Earlier this summer we hosted our seventh Leathwaite NEDworking event which once again brought together our vibrant board community and provided another rare opportunity for candid, experience-led discussion on the evolving nature of board roles and the realities of life as a Non-Executive Director. 

Holly Addison, Partner and Head of the CEO and Board Practice at Leathwaite led the panel discussion; a key theme was the transition from executive to non-executive life - how to navigate the shift in mindset, avoid being pigeon-holed by a single functional background, and demonstrate relevance across sectors.  

Our speakers shared valuable insights into the differences between listed and private boards, as well as the increasing demand for Non-Executives in government and public sector roles. 

The conversation also explored how legal expertise can bring unique value to the boardroom, especially in chairing risk committees amid rising cyber security threats.  

Another important topic was the disruption caused by AI, the threat and opportunity it brings in equal measure and how the practical application of emerging technologies in leading transformation was front of mind for so many boards.  

The panel highlighted the need for NEDs to combine deep commercial thinking with human-centred decision-making, ensuring that innovation and automation do not come at the expense of purpose, culture, and people. 

Our speakers spoke openly and reflectively about the personal factors that have guided their decisions in choosing which board roles to take on, emphasising the importance of values alignment, board dynamics, and where they felt they could genuinely add value. 

Our sincere thanks to our speakers, Tim Fallowfield OBE, Annemarie Durbin and John Fallon for their inspiring stories and words of wisdom.  

Thank you to everyone who participated in the lively discussions.