In a crisis, Board and CEO synergy equals success


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In times of uncertainty, it is vital that CEOs collaborate closely with their boards, who can provide critical perspective and guidance in both successfully navigating crises and pivoting to capitalize on new opportunities.

Centerstone Executive Search and Consulting (Centerstone), a national, retained executive search firm, today released a special guide focused on ways CEOs can leverage their Board of Directors in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed by Kim Villeneuve, Ed.D, CEO of Centerstone, the guide summarizes best practices applicable to organizations across all industries.

CEOs are being faced with unprecedented challenges and the actions they take over the next weeks and months will have a long-lasting impact on the success of the organization. For CEOs and boards, ensuring successful synergy will build resilience and allow the organization to be stronger in the long-term.

COVID-19 has upended the way business is done – and leaders must continually adapt as the situation changes. “Companies must re-evaluate assumptions and decisions made before the crisis began, and work to mitigate future risks.” says Villeneuve, who holds a doctorate in human and organizational learning and has advised CEOs and board directors for more than 25 years. “By properly leveraging their boards, CEOs can access the expertise and crisis capability of their directors to make important decisions and encourage innovation.”

The guide encourages CEOs to leverage the following key Board qualities:

  •     Collective wisdom.
  •     Breadth of business knowledge.
  •     Decisiveness.
  •     Focus on talent levers.
  •     Focus on the future.


In the best of times, CEOs and boards each have their own respective, and some shared, responsibilities. In times of uncertainty, it is vital that CEOs collaborate closely with their boards, who can provide critical perspective and guidance in both successfully navigating crises and pivoting to capitalize on new opportunities.

Reflecting on the current business climate, Villeneuve noted, “our practice has served the consumer sector for over 20 years – so right alongside our clients we have weathered some of the most difficult economic challenges, which now sadly includes COVID-19. However, I continue to be inspired by the quality of leadership in our industry and the incisive decision making that focuses on humanity first, protecting businesses so that we can support our families, communities and industry overall.”

The guide, “Survive and Thrive – Leveraging Your Board During a Global Crisis” can be accessed at http://www.centerstonesearch.com/survive-and-thrive.

About Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting

Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting (Centerstone) offers executive search services at the board director and C-suite level, outplacement and executive transition services, assessments and executive coaching, and a range of board services. Founded in 1998, the national, retained firm partners with businesses ranging from new ventures to Fortune 500 companies in consumer, digital and technology, health care, aerospace and defense, and education and non-profit sectors. For more information about Centerstone’s services, visit http://www.centerstonesearch.com or contact Kim Villeneuve directly at: kim(at)centerstonesearch.com

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