The Collaboratorium Podcast Series

Another fascinating Collaboratorium podcast this time with my guest Adam Kahane.  Adam is the author of Solving Tough Problems, about which Nelson Mandela said: “This breakthrough book addresses the central challenge of our time: finding a way to work together to solve the problems we have created.”  I have been fascinated by the complexity and fragility of Adam’s multi-stakeholder engagements so I always wanted to find a way to connect him to my leadership and governance networks to have him share some of his facilitation lessons including his insights on how to work with people you don't agree with or like or trust (the theme of one of his most recent books).

My "fireside chat" with the Honorable Elizabeth May, current member of the House of Commons representing Saanich-Gulf Islands in BC and former leader of the Green Party of Canada, was recorded on April 8th for the Directors College's module on Navigating Under Complex Circumstances.  

Discussion with Mike Steep, Founder & Exec Director, Disruptive Technology & Digital Cities Program, Stanford University on the challenges of commercializing university-based research and the journey from early-stage prototype to sustainable start-up.

My "fireside chat" with Sarah Davis, former Loblaws CEO and experienced board director, was recorded on March 4th for the Directors College's foundational module on effective board governance. 

COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the way boards assess organizational performance, risk and strategy. This session will explore how composition and committee structure – oversight, financial acumen, diversity of views – will help to develop an effective audit committee for the current environment and beyond.

Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College

Guest Panelists: Richard Leblanc, Professor, Law, Governance & Ethics, and Director, Masters in Financial Accountability Program, York University and Christine Williams, C.Dir., Chartered Director, Centennial College

Drawing on the experiences, stories, and insights of our two panelists, the session will explore the multiple challenges confronting today’s board directors offering tips on how directors can help their organizations survive in times of rapid change and disruption.

Host: Professor Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College

Guest Panelists: John Tusa former head of BBC World Service and Suzanne Guèvremont, CBC/Radio-Canada Director

In this June 9, 2020, Podcast of The Collaboratorium, two leading Crown Corporation Board Chairs will share their perspectives on our current environment and how it has impacted approaches to governance and effective board engagement.

Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College

Guest Panelists: Françoise Bertrand, Chair, Board of Directors, VIA Rail Canada and Douglas Harrison, Chair, Board of Directors, Canadian Commercial Corporation

Recorded on May 5th, 2020, this Podcast examined how director and executive compensation and performance mgmt. approaches were adjusting in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College

Guest Panelists: Christopher Chen, Managing Director, Compensation Governance Partners and Rachel O’Connor, Practice Lead, Leadership and Performance, Watson Inc.

This Podcast, recorded on May 19, 2020, explores how organizations are rethinking the way they attract, recruit, and retain their board members and senior executives to fit with the rapidly changing environment brought about by COVID-19.  

Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College

Guest Panelists: Michelle Richard, Partner, Leader of Federal and Public Sector Practice, BoydenGlobal Executive Search and Roger Duguay, Global Practice Leader – CEO & Board Services, Boyden

This Podcast, recorded on September 29, 2020, examined how design thinking methodologies and strategic foresight tools can help boards identify future scenarios, analyze the impacts of those futures on key stakeholders, and make appropriate decisions today.  The session was recorded with my colleague Karel Vredenburg, Director, Global Design Leadership & Academic Programs, IBM and Marianne Jackson, C-suite executive and Institute for the Future board member.  

Guest Panelists: Karel Vredenburg, Director, Global Design Leadership & Academic Programs, IBM and Marianne Jackson, C-suite executive (CHRO) and executive consultant for public and non-public organizations in the Silicon Valley and Institute for the Future board member

Recorded on Feb. 2nd, 2021, this podcast is a recording of my fireside chat with the Assembly of First Nations, National Chief, Perry Bellegarde. Chief Bellegarde, who shared his wisdom on why businesses need to be purpose-led and make the topic of ESG a key priority for the good of their stakeholders and for the good of the planet.

Host: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College and Executive Director, EMBA in Digital Transformation

Guest Panelist: Perry Bellegarde, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

This is a series of podcasts recorded in late 2019 with my colleague Beverly Topping, former ICD President, where we discuss the history of Directors Education in Canada beginning with the 2003 launch of the ICD/Rotman and Directors College corporate governance programs.  The talks discuss the evolution and impact of board education and reflect on future governance trends and themes that will increasingly find their way into the boardroom and the classroom - little did we know at the time....

Host: Gorden Pitts, author, public speaker and business journalist

Guests: Michael Hartmann, Principal, The Directors College and Beverly Topping, Former President, ICD