardsIs 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 ne...
2025-10-1533 minThe Boardroom PathThe Future of Governance: How AI Will Transform the BoardroomHow 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, s...
2025-10-0843 minThe Boardroom PathCoachable Founders and Coachable NEDs: The Secret to Startup SuccessAre 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...
2025-10-0145 minThe Boardroom PathThe Trump Effect: What UK Boards Need to Know About US PoliticsAre 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...
2025-09-2442 minThe Boardroom PathHow AI and Technology Are Reshaping the BoardroomHave 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 st...
2025-09-1742 minThe Boardroom PathThe Future of UK Boards: Why Diversity and Dynamism Are CriticalHave 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 comp...
2025-09-0346 minThe Boardroom PathFrom Combat to Coaching: Rupert Jones on Building Resilient LeadersWhat 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. Yo...
2025-08-0654 minThe Boardroom PathOpening the Boardroom: How Elise Perraud is Reshaping NED PathwaysWhat 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...
2025-06-2536 minThe Boardroom PathPatrick Dunne on Next Gen Boards: Unlocking the Power of Five GenerationsWhat 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 aspiri...
2025-05-2836 minThe Boardroom PathThe Boardroom Debate: Barry Gamble on NED Challenges and Governance ReformAre 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 comple...
2025-04-3033 minThe Boardroom PathMastering the NED Role: What Every Aspiring Director Needs to KnowWhat 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 stra...
2025-04-1659 minThe Boardroom PathFrom Executive Suite to Boardroom Seat: Insights with Murray SteeleAre 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.(00:00) - The...
2025-04-0255 minThe Boardroom PathThe Certified NED: Why Your Board Career Should Start with CertificationEver 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...
2025-03-1946 min
CFA UKEpisode 09: A headhunter’s perspective on standing out in financeIn this podcast episode, hosts Ben Ashby and Tom Threlfall, CFA, interview Rupert Mathieu, Sainty Hird & Partners, a headhunter in the financial services industry. Examining the changing nature of headhunting, Rupert explains the evaluation process and the importance of context in finding the right candidates. He also shares insights on building networks and the role of LinkedIn. Touching on the cyclical nature of the industry and the need for realism, Rupert emphasises the importance of due diligence in choosing an employer, and the role of education and diversity in financial services.
2024-03-2041 min
Investment Week Podcasts2022 Outlook - A Fresh TakeIn this special outlook episode of A Fresh Take, Kathleen Gallagher, Features Editor at Investment Week, speaks to three young women from the industry discuss what asset managers achieved in 2021, what they would like to see in 2022 as well as what will impact markets and how other young people can get involved in the industry.
Our guests are:
•Celia Fraser – Insight & analytics lead at Capital Group
•Chinmayee Thadakamall – Diversity Project Ambassador and executive recruiter at Sainty Hird & Partners
•Rahab Paracha – Sustainable multi-asset team at Rathbones
2022-01-1732 min