Martin Rowinski

In the modern business arena, where competition is fierce and differentiation is key, executive branding emerges as a crucial strategy for leaders aiming to elevate their influence and drive their company's success forward. Executive branding is not just about enhancing personal visibility; it's about shaping perceptions, establishing authority in your industry, and ultimately, propelling your business vision. Cultivating a distinctive executive brand is imperative and here's how to achieve it… Show more

In the modern business arena, where competition is fierce and differentiation is key, executive branding emerges as a crucial strategy for leaders aiming to elevate their influence and drive their company's success forward. Executive branding is not just about enhancing personal visibility; it's about shaping perceptions, establishing authority in your industry, and ultimately, propelling your business vision. Cultivating a distinctive executive brand is imperative and here's how to achieve it through strategic initiatives. Show less

Leverage expert insights to elevate your business vision
In the entrepreneurial journey, the tunnel vision of managing day-to-day operations can often obscure broader perspectives and innovative thinking. Seeking external counsel becomes not just beneficial but necessary, to transcend the company's current limitations. A board of advisors offers a structured way to harness this wisdom, helping you propel your business toward its aspirational goals. When thoughtfully assembled, this advisory… Show more

Leverage expert insights to elevate your business vision
In the entrepreneurial journey, the tunnel vision of managing day-to-day operations can often obscure broader perspectives and innovative thinking. Seeking external counsel becomes not just beneficial but necessary, to transcend the company's current limitations. A board of advisors offers a structured way to harness this wisdom, helping you propel your business toward its aspirational goals. When thoughtfully assembled, this advisory board becomes instrumental in helping you confidently navigate your company through uncharted territories. Show less

Boardrooms are no longer isolated decision-making silos. They are developing into vibrant centers of strategic alliances, which are essential to an organization's resilience and success. Here is the game-changing potential of strategic boardroom alliances, along with pointers for how boards can take advantage of them.

Redefine board dynamics with strategic alliances
Today's boards recognize that strategic partnerships enhance their influence, broaden their perspectives, and ignite… Show more

Boardrooms are no longer isolated decision-making silos. They are developing into vibrant centers of strategic alliances, which are essential to an organization's resilience and success. Here is the game-changing potential of strategic boardroom alliances, along with pointers for how boards can take advantage of them.

Redefine board dynamics with strategic alliances
Today's boards recognize that strategic partnerships enhance their influence, broaden their perspectives, and ignite innovation. These alliances are more than mere transactions; they are symbiotic relationships that foster growth and sustainability. Show less

Boardrooms are crucial for guiding their organizations through the turbulent waters of the current business landscape, characterized by rapid change and uncertainty. In this setting, board members' ability to function well as a cohesive unit under duress is just as important as their individual qualifications and experience.

Here are nine tips for members to master working effectively as one board.

Adapt to change: Agile teams that can quickly adjust to changes in the market, in… Show more

Boardrooms are crucial for guiding their organizations through the turbulent waters of the current business landscape, characterized by rapid change and uncertainty. In this setting, board members' ability to function well as a cohesive unit under duress is just as important as their individual qualifications and experience.

Here are nine tips for members to master working effectively as one board.

Adapt to change: Agile teams that can quickly adjust to changes in the market, in technology, and in regulations are essential for success in boardroom settings. This calls for in-depth sector knowledge as well as the capacity to predict and prepare for emerging trends. Show less

In the fast-paced boardroom, where fateful decisions are made, it is crucial to have the input and knowledge of seasoned executives and board members. The importance of developing effective boardroom teams in today's frantic business climate cannot be overstated. True success depends on more than just including talented individuals; it also requires nurturing a collaborative culture and maximizing the talents of everyone present. This article will discuss methods that can help senior executives… Show more

In the fast-paced boardroom, where fateful decisions are made, it is crucial to have the input and knowledge of seasoned executives and board members. The importance of developing effective boardroom teams in today's frantic business climate cannot be overstated. True success depends on more than just including talented individuals; it also requires nurturing a collaborative culture and maximizing the talents of everyone present. This article will discuss methods that can help senior executives and seasoned board members create high-functioning teams that propel organizations forward. Show less

The responsibilities of a chief executive officer (CEO) encompass more than mere executive decision making and revenue generation. In the contemporary business environment, CEOs assume the pivotal role of upholding and disseminating organizational culture. These leaders possess the capacity to exert influence, mold, and fundamentally alter their company's internal culture.

Given the increasing concerns around employee burnout and talent retention, it is imperative for CEOs to assume… Show more

The responsibilities of a chief executive officer (CEO) encompass more than mere executive decision making and revenue generation. In the contemporary business environment, CEOs assume the pivotal role of upholding and disseminating organizational culture. These leaders possess the capacity to exert influence, mold, and fundamentally alter their company's internal culture.

Given the increasing concerns around employee burnout and talent retention, it is imperative for CEOs to assume greater accountability in cultivating a work culture characterized by positivity, productivity, and sustainability. I like to say that in the modern business landscape, a company's culture isn't just an aspect of the workplace--it's the heartbeat that determines its success or failure. Show less

The quantum leadership paradigm provides lessons for leaders in business, not just in physics. In physics, the theory of quantum mechanics has fundamentally altered our comprehension of the universe by demonstrating that particles can coexist in multiple distinct states at the same time. Leaders must also embrace this duality to succeed in today's fast-paced and constantly changing business scene. The quantum leadership paradigm explores five ways to do this .

At this time in history, the only constant is change, making leadership more essential than ever. The seismic shift occurring in the business landscape comes with both new challenges and new opportunities. Our job as leaders is to find a safe path forward for our teams, even if it means navigating unfamiliar territory. Here are some of the best methods for not only surviving but thriving in the face of such unpredictability.

1. Embrace change as a catalyst for growth
Even though we… Show more

At this time in history, the only constant is change, making leadership more essential than ever. The seismic shift occurring in the business landscape comes with both new challenges and new opportunities. Our job as leaders is to find a safe path forward for our teams, even if it means navigating unfamiliar territory. Here are some of the best methods for not only surviving but thriving in the face of such unpredictability.

1. Embrace change as a catalyst for growth
Even though we may fight against it at first, we should always see change as a chance to improve. All good leaders know that adaptability is essential to success. Do not be afraid of change; instead, use it to inspire creativity and progress. Establish an environment where taking risks is celebrated and mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. You can help your team adapt to changing conditions by encouraging a growth mindset. Show less

Why diversity, equity, and inclusion is imperative for boardroom success. It is impossible to place enough emphasis on the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the boardroom, in light of the rapid transformations taking place in the business world. Boards that adhere to DEI principles have better access to a wider variety of perspectives, a higher rate of innovation, and a more effective decision-making process.

As an entrepreneur, you can use your personal brand to your advantage in several ways. It's an expression of your values, personality and unique selling proposition (USP) that can help you stand out from the competition. In the digital age we live in now, it's important to have a strong personal brand if you want to be successful in business and stay relevant in a crowded market.

According to studies, a person's personal brand can significantly impact both the reputation of their… Show more

As an entrepreneur, you can use your personal brand to your advantage in several ways. It's an expression of your values, personality and unique selling proposition (USP) that can help you stand out from the competition. In the digital age we live in now, it's important to have a strong personal brand if you want to be successful in business and stay relevant in a crowded market.

According to studies, a person's personal brand can significantly impact both the reputation of their employer and their career success. For example: Show less

What do you think of when you hear the word "stagnation?" I always imagine stagnant water, not moving or flowing, but simply sitting there, rotting and attracting bacteria and flies. Stagnation is a dangerous state for water because water is meant to keep moving for life to flourish.

The same could be said for any individual or organization. What happens to a person when they stop moving, growing to their full potential and innovating for the betterment of themselves and society? The… Show more

What do you think of when you hear the word "stagnation?" I always imagine stagnant water, not moving or flowing, but simply sitting there, rotting and attracting bacteria and flies. Stagnation is a dangerous state for water because water is meant to keep moving for life to flourish.

The same could be said for any individual or organization. What happens to a person when they stop moving, growing to their full potential and innovating for the betterment of themselves and society? The same thing happens when a company stops growing and innovating — they become vulnerable to being left behind while others keep moving. Competitors step in to do better, while stagnant companies struggle to remain relevant and successful. For a company to flourish, leaders need to keep their people innovating. Show less

Let's look at two different lessons about leadership and corporate values:

In 1982, Johnson and Johnson (J&J) discovered that someone had contaminated their Tylenol Extra Strength capsules in at least half a dozen Chicago pharmacies and grocery stores. Because of their corporate values committed to public safety, J&J leadership responded immediately: warned customers to stop consuming it, halted advertising and removed all Tylenol from store shelves until they could determine the extent… Show more

Let's look at two different lessons about leadership and corporate values:

In 1982, Johnson and Johnson (J&J) discovered that someone had contaminated their Tylenol Extra Strength capsules in at least half a dozen Chicago pharmacies and grocery stores. Because of their corporate values committed to public safety, J&J leadership responded immediately: warned customers to stop consuming it, halted advertising and removed all Tylenol from store shelves until they could determine the extent of the tampering.

In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig platform exploded, and its owner, British Petroleum (BP), realized it had a leak. Company officials first reported the leak volume was low, but when the rig sunk days later and eleven workers died, investigations into BP's practices found they took shortcuts, cut corners and ignored early warning signs. Its leadership was dishonest from the get-go, and to recover, the company had to revisit and update its corporate values.

Business values are the guiding principles that shape an organization's culture and inform its decisions and actions. Good leadership, in turn, is essential for aligning an organization's actions with its values and creating a positive and productive culture. Show less

Losing good people is expensive. In 2017, Gallup estimated replacing one employee to cost anywhere from half to double that person's annual salary. That translates to between $660,000 to $2.6 million per year for a 100-person organization with an average salary of $50,000.

That costly burden makes it even harder to survive in a competitive labor market, and today's market is more competitive than ever. According to a 2020 study by Crayon, a market and competitive intelligence tools… Show more

Losing good people is expensive. In 2017, Gallup estimated replacing one employee to cost anywhere from half to double that person's annual salary. That translates to between $660,000 to $2.6 million per year for a 100-person organization with an average salary of $50,000.

That costly burden makes it even harder to survive in a competitive labor market, and today's market is more competitive than ever. According to a 2020 study by Crayon, a market and competitive intelligence tools supplier, 90% of businesses surveyed feel the market has become more competitive; 48% of respondents said it had become "much more" competitive. Add in an exhausted workforce and fears of recession, and most companies today would struggle to survive the loss of good people. Show less

Companies are always looking for new ways to stay ahead of the competition in today’s business world, which is very competitive. One way to achieve this is through creative thinking in the boardroom. Unlocking the power of creative thinking can help companies come up with new ideas, products, and services that can give them an edge in the marketplace.

Here are some ways to unlock the power of creative thinking in the boardroom:

There’s a reason 100 percent of Fortune 50 companies have mentorship programs. Successful companies know mentorship programs do more than benefit the individual participants; mentorship relationships work to deepen and strengthen individual contributions to the company.

A mentor is a trusted advisor who guides mentees in their personal and professional lives. They play a key role in the development and growth of emerging leaders. True mentorship within a company is a sound business… Show more

There’s a reason 100 percent of Fortune 50 companies have mentorship programs. Successful companies know mentorship programs do more than benefit the individual participants; mentorship relationships work to deepen and strengthen individual contributions to the company.

A mentor is a trusted advisor who guides mentees in their personal and professional lives. They play a key role in the development and growth of emerging leaders. True mentorship within a company is a sound business investment and mutually beneficial to both parties.

Here’s how leaders can identify and nurture potential mentors in their teams. Show less

In the face of any crisis, true leadership is essential to stabilize an organization and maintain the morale of the people who keep it running.

A pandemic, labor shortages, broken supply chains and inflation on the rise—the past few years have carried us from crisis to crisis. This chain of events has rocked our foundation. Now, just as we start to feel back on somewhat solid ground, we face the potential of a recession.

Challenging times call for true leadership to stabilize an… Show more

In the face of any crisis, true leadership is essential to stabilize an organization and maintain the morale of the people who keep it running.

A pandemic, labor shortages, broken supply chains and inflation on the rise—the past few years have carried us from crisis to crisis. This chain of events has rocked our foundation. Now, just as we start to feel back on somewhat solid ground, we face the potential of a recession.

Challenging times call for true leadership to stabilize an organization and maintain the morale of the people who work to keep it going. True leaders step up and help their teams navigate difficult times so they can emerge even stronger. When facing a recession, that leadership is more important than ever. Show less

I know I'm not the typical picture of diversity. However, growing up in communist Poland offered me a unique approach to problems and solutions that most businesspeople I meet today never consider. Diversity of thought — combining our differences to cover as many diverse perspectives as possible in our decision-making — is where companies find the most benefits.

In my experience as an immigrant and founder, I can confidently say it takes double the work to get there, but immigrants looking to succeed in the U.S. can still build their American Dream. Instead of hiding your differences or trying to fit in, you can (and should) start embracing your diversity as a strength in business.

The pandemic, supply chain crises, a possible recession—you might think we’re passing through particularly difficult times, but we’ve passed through difficult times before. At any point, a major event could hit and throw your life and business out of whack. When this happens, you can’t just drop everything and give up. Leaders have no choice but to keep working through challenges if they want to succeed. The stronger you remain, the better you’ll come out of it.

In our current climate of… Show more

The pandemic, supply chain crises, a possible recession—you might think we’re passing through particularly difficult times, but we’ve passed through difficult times before. At any point, a major event could hit and throw your life and business out of whack. When this happens, you can’t just drop everything and give up. Leaders have no choice but to keep working through challenges if they want to succeed. The stronger you remain, the better you’ll come out of it.

In our current climate of uncertainty and oncoming challenges, my advice is always the same: Even when work gets hard, work harder. Show less

I am a firm believer in not doing everything myself. After 25 years at the C-level, there have been many times when I ended up taking on tasks on my own, but it's often more of a struggle to operate that way. I prefer to tackle creative work with the help of a supportive and diverse-minded team.

In a world where competition has increasingly become a game of generating the best and most ideas, the best creative work is often done in teams. Therefore, I encourage leaders to drive greater… Show more

I am a firm believer in not doing everything myself. After 25 years at the C-level, there have been many times when I ended up taking on tasks on my own, but it's often more of a struggle to operate that way. I prefer to tackle creative work with the help of a supportive and diverse-minded team.

In a world where competition has increasingly become a game of generating the best and most ideas, the best creative work is often done in teams. Therefore, I encourage leaders to drive greater creativity and innovation by encouraging teamwork at all company levels. Show less

These days, it seems we find a new crisis around every corner. The pandemic, broken supply chains and, now as we approach 2023, some experts are predicting an oncoming recession. But on the opposite side of uncertainty is innovation and the foundation of every disruptive decision. Leaders who can be creative, adaptable and open-minded in the face of uncertainty will be the ones who take advantage of those opportunities.

While today’s CEOs highly benefit from creativity, that doesn’t mean… Show more

These days, it seems we find a new crisis around every corner. The pandemic, broken supply chains and, now as we approach 2023, some experts are predicting an oncoming recession. But on the opposite side of uncertainty is innovation and the foundation of every disruptive decision. Leaders who can be creative, adaptable and open-minded in the face of uncertainty will be the ones who take advantage of those opportunities.

While today’s CEOs highly benefit from creativity, that doesn’t mean only creative CEOs can be successful in an uncertain climate. Anyone with a foundation for great leadership—meaning they're organized, dedicated and open-minded—can surround themselves with creative counterparts to pass ideas by. This allows the less-creative executive the opportunity to build the environment they need to innovate and stay competitive, even during times of uncertainty. Show less

People talk a lot about diversity — sometimes so much that I wonder if we still remember why. When leaders assemble diverse teams, the conflicting understandings of normalcy can lead to some friction — but as long as people are open-minded to the idea that their normal is not the only possibility, that friction can yield great results. A multifaceted, multicultural team can deliver some very unique and creative solutions in the workplace.

But when leaders hire people for their diversity… Show more

People talk a lot about diversity — sometimes so much that I wonder if we still remember why. When leaders assemble diverse teams, the conflicting understandings of normalcy can lead to some friction — but as long as people are open-minded to the idea that their normal is not the only possibility, that friction can yield great results. A multifaceted, multicultural team can deliver some very unique and creative solutions in the workplace.

But when leaders hire people for their diversity simply to meet some standards of compliance, they might end up with more than just healthy friction. Unless these hires understand the benefits of bringing together diverse minds for more creative innovation, they may also bring conflict into a team. Show less

In the corporate world, when we finally make it to CEO, we become company leaders. This is not a position many people know firsthand—if Zippia’s estimate of over 38,708 chief executive officers in the U.S. is correct, that means CEOs make up just 0.0001% of the country’s population. C-Suite executives and vice presidents also experience the feeling of knowing what it takes to be a leader, but not all leadership is alike.

Getting a seat on a company board might feel like sitting at the… Show more

In the corporate world, when we finally make it to CEO, we become company leaders. This is not a position many people know firsthand—if Zippia’s estimate of over 38,708 chief executive officers in the U.S. is correct, that means CEOs make up just 0.0001% of the country’s population. C-Suite executives and vice presidents also experience the feeling of knowing what it takes to be a leader, but not all leadership is alike.

Getting a seat on a company board might feel like sitting at the top of the food chain, and as leaders of our companies, we might all assume we know how to take the lead on a board. But running a board is not like running a company. All board members—especially CEOs, for whom roles most often cross—should recognize the difference between the leadership it takes to manage a company and lead a board. Show less

Even during the best of times, the future is always uncertain. That’s even more apparent right after several recent periods of disruption: pandemics, recessions and supply chain issues. In the past, boards and board formation may not have meant much to company leadership, but today, a well-designed board with the right collection of skills and experience can get a company through a crisis and significantly impact its success.

Additionally, engagement in the workplace has never been more… Show more

Even during the best of times, the future is always uncertain. That’s even more apparent right after several recent periods of disruption: pandemics, recessions and supply chain issues. In the past, boards and board formation may not have meant much to company leadership, but today, a well-designed board with the right collection of skills and experience can get a company through a crisis and significantly impact its success.

Additionally, engagement in the workplace has never been more urgent, and this is just as true for boards. More-engaged teams are more resilient and able to withstand bigger challenges. A Gallup meta-analysis found the most-engaged teams were 21% more productive than the least-engaged ones. Diversity—in race, gender, age and socioeconomic background—benefits any team, including a board, but engagement is what makes those diverse board members the most effective. Show less

Luminary leaders: they have no set title, adhere to no singular creed, and yet…you can always recognize them by instinct, by the sheer weight of their presence. Who are these leaders, and more importantly, how did they come to acquire their skillsets? Luminary Leadership seeks to answer just that question!

Comprising an award-winning collection of authors, speakers, business owners, and entrepreneurs, Luminary Leadership is a comprehensive roadmap to discovering and mastering your own… Show more

Luminary leaders: they have no set title, adhere to no singular creed, and yet…you can always recognize them by instinct, by the sheer weight of their presence. Who are these leaders, and more importantly, how did they come to acquire their skillsets? Luminary Leadership seeks to answer just that question!

Comprising an award-winning collection of authors, speakers, business owners, and entrepreneurs, Luminary Leadership is a comprehensive roadmap to discovering and mastering your own leadership characteristics. Weaving a rich tapestry of personal narratives, business insight and hard-gained wisdom, each of the authors in this anthology draws on their extensive and varied career experience to illuminate a pathway through the dark, towards the blinding lights of your own successful future.

Keep reading to discover:
The core components of leadership in the context of global pandemics, supply chain shortages, war, and a declining global economy
How to incorporate various communication styles, software upgrades and sales strategies into your existing business structure
Why the concept of leadership has changed for good, and what role that will have to play in shaping the next generation of high-functioning professionals
Real life case studies that highlight the efficacy of leveraging your own leadership talents and investing in back into your team
How best to optimize the daily operations of your business, offering you the freedom and flexibility to chase down the next big innovation
The key questions you should be asking of yourself if you want to maximize your leadership potential for the greatest impact Show less

Few individuals are experts in everything. Even the cumulative expertise in most businesses could use input from more experts in diverse areas. This is why we have boards — a panel of experts in areas that fill in the gaps in our existing company knowledge base.

But even once we find the right group of experts from our industry to take a seat on our board, we would still stand to benefit from the wisdom of more diverse perspectives and experiences. Their range of successes and failures… Show more

Few individuals are experts in everything. Even the cumulative expertise in most businesses could use input from more experts in diverse areas. This is why we have boards — a panel of experts in areas that fill in the gaps in our existing company knowledge base.

But even once we find the right group of experts from our industry to take a seat on our board, we would still stand to benefit from the wisdom of more diverse perspectives and experiences. Their range of successes and failures becomes additional resources to put together more tried and tested strategies in the face of new challenges. Show less

Diversity is more than a buzzword. Back in 2015, McKinsey & Company called it “a competitive differentiator that shifts market share toward more diverse companies over time.” McKinsey’s research also found that companies scoring the highest for racial, ethnic and gender diversity are more likely to have financial returns above national industry medians.

There are benefits to age diversity as well, including increased productivity and reduced employee turnover, both of which can affect a… Show more

Diversity is more than a buzzword. Back in 2015, McKinsey & Company called it “a competitive differentiator that shifts market share toward more diverse companies over time.” McKinsey’s research also found that companies scoring the highest for racial, ethnic and gender diversity are more likely to have financial returns above national industry medians.

There are benefits to age diversity as well, including increased productivity and reduced employee turnover, both of which can affect a company’s bottom line. Even socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, mindset and cultural background are ranges of diversity that can arm any team, including a company board, with a competitive advantage. Show less

First COVID-19. Then, health mandates. Add in choked-up supply chains, the Russia-Ukraine war, rising prices, interest rates, and inflation. Economists are starting to unite around the prediction — a recession is inevitable.

No one has a crystal ball, and the future seems more uncertain than ever, but if we break these problems down (e.g., pandemics, war, and rising food and fuel prices leading to a recession), we realize that many of us have lived through similar challenges before… Show more

First COVID-19. Then, health mandates. Add in choked-up supply chains, the Russia-Ukraine war, rising prices, interest rates, and inflation. Economists are starting to unite around the prediction — a recession is inevitable.

No one has a crystal ball, and the future seems more uncertain than ever, but if we break these problems down (e.g., pandemics, war, and rising food and fuel prices leading to a recession), we realize that many of us have lived through similar challenges before. Either we made it out on the other side alive and thriving, or we made mistakes and learned what not to do. These insights are valuable for getting through this next round of uncertainty. Show less

The goal of a board is to mentor a company, guide its decisions, and provide advice on best practices. However, most companies don’t consider the benefits that come from mentorship: Greater awareness of new ways of thinking, a challenge to our limiting assumptions, and the sharing of valuable life lessons we have yet to gain. What better way to tap into the skills and expertise board members bring than to connect them with people in the same company looking for mentorship?

A company’s… Show more

The goal of a board is to mentor a company, guide its decisions, and provide advice on best practices. However, most companies don’t consider the benefits that come from mentorship: Greater awareness of new ways of thinking, a challenge to our limiting assumptions, and the sharing of valuable life lessons we have yet to gain. What better way to tap into the skills and expertise board members bring than to connect them with people in the same company looking for mentorship?

A company’s leaders and employees can both benefit from the insights and experience of its board members. Board members often offer this mentorship to new members joining their ranks. By tapping into that service to provide broad company mentorship—especially to executives looking to advance their experience—a company can boost its overall expertise and chances of success. Show less

Going into a startup, founders have a lot to worry about. Startups have an incredibly high failure rate—a whopping 90%—because of the unique and vast range of challenges their founders face. Founders may not have many solutions to get through those obstacles and often end up learning the harder (and more painful) way to do things, especially when they are going at it for the first time.

It can be challenging for startups to prioritize which fire to address first, the next best steps to… Show more

Going into a startup, founders have a lot to worry about. Startups have an incredibly high failure rate—a whopping 90%—because of the unique and vast range of challenges their founders face. Founders may not have many solutions to get through those obstacles and often end up learning the harder (and more painful) way to do things, especially when they are going at it for the first time.

It can be challenging for startups to prioritize which fire to address first, the next best steps to take or how to make decisions based on experience without that experience to work with. This challenge is the reason establishing a board should be at the top of that priority list. When startups prioritize founding a board with both inside and outside members, they increase their chances of success. Show less

Once upon a time, a new startup rushed through the process of bringing board members into their company. Its leaders were young and inexperienced. They went through the process without third-party guidance or a deep dive interview with candidates. They met smooth-talking members looking to be partners and were sold on something grand, but what the candidates delivered was the total opposite.

The partners' experience was less than they let on. Their mission, vision and values were out of… Show more

Once upon a time, a new startup rushed through the process of bringing board members into their company. Its leaders were young and inexperienced. They went through the process without third-party guidance or a deep dive interview with candidates. They met smooth-talking members looking to be partners and were sold on something grand, but what the candidates delivered was the total opposite.

The partners' experience was less than they let on. Their mission, vision and values were out of alignment with those of the existing members. Things quickly started to fall apart and the startup founders suffered through years of pain before the company eventually dissolved.

I've heard this story many times in my job guiding board formation. So many leaders lament that fewer mistakes would have been made if they had just had connections to more of the right people who matched up with their company's core values, ambitions and guidance to vet those candidates. Show less

I believe executive talent is the most important aspect to look for when hiring or promoting leaders. A company’s leadership affects an entire organization and can either motivate teammates and provide them with purpose and direction or cause them to leave. Having a leadership team full of people with executive talent can help bring your company to new heights, but only if you nurture that talent in both yourself and in others.

IDENTIFYING EXECUTIVE TALENT

Not everyone may know… Show more

I believe executive talent is the most important aspect to look for when hiring or promoting leaders. A company’s leadership affects an entire organization and can either motivate teammates and provide them with purpose and direction or cause them to leave. Having a leadership team full of people with executive talent can help bring your company to new heights, but only if you nurture that talent in both yourself and in others.

IDENTIFYING EXECUTIVE TALENT

Not everyone may know executive talent when they see it, but there are some common traits that anyone can easily identify. I believe good executives have no ego. They understand the value of constant learning and always seek out new ways for continuous improvement. Someone with too big of an ego may be unable to realize what it takes to be a great mentor or be mentored. If they think they know everything, they leave no room for others to teach them. And if they view teaching as a waste of time, they’re unlikely to offer their guidance to others. A culture of teaching and mentoring within a company can create an environment that nourishes executive skills and leadership, which is the key to exploiting that talent on a team. Show less

CEOs and founders need to be very good at what they do to succeed, but no one alone can be an expert in every subject, nor in every area of a company. With the combined insights of a carefully curated board, however, maybe we can. A board offers additional perspectives and the wisdom of having gone through diverse experiences of success and failure. When done right, a board drives a company’s growth and innovation with tried and tested strategies, and it guides better, more holistic decision… Show more

CEOs and founders need to be very good at what they do to succeed, but no one alone can be an expert in every subject, nor in every area of a company. With the combined insights of a carefully curated board, however, maybe we can. A board offers additional perspectives and the wisdom of having gone through diverse experiences of success and failure. When done right, a board drives a company’s growth and innovation with tried and tested strategies, and it guides better, more holistic decision making.

While some of a company’s leadership might be well-suited to sit on its board, looking within to fill all board positions will severely limit its potential. Outside board members can help the company’s leadership see objectives and obstacles from different angles and paint a more complete picture. Show less

Outside board members have always been a necessity, but today they are more important than ever. When a company can turn to a board with a broad diversity of insights and with members from outside the company, they receive guidance that can be the advantage they need to survive tough times. Nowadays, it seems like times are only getting tougher.

As problems increasingly have global repercussions, every decision we make could make or break a business. Outside board insights have always… Show more

Outside board members have always been a necessity, but today they are more important than ever. When a company can turn to a board with a broad diversity of insights and with members from outside the company, they receive guidance that can be the advantage they need to survive tough times. Nowadays, it seems like times are only getting tougher.

As problems increasingly have global repercussions, every decision we make could make or break a business. Outside board insights have always been a necessary consideration for staying agile and strengthening decision-making power, but now, those insights are becoming indispensable. To be more in an uncertain future, bring on outside board members for a broader selection of expertise to fill a company's gaps and the best chance of coming through anything on top. Show less

Most organizations have a board of directors to provide governance, but an advisory board is optional and members have less liability, so they can more readily offer advice. These boards serve different purposes, but both can also propel a company to success. A well-curated board of experienced members can fill in all of the areas where your company needs expertise. When properly chosen, a board can drive more growth.

Ask board members to take an active role in maximizing… Show more

Most organizations have a board of directors to provide governance, but an advisory board is optional and members have less liability, so they can more readily offer advice. These boards serve different purposes, but both can also propel a company to success. A well-curated board of experienced members can fill in all of the areas where your company needs expertise. When properly chosen, a board can drive more growth.

Ask board members to take an active role in maximizing innovation.

No matter the field, innovation is king. But with the speed of technology today, boards can (and advisory boards should) step in to actively help a company keep up with the times and stay on top of an industry. Members experienced in technology can help stay current with new products and implement relevant add-ons where they can improve processes and allow the company to scale. Beyond technology, board members can implement innovative business models and strategies. Innovation large and small can contribute to a company’s advantage, so think of including expertise in relevant areas—like shipping, logistics or automation—on your board. Show less

When companies look for board members, they look for leaders with the right experience, education, and qualifications. And since board diversity drives stronger company performance, board member hopefuls should take care to highlight any applicable areas of diversity—like gender, ethnicity, experience levels, or economic background, for example. But otherwise, how do people get noticed and recruited by boards?

The bow that ties together how you present and sell your experience… Show more

When companies look for board members, they look for leaders with the right experience, education, and qualifications. And since board diversity drives stronger company performance, board member hopefuls should take care to highlight any applicable areas of diversity—like gender, ethnicity, experience levels, or economic background, for example. But otherwise, how do people get noticed and recruited by boards?

The bow that ties together how you present and sell your experience, diversity, and leadership skills is your personal brand—an essential asset to becoming a board member today. Show less

For a company to keep up with the changing face of business, its leaders need to be frequently evaluating their company hiring practices to recruit, attract and retain the right employees for the job. This can take a lot of time strategizing that CEOs may not always have to spare while running a business. For support in uncovering otherwise overlooked areas to maximize advantages in hiring, leaders should turn to their boards to guide them.

For a company to keep up with the changing face of business, its leaders need to be frequently evaluating their company hiring practices to recruit, attract and retain the right employees for the job. This can take a lot of time strategizing that CEOs may not always have to spare while running a business. For support in uncovering otherwise overlooked areas to maximize advantages in hiring, leaders should turn to their boards to guide them.

As an entrepreneur, it's hard to see past your own issues or your own company, let alone think outside of your own creative box. People often turn to counselors or advisors for an outside perspective, support and advice when they need to get out of their own heads. For a company, a board of advisors can provide those insights and outlets. If you prioritize building a board based on the qualities you need to achieve new heights, your company has a better chance of performing well at those levels.

In early 2021, experts predicted the “Great Resignation” was coming. After hitting record highs of 4.4 million resignations in September 2021, the wave of people leaving their jobs has since shown little sign of slowing down. That rate maintained near stability through January 2022, when another 4.3 million people quit.

From inflexible working conditions to COVID-19 burnout, resignation has swept America, and even C-level executives are walking away from their roles. For some, the… Show more

In early 2021, experts predicted the “Great Resignation” was coming. After hitting record highs of 4.4 million resignations in September 2021, the wave of people leaving their jobs has since shown little sign of slowing down. That rate maintained near stability through January 2022, when another 4.3 million people quit.

From inflexible working conditions to COVID-19 burnout, resignation has swept America, and even C-level executives are walking away from their roles. For some, the pandemic gave them a taste of remote work and they realized how much they missed their family or were missed by them. Some were unhappy in their position and are now considering other ventures. Many businesses struggled, and the people sustaining them might have just wanted their lives back. Show less

In today's world of rapid startup growth, branding your company is essential to stand out from your competitors and find success.Competition in business today is tough, yet more and more businesses are entering the arena than ever before. While many companies never make it through their first five years, some hit it big overnight. There’s a treasure trove of wealth to be made for those of us who know how to unlock it, but times have changed, and these are unprecedented business waters.

When I sat for a panel discussion to go over my expertise in the board space recently, one of the main topics revolved around identifying a quality outside board member. To me, this is an easy answer: The qualities that make a great board member are the same ones that would make a great employee.

Putting a board together is more than bringing on members and assigning them the title “board of directors.” The structure of a board should be set up to see you succeed, and they should have access to all the necessary resources to guide them to that success.

In America, people are lucky enough to be able to choose their opportunities. From traditional office jobs to start-ups to freelancing, the options are always growing. This abundance of opportunities is the American Dream that draws immigrants like me to pursue success despite the challenges we might face in the process. But it also makes finding and retaining good employees more competitive.

TREAT IT LIKE A ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION.
I remember in school and all the way through college freezing up and feeling like I would never be good at public speaking. As I got older and gained confidence and authority, it became easier. The key for me is to stay transparent and treat every speaking engagement as a conversation. Try not to think about who is watching, how many people are watching, or how many will watch it in the future.

Just as enough tiny droplets of water slowly fill a bucket, the growth of small businesses fills the U.S. economy. Big corporations might get a lot of attention when it comes to creating jobs, but small businesses employ more people and are more resilient when times get tough. Before coming up with something innovative that propelled them into growth, all big businesses once started out small. Not only are small businesses driving the U.S. economy, but they also keep the American dream alive.

WARM-UP FOR THE DAY.

My days start at the gym early in the morning. This is where I go to spend time warming up and getting ready for the day. I get to be in a relaxed environment among friends. After the gym, my day is newly energized and I am ready to take on whatever comes my way.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mentor — someone to turn to for help, direction, motivation and the next big steps in your life. I know because I was one of those unlucky people, but sometimes you have to make your own luck. Even if you find yourself without a mentor, you can still establish that same relationship with someone that might not be as real through the inspiration they left behind.

What if you could turn to a roundtable of counselors that included powerful minds like… Show more

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mentor — someone to turn to for help, direction, motivation and the next big steps in your life. I know because I was one of those unlucky people, but sometimes you have to make your own luck. Even if you find yourself without a mentor, you can still establish that same relationship with someone that might not be as real through the inspiration they left behind.

What if you could turn to a roundtable of counselors that included powerful minds like Napoleon Hill, Augustine “Og” Mandino, Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale and Orison Swett Marden? Imagine being able to call on any of history’s greatest success stories as mentors whenever you need help. Well, you can! They wrote everything down in their books with the very intent of having others find the answers they need. Show less

START IN SMALL SESSIONS OR GROUPS.
Introverted team members often have great ideas and thoughts, but may keep them to themselves. To encourage them to share, make the meetings small in a one-on-one session or just a few people. When their ideas are shared and valuable, provide positive feedback to encourage them to continue speaking up over time.

When done properly, mission statements can do more than just tell people why your business exists. As any business encounters new phases of growth and the challenges that come with it, a clearly-defined mission can guide decision-making and establish an organizational culture that inspires and motivates employees. By sharing it and improving it over time, a mission can drive company success. Here’s how to get started...

When I was young and went to a lot of networking events, I would often forget people’s names. This was embarrassing to me and didn’t look good to others. Over time, I worked on remembering names quickly and it made networking scenarios a lot more comfortable for me. Referring to people by name in the conversation really makes networking much easier and encourages deeper connections. – Martin Rowinski, Boardsi

For years, my closest friends encouraged me to write a book based on my life before and after coming to the United States and the struggles and challenges that shaped me into who I am today. They knew I shared my history selectively, but also knew it was a story worth telling. I always agreed, replying, “Yeah, one day.”

Could you package up your best attributes and transpose them onto someone else? The question might sound strange, but that’s exactly what my company considered as we finalized the contract to sponsor a professional golfer. Beyond golf statistics, we wanted to pick the player who best matched our core beliefs, so we searched through the social media accounts and online presence of 15 candidates and narrowed it down to the one who appeared the most positive, family-focused and hard-working.

A winning work-life balance is often seen as a lofty dream, but with some applied structure and discipline, it's not just possible, but instrumental in becoming your best self.

By Martin Rowinski

Expert Panel Q & A: As business heads contemplate on industry trends and begin to look at what’s in store in their industry for 2022, now is the time to get executive leadership members on the calendar for some exciting brainstorming sessions that will keep the company ahead and move it in the right direction.


Some simple and out-of-the-box thinking may spark more productive conversations, support smarter strategic planning, and get fellow colleagues excited about the collaborative… Show more

Expert Panel Q & A: As business heads contemplate on industry trends and begin to look at what’s in store in their industry for 2022, now is the time to get executive leadership members on the calendar for some exciting brainstorming sessions that will keep the company ahead and move it in the right direction.


Some simple and out-of-the-box thinking may spark more productive conversations, support smarter strategic planning, and get fellow colleagues excited about the collaborative process in the year to come. That’s why 15 expert panelists from Fast Company Executive Board are sharing creative ideas to make a memorable impression at your forthcoming meetings that will provide the most value for all. Show less

Each company needs to establish goals behind every service and product. Keep a close eye on the ROI and key points, check on the marketing often, and make adjustments. If you don’t see the ROI moving up then you need to walk away from that specific product or service and start over. – Martin Rowinski, Boardsi

My company will be building out our developer team to provide support for current applications and the development of new add-ons to continue company growth. This team most likely will be remote and could very well be spread out internationally. We are focused on talent and skills more than location. – Martin Rowinski, Boardsi

As technology expands our access to information, many executives are seeking to become the voice of that information through thought leadership. Being a thought leader takes dedication, patience, experience, strategy and education, but it also takes enough passion for your industry role to drive both the desire and willpower to try. It may take a lot of work to get there, but becoming a thought leader is the key to shifting your business from maintenance mode to a thriving success.

In today’s search-engine era, numerous search platforms make it easier than ever to find out all you could ever need to know about products, businesses or even personal information about senior-level executives. At the same time, with so much information out there, it can be easy to go unnoticed — which is why companies dedicate entire teams to branding their image, mission, vision and values. This branding helps grow their business.

But when it comes to growing a career, personal… Show more

In today’s search-engine era, numerous search platforms make it easier than ever to find out all you could ever need to know about products, businesses or even personal information about senior-level executives. At the same time, with so much information out there, it can be easy to go unnoticed — which is why companies dedicate entire teams to branding their image, mission, vision and values. This branding helps grow their business.

But when it comes to growing a career, personal branding is key. Show less

The best thing business leaders can do is join the nonprofit organization as a board member—and be an active member, not merely a check-writing member. Find out what the organization is lacking and use your assets and skills to help them prosper, which, in turn, helps the community prosper.

Of course, you should be focused on racial, ethnic and gender diversity, but not exclusively—think, too, about disability, upbringing and experience.

When life gets hard, work harder
By the time I was 10, I’d witnessed five years of my parents struggling under that oppressive system. Times were always tense, and for many, quite unhappy. We worried about having enough to eat, and there were no gifts at birthdays or on Christmas. When I was about 7, I had to go to the store in the early morning to stand in line, and there were frequently adults fighting around me. At times, it was terrifying.

Without jumping into the deep end, you can spend your life wading through the shallows. Failure is always a possibility, but so is success. It’s important to learn from our mistakes and adapt our plans, but without trying, how will you ever know how far out you can swim? Success lies in the risks and I, for one, am so glad that I took them.

One bad habit that I have witnessed over time is a lack of accountability: The habit of blaming everyone else and never taking responsibility is toxic in any organization. A leader’s role should be to protect those they lead and help them grow. Own it and be accountable. If someone makes a mistake, have a private, encouraging conversation that they can learn and grow from.

One company in the tech world that I love, enjoy, and admire is Slack. Diversity, engagement, and belonging are core to Slack’s values. Not only do they focus on hiring diverse talent, but once the employees are hired, they treat them with respect and support. Slack is focused on their employees’ future, providing continued education, introspection, opportunity, and growth

Difficult times are often par for the course in business, but your response and approach to these hard times will determine whether they result in hardships or growth.

By Martin Rowinski

1. MAKE SURE YOUR VISION AND VALUES MATCH YOUR COMPANY’S.
I believe in transparency. So many times you see a leader talk the talk, but when you look at their social media and see what their life is like, it may not be in line with their company’s mission, vision, and values. This is why as a leader your personal mission, vision, and values need to be in sync with those of your business so that the way you live is also the way you work and talk to employees. – Martin Rowinski, Boardsi

AI can help employers choose better candidates, predict their behavior, and identify their motivation to work.

Every CEO needs a Board of Directors and a Board of Advisors to help them think clearly about important business decisions, but many challenges surface when we start thinking about how to assemble the perfect team. When challenges arise, people call in the Corporate Matchmaker, Martin Rowinski. Martin is the co-founder and CEO of Boardsi. He knows how to connect the right people to the advisory positions that drive epic business. His expertise is what businesses need! The unique and proven… Show more

Every CEO needs a Board of Directors and a Board of Advisors to help them think clearly about important business decisions, but many challenges surface when we start thinking about how to assemble the perfect team. When challenges arise, people call in the Corporate Matchmaker, Martin Rowinski. Martin is the co-founder and CEO of Boardsi. He knows how to connect the right people to the advisory positions that drive epic business. His expertise is what businesses need! The unique and proven strategies that Martin has cultivated in the Boardroom were formed throughout his life. He is a Polish immigrant who came to America without any command of the English language. As a child, he always found ways to not only catch up to the other children but move beyond to achieve his goals. Always learning...always growing. Along the way, he gained mastery in the commands of life that are required in a functioning and effective Boardroom. Today, he helps CEO's meet diverse and qualified people they need to cultivate a dynamic and innovative Board. Show less

Do You Have A Personal Mission Statement?
I have found that it’s more likely you know your company’s mission than your personal one, which can prove to be a great shortcoming for your life. Most companies review their mission statements as often as possible to ensure that their business dealings are consistent with who they’ve said they want to be. Companies often share their mission statements – and, in my opinion, personal statements should be no different.

I am a firm believer in personal development. Regardless of the cards that life deals you, it’s really how you play them that determines your level of success. In my journey, I have found many personal development books to be really helpful, but none more so than those written by author and speaker Og Mandino.

Diversity is complex and not as simple as some people may think, but having true diversity will improve every aspect of your business.

It's important to find the right employees in order for your business to succeed. Here's how AI can help you find the perfect match.

Elvis Presley once famously said, “Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the same, but you leave ’em all over everything you do.” Often, when there’s talk of values in the modern work context, many people’s eyes glaze over. Others even dismiss values as an antiquated buzzword or hyped-up “HR-speak.” So, the question is: Do values still matter – and why?