The Director Series - Board Topics of Today - Insights from Professional Board Member Sven Wehrwein - YouTube

This Club E interview with Sven Wehrwein provides some great insight on how he approaches his board work. Sven is on the SPS Commerce board and I have had the great privilege of working with him and getting to know him a bit. Sven has been on 9 public boards, 5 private boards. He has over 70 years on public boards. He's an expert.

Some great highlights Sven shared:

1. He kept track for a year to see how much time it takes to be on a board. He averaged it out to 225 hours a year per board.
2. It is interesting to hear the dialogue between Sven and Jim Zuehlke, Rick Brimacomb sharing some of the board committee structures they have experienced.
3. Approach board work with Nose-in, Fingers-out (NIFO) strategy. Get your nose into things, but keep your fingers out. Socratic Method: Ask questions to drive to better understanding. Don't give orders. Effectiveness: Are you helping move the company forward?
4. Sven has a mantra, No Surprises. Audit committees cannot have surprises. He knows this is effective when he sees it affecting the things that he is brought in on, and when.
5. General leadership comment "All good leaders have a message that will resonant, are clear, and repeat."

They also shared that there will be a part two of this conversation!