Fuel for Forward-Thinking Boards
.png?width=1301&height=1717&name=2026%20Outlook%20-%20v3%20copy%20(1).png)
Three Areas Where Every Board Will Want to Focus in 2026
Every December, Boardspan enthusiastically puts forth our Top 10 board considerations for the upcoming year. We build on what we heard, saw, and learned through our work with esteemed boards, so that we can bring it all together to help everyone plan for what’s to come. This year, knowing how extremely busy boards are in this environment, we’re shaking things up a bit and cutting to the chase with three board moves that will make a difference.
If you need to stay focused (and who doesn’t?), then these are the topics that matter most. We hope you find this a useful guide as you move forward in 2026
So Your Board Chair Is Due to Step Down
Why a thoughtful, structured process is key to a successful board chair transition and how to navigate chair succession with transparency, alignment, and a stronger board on the other side.
What CEO's Really Want From Their Boards
We asked CEOs for their views on what makes for an effective board. Here are the 5 things at the top of every CEOs list.
What The Best Board Chairs Bring To The Table
From composure in crisis to shaping board culture—see what defines effective chair leadership in today’s environment.
Boardspan’s OARS Governance Framework: When Everyone Pulls Together
Strengthen board effectiveness with Boardspan's OARS board governance framework: oversight, accountability, risk mitigation, and strategy.
Why Energy and Defense Companies Are Rethinking Board Composition
As disruption accelerates, boards are rethinking who’s at the table—seeking the right mix of legacy experience and real-world expertise in tech, risk, and talent. Discover why this shift is gaining traction across industries—and what it means for your board.
Leading When It's Messy: Real Advice From Real Boards
Boardspan recently convened conversations with 25+ board directors to discuss the current business environment, their outlook over the next year, and the advice they’re giving to their management teams.
Tone at the Top In 2025 - How the Best Boards Keep Organizations on Track in Challenging Times
Learn how boards set the tone at the top and apply board best practices to guide culture, uphold values, and lead through uncertainty.
Effective Strategies for Recruiting Board Members: Three common scenarios
Recruiting new directors? See how leading boards approach recruitment with foresight—not just urgency.
6 Hot Topics in Boardrooms Today
What’s keeping Nom & Gov Chairs up at night? Here’s what they’re tackling—and why it matters.
The Governance Curve™ - Your Board's Roadmap To Strategic Excellence
Discover how leading boards are advancing their governance maturity—and what it takes to move the needle.
AI and Governance: Five Questions Answered
AI is everywhere. What does that mean for your board? Five smart questions, answered with real-world insight.
Management Succession Planning: Why It’s Hard, How to Fix It
Explore why management succession planning remains a top challenge for boards and discover practical steps to overcome common barriers and build a robust succession strategy.
Building Strong Board Committees: The Devil is in the Details
Strong committees are the backbone of effective boards. Discover the key elements that make them excel.
Governance Planning: A Holistic Roadmap for Better Board Performance
A structured governance plan can transform board performance. Discover how intentional planning leads to better outcomes.
Risk Management & Risk Imagination for Boards - Q&A with Ken Bacon
Ken Bacon, seasoned board director and former Fannie Mae executive, discusses how boards can enhance risk oversight by embracing imagination, anticipating emerging threats, and building resilient governance frameworks.
4 Questions to Ask When Building a Governance Framework
Explore the foundational elements of effective board governance by addressing four critical questions that help clarify responsibilities, assess board composition, ensure access to essential information, and establish a strategic plan.
How the Best Boards are Built: Q&A With Maggie Wilderotter
Maggie Wilderotter, former Chair and CEO of Frontier Communications and current board chair at DocuSign, shares insights on building high-performing boards.
The Board's Changing Role In Culture
Examine how today’s boards influence company culture by defining values, aligning leadership, overseeing accountability, and identifying red flags before issues escalate.
5 Ways Boards Can Lead Corporate Culture
Discover five practical strategies for boards to actively shape corporate culture—modeling values, aligning with mission, and engaging employees directly.
The Evolving Role of the Board of Directors - Q&A with George Roberts
Explore how board responsibilities are evolving, with insights from KKR co-founder George Roberts on governance, risk oversight, and director engagement.