Just last week, I sat down to a fascinating presentation from Lynn Leahy on the topic of stress among senior business leaders. As I looked around the room at the attendants, it was clear that many were experiencing that same stress and could benefit from building their resilience towards it.

There are few decisions a leader can make which can positively impact as much as improving employee engagement. For the most part it costs little, it feels good and its financial benefits are many.

Being the Managing Director and also the major shareholder of a private or family company can be a lonely role. Staff are sometimes reluctant to voice their opinion and even when they do, the viewpoint is often influenced by the subservient employee position. An advisory board brings independent, considered advice without the negatives, for either party, of a statutory Non Executive Director.

I am often asked what makes a good Independent Director. After many years of sitting on Boards and advising Boards I have found there are a number of key skills that sets you apart from the rest....unfortunately, there are also some traits that are best not seen in the Boardroom.