What we do

CEO – Chair Partnership

The Most Critical Relationship in the Organization.

‍The relationship between a CEO and the Board Chair can either unlock the organization’s full potential — or erode it. When trust is strong, decisions move fast, communication is clear, the entire organization gains confidence. When trust falters, even minor issues turn political.
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We work with CEOs and Board Chairs as a catalyst. We have been in both roles and understand the rules of engagement at your altitude. We help you build a partnership that sustains mission, momentum, and morale.

The Core of Effective Partnership

A strong CEO–Board relationship doesn’t happen by accident. It requires clarity, courage, and discipline. Our work together focuses on:

Building Trust

Establishing reliability and proactive learning as the foundation for every interaction.

Embracing Transparency

Sharing context, challenges, and opportunities early and often.

Fostering Mutual Respect

Balancing governance and management without overstepping either role.

Developing a Shared Vision

Aligning on the organization’s purpose, priorities, and measures of success.

Collaborating on Strategy

Making sure the short and long-term plan is grounded in reality and jointly presented to the full board.

Board Recruitment & Motivation

Attracting and engaging directors who add their strengths and elevate the work.

Documenting Roles & Responsibilities

Ensuring the board and staff understand the process for making decisions.

Behind the Process

How It Works

Every engagement begins with a conversation — starting with the CEO and the Board Chair — individually and jointly exploring where friction or uncertainty exists. From there, we co-design an approach that may include joint working sessions, individual coaching, facilitated retreats with a larger group, or written assessments.

Cadence

Determined by your organization’s pace and needs.

Access

In-person or virtual, with follow-up support as needed between sessions.

Confidentiality

Every discussion is private. Insights are shared out only by mutual consent.

What You Can Expect

Improved communication and trust between CEO and Board Chair.

Clearer boundaries between governance and operations.

Faster, more unified decision-making.

A written, shared understanding of roles, responsibilities, and strategic priorities.

Renewed confidence across the entire organization — in the boardroom and among staff.

Our Promise to You

Most consultants diagnose problems and leave you with a report. We work with you to develop a better partnership in real time — one conversation, one agreement, one act of trust at a time.

This isn’t theory. It’s practice. And the results ripple through the whole organization.