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What does it take to lead through uncertainty—and how can founders and board members scale themselves as effectively as their businesses?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson speaks with Rupert Jones, former Major General turned leadership coach and boardroom advisor. Drawing from frontline military experience and years of mentoring founders and executives, Rupert explores how leadership is misunderstood, underdeveloped, and often the root cause of failure in scaling companies.
The conversation covers everything from the importance of self-awareness and communication to how boards can build trust and foster influence-led leadership. You’ll also hear how Rupert helps founders move from code-focused technicians to capable CEOs, and how boards can offer real value beyond compliance. Whether you're a first-time founder, an aspiring NED, or a seasoned leader, this episode offers invaluable insights into the mindset and skill set needed to navigate complexity with confidence.
Rupert Jones: Former Standing Joint Force Commander in the British Army, Rupert now works as a leadership coach and boardroom advisor. He specialises in helping founders, executives, and NEDs apply practical leadership strategies drawn from high-stakes environments.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
What does it really take to succeed as a non-executive director in today's complex board environment?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Elise Perraud, COO of NEDonBoard, to discuss how she is championing greater inclusivity, professionalism, and strategic awareness in boardrooms across the UK.
Drawing on her extensive experience in risk management and governance, Elise explains the critical importance of certification, the changing profile of aspiring NEDs, and the role of advisory and trustee roles as stepping stones.
Elise also shares valuable perspectives on the power of peer networks, the underestimated complexity of NED roles, and why younger professionals should start their board journey early.
Whether you're an aspiring director or a seasoned executive considering the shift, this conversation offers timely insights and grounded advice to help you thrive in the boardroom.
Elise Perraud: Chief Operations Officer at NEDonBoard, Elise specialises in board governance, risk management, and non-executive leadership. She is a passionate advocate for diversity, sustainability, and raising professional standards in the boardroom.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
What does it take to truly thrive as a non-executive director in today’s complex boardroom landscape?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by board expert Patrick Dunne OBE to unpack the practicalities of becoming a high-impact NED. Drawing from decades of leadership, governance advisory, and his acclaimed book Boards, Patrick shares how the "three Ps" — Purpose, People, and Process — provide the foundation for effective governance.
The discussion covers everything from mindset shifts and influencing skills to generational diversity and the role of Next Gen boards. Whether you’re an aspiring director, new to boardroom life, or looking to deepen your strategic impact, this conversation offers valuable, actionable insights grounded in real-world experience.
Patrick Dunne OBE: Chair of multiple charities and founder of Board Delta, Patrick is a leading authority on governance and board performance. He is the author of Boards, and has decades of experience advising boards across sectors and geographies.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
Are UK public markets still fit for purpose—or are boards losing touch with their shareholders? In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson welcomes Barry Gamble, a leading boardroom thinker and Senior Advisor to the Non-Executive Directors Association. Together, they explore the evolving role of non-executive directors, the decline of AIM, and how public markets are losing companies to private equity.
Barry draws from his deep experience in board governance, activism, and shareholder engagement to question whether current governance structures serve stakeholders effectively. He shares insights into the concept of “board washing,” the growing complexity of regulation, and why formal debate might just be the key to better board decision-making. Barry also previews his upcoming Quoted Companies Alliance debate and reflects on his involvement in revisiting the Higgs Review.
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and current NEDs who want to better understand the risks, responsibilities, and rewards of board service in today’s evolving governance landscape.
Barry Gamble: Barry is Senior Advisor to the Non-Executive Directors Association, Advisory Board member at Board Agenda magazine, and Chair of Boardroom City Debates. He is a seasoned public and private company director, boardroom commentator, and former editor-at-large of Boardroom Magazine, with expertise in governance, shareholder engagement, and boardroom dynamics.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
What separates a good board from a great one—and how can aspiring non-executive directors (NEDs) stand out in today’s evolving boardroom landscape?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Kieran Moynihan, Managing Partner at Board Excellence, to explore the skills, mindset, and dynamics that define high-performing boards.
Drawing on his experience evaluating hundreds of boards across 35+ countries, Kieran shares what aspiring NEDs need to know—from mastering boardroom behaviour to navigating complex governance challenges. The conversation delves into the evolving role of the board, the importance of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence, and why the partnership between executive teams and NEDs is critical for organisational success.
Whether you're preparing for your first NED appointment or seeking to enhance your board effectiveness, this episode offers practical advice and eye-opening insights to help you thrive at the board level.
Kieran Moynihan: Kieran is the Managing Partner of Board Excellence, a global board advisory firm supporting boards and individual directors in effectiveness, governance, and performance. With over 25 years of board experience, including roles as CEO, NED, and Chair, he is a recognised thought leader in board dynamics, evaluation, and leadership development.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
Are you ready to make a successful transition from executive leadership to an impactful non-executive director role?
In this episode of The Boardroom Path, host Ralph Grayson is joined by Murray Steele, an acclaimed expert who has guided over 12,000 board members worldwide. Together, they explore essential behaviours for boardroom effectiveness, the nuanced transition from executive to NED, and the critical balance between challenging and supporting executive teams.
This insightful discussion uncovers practical advice, compelling experiences, and essential insights for anyone aspiring to or embarking upon a journey into the boardroom.
Murray Steele: Murray Steele is a distinguished figure in board governance, with over three decades of experience as both Chair and Non-Executive Director across numerous sectors. He currently chairs Octopus Apollo VCT PLC, the UK's second-largest Venture Capital Trust, and Surface Generation, a pioneering advanced manufacturing technology firm. Renowned for establishing and running leading NED development programmes at Cranfield School of Management and the Financial Times, Murray uniquely combines rigorous academic insight with practical boardroom experience, making him a trusted advisor on corporate governance, effective board dynamics, and strategic leadership.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
Ever wondered what it takes to land your first Non-Executive Director role and truly succeed in the boardroom?
In this insightful episode of The Boardroom Path, Graham Durgan, founder of the Non-Executive Directors Association (NEDA), joins host Ralph Grayson to demystify the journey into board-level roles. From exploring essential skills and qualifications to discussing why diversity and inclusion are critical for board effectiveness, Graham shares his extensive experience to guide aspiring NEDs.
This conversation sheds light on practical strategies, common pitfalls, and actionable insights for anyone aiming to transition effectively from executive positions to impactful NED roles.
Graham Durgan: Graham is the founder of the Non-Executive Directors Association (NEDA), a professional body dedicated to preparing and supporting non-executive directors through structured learning, certification, and thought leadership. With a unique career that began in accountancy at PwC and ventured into entrepreneurship—ranging from a ski-holiday business to educational publishing—Graham combines entrepreneurial spirit with decades of experience in governance, training, and mentorship. His work with NEDA focuses on promoting rigorous standards and broadening boardroom diversity, making him a respected authority on the skills and mindsets required to excel as a non-executive director.
Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Action Points:
The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career.
Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.
Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.
The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.
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