The Future Boardroom
by Helle Bank JORGENSEN
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The re-election of Donald Trump and the global rise of populism have dramatically changed the picture for business leaders today. Far from the world they envisaged of tumbling trade barriers, they face a new wave of trade protectionism on top of the fallout from an enormously costly pandemic, destructive wars, natural disasters, and festering inequality.
And now, corporate leaders are shying away from their earlier embrace of progressive environmental and social policies, such as ESG (environmental, social, and governance issues) and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
Does this mean that the drive for corporate sustainability has crashed and burned?
Author Helle Bank Jorgensen, who advises corporate boards around the world on how to deal with turbulent times, says the answer is a resounding No. Corporations still face urgent demands from regulators, politicians, customers, and other stakeholders to clean up their environmental behavior and treat people fairly. This gives board members the complicated task of steering organizations that are facing conflicting demands from many quarters.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Helle Bank Jorgensen is the Founder and CEO of Competent Boards. She has enjoyed a 30-year career working with global Fortune 500 board members and senior executives, as well as small- to -medium-sized organizations and investors.
“Companies must be profitable. But it matters even more whether their profits come at the expense of society or contribute to its wider health. In this important book, Helle Bank Jorgensen explains why the latter is even more important in today’s turbulent times, and how boards can and must ensure success.”
Martin Wolfchief economics commentator, Financial Times
“Helle Bank Jorgensen has delivered to us “just-in-time” a significant rethink of what is required of boards and board members to effectively execute their oversight mandate. In an era of rapidly changing geopolitics, views on trade, sustainability requirements and technology advances, Helle clearly articulates the implications for boards and the urgent need to reevaluate what serving on a board truly means. She presents a clear case that urgent change is required and articulates compelling solutions unburdened by ideology. A must-read for boards and policymakers alike.”
Ronald O’Hanleychairman and CEO, State Street
“In this book, Helle offers a timely and thought-provoking look at what the boardroom of the future could look like. This isn’t just a book for CEOs or board members—it’s for anyone who cares about the future of leadership. In a world where it can sometimes feel that smart governance doesn’t matter, Helle makes a compelling case, using real-world examples and expert insights, that boards can—and must—evolve to stay effective and relevant.”
Francesca Ecserydirector, Air France, and several other companies
“During a typical board meeting a member has about three opportunities to ask a high- impact question. The Future Boardroom is loaded with high-impact questions ready to shape to your specific situation. As a board member, you add more value by the questions you ask rather than the statements you make.”
Chad Hollidaychair, Royal Dutch Shell and Bank of America
“In a world of fragility, fear and fractured landscapes, Helle highlights the need for curiosity, courage and collective responsibility. She encourages us to embrace the future with confidence, viewing board service as a purposeful opportunity to learn, contribute and champion values that shape a brighter future. Helle inspires us to leave our organizations better than we found them. Unlock your true potential and transform the future of boardrooms with this inspiring read”
Katherine Garrett-Coxchief executive, GIB Asset Management; chair, Clean Air Fund
"Helle’s book represents her career high point of thinking about, analyzing and finding solutions to sustainability issues. This book can help readers find a distinctive path for their companies.”
R. Gopalakrishnanformer executive director, Tata Sons
"The Future Boardroom is not just a roadmap for corporate governance—it’s a manifesto for reimagining leadership and transformation in an era of existential risks. The book stands out because it is deeply human. Helle Bank Jorgensen doesn’t just discuss sustainability or stakeholder capitalism as trendy ideas. Instead, she shows that focus on profit, purpose and outcomes can work together, breaking the myth that they’re somehow incompatible. She argues convincingly that directors, as company stewards, are responsible to leave the society in which they operate in a better state. With her trademark Competent Boards ten questions at the end of each chapter and the very practical Call to Action in the last chapter, this is an essential reference manual for experienced, new and budding company directors across our creaking planet."
Garry Willingenon-executive director, Manulife International
"We have entered dark times of disruption, instability and unthinkables. This means acute new pressures on board directors that most don’t feel able to contemplate, let alone equipped to handle. This is why they must read at speed The Future Boardroom. Helle’s advice is brutally frank, but also encouraging. If you are not prepared to think and prepare for the unthinkable in radical ways, then you must ask: am I suited to being a director? This book will go a long way to ensuring you are a valuable and responsible one."
Nik Gowingfounder and director, Thinking the Unthinkable
”We cannot solve tomorrow’s problems with yesterday’s board. Anyone who thinks their board is fine is most likely already losing. As we demand more from our CEOs, so should we from our boards. This book will be a useful check on whether you pass the test, or can do better. I suspect it’s the latter. As the role and importance of business increases in line with the global challenges we need to address, so does the need to have a high-performing, engaged and connected board. This book will help you get there.”
Paul Polmanformer CEO, Unilever; former chair, International Chamber of Commerce
"With businesses around the world facing a host of commercial, political and social challenges, the job of a corporate director has become a more daunting one than at any time in my career. Helle's book not only explains why this is so but goes on to offer valuable guidance to all those eager to make the transition to a new era of board governance."
Vagn Ove Sørensenchair Air Canada, director Royal Caribbean Cruises and CNH Industrial
”Helle believes that business is at the junction of the three critical elements for sustainable development: the economy, society and the environment. Her book shows that successful companies in the future will be those creating value in a sustainable manner. The days of success being judged by increased profit, increased share price and increased dividends subsidized by society and the environment are finished. This book makes it absolutely clear that the board of today and of the future is not the board of yesterday. The days of the gin and tonic brigade seeing an appointment as a director of a major listed company as a sinecure are gone forever.”
Mervyn Kingchair emeritus, King Code of Corporate Governance, South Africa
“In a world of relentless disruption, The Future Boardroom is a must-read for directors and leaders navigating change. With sharp insights into governance, strategy and the human qualities that define resilient boards—curiosity, courage and compassion
—this book provides a timely roadmap for reimagining leadership in the 21st century.”
Sunil Deshmukhchair, Institute of Management Accountants
“This book is a masterclass in forward-thinking leadership and innovative governance. Helle Bank Jørgensen channels decades of experience into a visionary guide that not only addresses today’s complex global challenges but also inspires board members and corporate leaders to embrace transformation. Her insights bridge the gap between traditional boardroom practices and the urgent need for sustainability, technological savvy and inclusive decision-making.”
Sibylle Bardenauthor; host of Der Große Neustart (The Great Reset) podcast platform
"The Future Boardroom is an essential guide for boards navigating today’s turbulent business environment, offering a compelling roadmap for integrating sustainability into the core of corporate governance. With real-world examples and expert insights, Bank Jorgensen masterfully outlines how boards can transform to meet emerging challenges by embedding sustainability into every aspect of decision-making. She emphasizes that sustainability is not just a compliance issue but a fundamental driver of long-term value creation. In a world where resilience and responsibility are paramount, The Future Boardroom is a clarion call for boards to embrace sustainability as a strategic imperative."
Jingdong Huavice-chair, International Sustainability Standards Board
"The Future Boardroom is an impressive and insightful handbook for business leaders, and is much needed at a time of continuing confusion, and sometimes consternation, over the role of business in society. Helle has brought fresh thinking on the role of individual directors and the board as a whole. She also gives clear direction for leaders on delivering financial performance backed by strong governance and sustainable practices in an increasingly volatile world. And she's done this without shying away from the tricky political, technological and social questions that every leader needs answers to in this age. This book is a must-read for 2025."
Lindsey Stewartdirector of stewardship research and policy, Morningstar Sustainalytics
"This timely book presents a compelling vision of boardroom evolution. The author masterfully draws parallels between corporate governance and political representation, offering a fresh perspective on directors' responsibilities to their stakeholders. The metaphor of Mother Nature's invoices brilliantly illustrates the urgency of climate action at the board level. Through practical guidance and thought-provoking questions, the book equips directors with the tools to navigate the transition between present and future challenges."
Maali Khaderchief executive, Middle East Institute of Directors
"The quest to become a great director is a never-ending journey—and a serious part of our ongoing growth and development. Helle's book is a terrific resource to support us on that journey."
Kathleen Taylorchair, Element Fleet Management; former chair, Royal Bank of Canada; former president and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
"As a board these days, you have to accept that business is not only about markets but also about politics, culture and so many other facets of our lives. Helle recognizes how the job of a board is changing, and her book identifies the opportunities which arise as this transformation unfolds."
Torben Möger Pedersenchair, Copenhagen Business School
"Helle Bank Jorgensen has created a must-read book for board members and all those concerned with the workings of boards now and into the volatile years that lie ahead. This is a beautifully clear, elegantly concise and thoroughly authentic book — a sheer pleasure to read. I loved the real-world examples shared by Competent Boards alumni and faculty and the deep insights provided by renowned experts across the globe.”
Michael Jenkinsauthor of Toxic Humans: Combatting Poisonous Leadership in Boards and Organizations
”Helle is one of the most sensitive and erudite professionals I know. This wonderful book focuses on making boards future-ready by adopting the qualities of diligence, thoughtful participation, respect for fellow board members, an equal voice for every member, and a willingness to expend time and energy on the boards one serves on. Her chapter on the chair’s leadership is particularly important.”
Shailesh Haribhaktiindependent director of companies in the Lafarge Holcim group
“The pace of change is accelerating and board members today face complex and intersecting challenges of climate change, sustainability and technological change. These are not only rapidly transforming our world but often raise crucial ethical and reputational issues that can impact companies profoundly. The Future Boardroom will clarify, assist and guide board members in dealing with these challenges.”
Jane Diplocksupervisory board member, Global Reporting Initiative and World Benchmarking Alliance; director, Singapore Exchange Regulation; deputy president, Abu Dhabi Appeals Board
“In The Future Boardroom, Helle Bank Jorgensen captures the essence of what it means to lead in today's rapidly changing world. This book is a compelling call to action for boards to embrace change, technology, lifelong learning, harness the wisdom of next-generation talent…and much more.”
Faisal KaziCEO and president, Siemens Canada
"The Future Boardroom is a masterful guide to navigating the complexities of modern corporate governance. Helle Bank Jorgensen's insights are both profound and practical, offering a roadmap for leaders who aspire to drive sustainable success in turbulent times. This book is an essential read for any board member committed to excellence and innovation"
Maureen Metcalffounder and CEO, Innovative Leadership Institute
“The challenges facing corporations today are increasingly complex and, in many cases, unprecedented. Helle has created a practical playbook for board members, guiding them to ask the right questions—not only of management teams but of themselves as well. This is an essential resource for any board looking to optimize its effectiveness. Bravo!”
Eric WetlauferBoard Member TMX Group, IMCO, Enterra Solutions
Get your Copy Today!
BOOK SPECS
On sale in retail stores: May 22, 2025
Page count: 208 pp.
Binding: Hardcover
Retail price: $24.95
ISBN: 978-1998841233
Publisher: Barlow Books
Bulk pricing (in Canadian funds)
10 to 49 books: $30.00
50 to 99 books: $25.00
100+ books: Speak to Publisher Sarah Scott about pricing.
sarah@barlowbooks.com