Boardroom Governance with Evan Epstein

Evan Epstein
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Boardroom Governance with Evan Epstein

In-depth interview podcast with leading corporate governance experts, including world-class founders, scholars, board members, executives, investors and more. The content is structured as a long-form conversation to explore not only the latest corporate governance trends, but also to get some personal insights from some of the best and brightest minds behind America's boardrooms.

  1. Rick Alexander: On the Rise of PBCs in the AI Industry and Firm-Specific vs. Diversified Investor Duties

    5 DAYS AGO

    Rick Alexander: On the Rise of PBCs in the AI Industry and Firm-Specific vs. Diversified Investor Duties

    Rick Alexander is the CEO of Shareholder Commons, an independent, non-profit organization that addresses social and environmental issues from the perspective of shareholders who diversify their investments to optimize risk and return. He is also a leading expert in public benefit corporations. In this conversation, we explore the rise of PBCs and their growing role in new AI companies, particularly as venture capital pours into AI. We discuss OpenAI’s transition to a PBC, the implications of super majority voting structures, and the ongoing debate between staying private or going public. We also dive into the backlash against ESG initiatives, Delaware’s evolving corporate landscape, and the McRitchie vs. Zuckerberg case, which raises important questions about directors’ fiduciary duties. Throughout, we examine the balance between shareholder profit and broader societal impact, a crucial theme in today’s governance landscape. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it on social media. And don’t forget to stay updated by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com. This podcast is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.

    55 min
  2. Jonathan Goodman (Deloitte): Governing Strategy

    FEB 10

    Jonathan Goodman (Deloitte): Governing Strategy

    Jonathan Goodman is a vice Chair and member of the board of Deloitte Canada, where he leads the firm’s CEO and Boardroom programs, including Deloitte Canada’s Podium Club for Directors. He is also Global Chair and former global Managing Partner of Monitor Deloitte. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of strategy, governance and CEO leadership. We dive into boardroom strategy and risk management, exploring the top strategic issues boards should focus on in 2025, from geopolitics and technological innovations to disruptions and the evolving future of talent. We also compare governance approaches between private and public companies and examine the critical role of culture in shaping strategy. If you like this show, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing this podcast on social media. You can also contribute by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.

    59 min
  3. Jeff Thomas (Nasdaq): The State of Public Markets in 2025

    FEB 3

    Jeff Thomas (Nasdaq): The State of Public Markets in 2025

    I’m joined by Jeff Thomas, EVP, Chief Revenue Officer, and Global Head of Listings at Nasdaq. This is our second conversation—our first was back in Episode 46 (in October of 2021), where you can hear more about his personal and professional background. If you haven’t heard it yet, I encourage you to check it out. In this episode, we focus on the state of public markets in 2025, making this a great companion to Episode 157 with Tom Callahan, CEO of Nasdaq Private Market, where we covered the state of private markets. I truly appreciate your support of the podcast. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it on social media. You can also stay updated by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.

    44 min
  4. Nora Denzel: Technology Leadership in the Boardroom

    JAN 27

    Nora Denzel: Technology Leadership in the Boardroom

    Nora Denzel is a distinguished Silicon Valley technology executive with extensive leadership experience. She serves as the Lead Independent Director and Chair of the NomGov Committee at AMD, while also serving on the boards of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), SUSE S.A., and NACD. In this episode, we dive into key topics shaping technology governance and boardroom leadership, including: 1) Insights from the 2024 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission on Technology Leadership in the Boardroom: Driving Trust and Value, co-chaired by Nora; 2) The evolving role of technology and AI governance in the boardroom; 3) Board composition and the importance of technology expertise; 4) Regulatory risks associated with AI; and 5) The intersection of strategy and technology governance. Thank you for tuning in—I greatly value your support! If you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with your network. For more insights and to support this podcast, please subscribe to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com. This episode is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.

    58 min
  5. Joe Grundfest: Reflecting on 2024 and What’s Next for Business and Governance

    JAN 20

    Joe Grundfest: Reflecting on 2024 and What’s Next for Business and Governance

    Joe Grundfest is the William A. Franke Professor of Law and Business Emeritus at Stanford Law School and Senior Faculty at the Rock Center for Corporate Governance. In this episode, we cover: 1. The Political Landscape of Corporate Governance 2. The SEC's New Agenda – including crypto, regulatory changes, and the future of ESG and DEI 3. The Impact of DOGE on Government Efficiency 4. Delaware’s Corporate Landscape 5. The Rise of AI and New Corporate Structures As is tradition, we also discuss: 1. The biggest winner and loser in business in 2024 2. The biggest business surprise from last year 3. The best and worst corporate governance trends of 2024 4. Key governance trends to watch in 2025 Thank you for tuning in—I deeply appreciate your support of this podcast! If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it on social media. You can also contribute by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com.

    45 min
  6. Ben Joseloff: The Board's Guide to CFIUS and Evolving National Security Reviews

    JAN 6

    Ben Joseloff: The Board's Guide to CFIUS and Evolving National Security Reviews

    Ben Joseloff, a partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore and former White House and U.S. Treasury Department official, served as Lead Counsel for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). In this episode, we examine how CFIUS safeguards U.S. national security by reviewing foreign investments. We discuss significant CFIUS cases, emerging trends in transaction reviews, and the implications of upcoming regulations on outbound investments and cryptocurrency. Ben emphasizes the need for corporate leaders to align strategies with national security objectives, highlighting how corporate governance and geopolitical considerations increasingly intersect. If you like this show, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing this podcast on social media. You can also contribute by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.

    58 min
  7. David Berger: Ending the One-Size-Fits-All Model of Corporate Governance

    12/30/2024

    David Berger: Ending the One-Size-Fits-All Model of Corporate Governance

    David Berger, a partner at Wilson Sonsini and the President of the American College of Governance Counsel. We dive into the rapidly shifting landscape of corporate governance—from post-election policy changes to the evolving role of AI, corporate purpose, and ESG in shaping boardroom priorities. We examine Delaware’s ongoing legal challenges, explore the current state of the markets, and consider how figures like Elon Musk are influencing government efficiency. We also unpack emerging governance models—especially how public benefit corporations (PBCs) fit into the new wave of AI leaders—along with the latest IPO, and the top governance trends from 2024. Finally, we examine the geopolitical risks reshaping global governance and consider what to watch for in 2025. If you like this show, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing this podcast on social media. You can also contribute by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.

    1h 2m
  8. Richard Blake: 2024 Silicon Valley 150 Corporate Governance Report

    12/23/2024

    Richard Blake: 2024 Silicon Valley 150 Corporate Governance Report

    My guest today is Richard Blake, a partner at Wilson Sonsini and the leader of the firm's public companies’ practice. In this episode, we discuss the 2024 Silicon Valley 150 Corporate Governance Report, comparing it to last year’s report, which we covered in Episode 126 from February 2024. We examine how the report has evolved and explore the diversity in governance practices across various tiers of companies. We cover a wide range of topics, from activism to board structures, ESG, and clawback policies of SV150 companies. We also discuss the challenge to Delaware status as the favored corporate home, the role of private ordering in shaping governance, and we explore trends from 2024 and what to watch out for in 2025 If you like this show, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing this podcast on social media. You can also contribute by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.

    1h 2m
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About

In-depth interview podcast with leading corporate governance experts, including world-class founders, scholars, board members, executives, investors and more. The content is structured as a long-form conversation to explore not only the latest corporate governance trends, but also to get some personal insights from some of the best and brightest minds behind America's boardrooms.

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