What I do
Board Observation
An experienced outside eye in the room — and an honest read afterwards.
Most boards have never been watched by someone whose only job is to watch. Board observation is exactly that — a neutral, experienced observer in the room, followed by a candid, structured read on how the board actually functions.
Marc attends one or more board meetings as a silent observer. He does not participate in the discussion and holds no mandate, no vote and no stake in the outcome — which is precisely what makes the feedback usable.
Board shadowing typically runs for at least six months, capturing two to three board meetings — long enough to see the rhythm of the board, not just one day's form. As a variation, the engagement can include in-depth interviews with the chairperson and the CEO, and, where useful, more extensive conversations with other directors and the senior management team.
Afterwards, the chair and CEO receive a confidential assessment: what the board does well, where value is being lost, and a small number of specific, prioritised changes. Observations are about patterns and dynamics, never about grading individuals.
What gets assessed
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Quality of preparation
Whether the board pack invites real reflection rather than mere reporting, and the clarity of the agenda — including whether each item's facilitation format matches what the meeting is meant to achieve.
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Dialogue and psychological safety
Who speaks, who doesn't, whether disagreement surfaces openly — or afterwards in the corridor.
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Role clarity
Whether the board, the chair and management are clear on where each one's job starts and stops, especially in critical moments.
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Decision quality
Whether discussion converts into decisions, and whether those decisions are recorded, owned and revisited.
Get in touch
Arrange a board observation
Tell me about your board, your group or your event and we'll work out the right format.
Arrange a board observation