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Home > Swisspreneur Show > EP #73 - Katja Berlinger: Successful Boards of Directors
Podcast: Swisspreneur Show
Episode:

EP #73 - Katja Berlinger: Successful Boards of Directors
Category: Business
Duration: 00:35:21
Publish Date: 2020-05-20 10:04:35
Description:

Timestamps:

1:47 - What do Swiss startups often get wrong with boards of directors?

6:00 - What different skills need to be present in a board of directors?

12:06 - How to best compensate your board

18:52 - How can a board help your startup achieve success?

23:05 - How should a startup collaborate with a board?


The Episode In 60 Seconds

Setting up your Board of Directors - the right way.

The right composition

  • Get diversity of perspectives and skills, be sure you cover at least: legal, finance and your industry
  • Don’t go for titles, go for people with time and expertise
  • 4 is considered a good number to start

Founders on the board

  • In small companies where they hold a large stake, this may be appropriate
  • In large companies, operations and board roles have to be separated

Compensation

  • Consider paying a fixed compensation in cash or equity and a variable compensation based on time invested

Where to find the right board members

  • Choose people you know you can work with
  • If you have smart money investors, they will probably be a good addition to the board

How boards change when companies grow

  • Small company boards may be more operational
  • As companies grow, boards necessarily have to professionalize and become less operational

Meeting and decision making

  • Meetings at most once a month and at least once a quarter
  • If possible, decisions should be unanimous or more time should be invested into discussions
  • If a board member dissents, be sure to note it in writing
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