Series #2, Episode #1

In this episode of the Exceptional Leaders podcast, host Andrew MacAskill interviews Sarena Lin, an experienced board member with a rich consulting and life sciences background.

Sarena shares her journey from McKinsey to serving on various boards, including Siemens Healthineers. She provides valuable insights on board readiness, the evolving role of boards in today's fast-paced environment, and the importance of aligning personal values with board roles. Sarena also discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of serving on public, private, and PE-backed boards.

Key Points & Insights:

1. Transitioning from Consulting to Board Roles: Sarena Lin discusses how her extensive experience at McKinsey prepared her for board roles, emphasising the importance of asking critical, forward-looking questions.

2. Differences Between Public and Private Boards: She elaborates on the distinct mandates and expectations between US corporate boards, German boards, and private equity-backed boards, stressing the importance of understanding these nuances.

3. Mentoring Step-Up Executives: Sarena supports the growing trend of board members mentoring up-and-coming executives, emphasising the value of experienced guidance for developing future leaders.

4. The Fine Line in Board Roles: She discusses the delicate balance board members must maintain between offering personal mentorship and fulfilling their governance duties.

5. Advice for First-Time Board Members: Sarena advises those considering board roles to be clear about their motivations, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and board culture.

6. Importance of Trust Among Board Members: Sarena underscores the necessity of trust and chemistry within the board to ensure effective collaboration and decision-making.

7. Leadership in Transformation: She reflects on the need for today's leaders to drive constant change and transformation, a skill she believes is increasingly crucial across industries.

8. The Role of Talent and Leadership in PE-Backed Companies: Sarena points out the growing recognition among PE firms of the need to invest in leadership development and organisational culture to create long-term value.

Snippets:

• "Ask questions that are forward-looking and not just backward-looking".
• "The movie plays on a continuous basis, but as a board member, you only get to see a snippet of it".
• "Board trust is really important for one to be effective".

Resources:

• Follow Sarena Lin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Sarenalin/
• Follow Andrew Macaskill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jobsearchcoach/

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