The Principles of Good Governance with the Institute of Corporate Directors
Liz Watson
Are you ready for the boardroom?
With today's increased focus on diversity in the boardroom and evolving governance best practice standards that advocate for term limits and regular turnover, many executives and community leaders are considering board service as a viable element of a successful career path — or as a potential career in and of itself. However, landing your first or subsequent board position can be elusive.
Elizabeth Watson, QC, a leading expert in governance and board recruitment will share her perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of board service in today's environment and tips for anyone thinking about board positions, now or in the future.
Following her keynote and our Q&A period, Liz will lead a workshop where participants can consider:
1. What do you need to do to be board-ready?
2. What are your best networking tips?
3. What questions should you ask before joining a board?
How you will benefit by attending:
- Learn tips for how you can become part of a board
- Gain insight on the challenges and opportunities that board service provides
- Participate in an interesting and thought-provoking workshop discussion about joining a board
About the speakers:
Elizabeth Watson
Elizabeth Watson, President and CEO of WATSON Inc., has more than 35 years experience as a lawyer and more than 15 years as a leading advisor to boards, committees, and CEOs. She regularly advises clients on governance, board effectiveness, board recruitment and leadership issues.
Liz works closely with the corporate governance community in Canada and is a sought after advisor, speaker and contributor on governance, CEO and board recruitment issues and the importance of diversity on boards. She teaches at the ICD's Directors Education Program and recently authored CPA Canada's publication on Building and Sustaining an Effective Board.
Liz has been named as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and as one of the inaugural Top 100 Influential Women of British Columbia. Liz served for four years on the ICD Fellowship Awards Selection Committee and she currently serves on the selection committee for the Canadian Excellence in Governance Awards. As a director, Liz served on the board of SHAD International. She has served on the boards of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Choice School for Gifted Children, Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Women in the Lead Inc, the BC Cancer Foundation, and as an Advisory Board member for Canada's Top 40 Under 40.
Liz holds an LL.B from the University of British Columbia and completed executive education in the areas of governance and finance at Harvard University and Ivey Business School respectively. She was named Queen's Counsel in 2012.
