How Boards Work

And How They Can Work Better in a Chaotic World

By: Dambisa Moyo

Narrated by: Dambisa Moyo

A New York Times bestselling author and veteran board member offers an insider's view of corporate boards, their struggles, and why they must adapt to survive.

Corporate boards are under great pressure. Scandals and malpractice at companies like Theranos, WeWork, Uber, and Wells Fargo have raised justified questions among regulators, shareholders, and the public about the quality of corporate governance. In How Boards Work, prizewinning economist and veteran board director Dambisa Moyo offers an insider's view of corporate boards as they are buffeted by the turbulence of our times.

Moyo argues that corporations need boards that are more transparent, more knowledgeable, more diverse, and more deeply involved in setting the strategic course of the companies they lead. How Boards Work offers a road map for how boards can steer companies through tomorrow's challenges and ensure they thrive to benefit their employees, shareholders, and society at large.

Critic reviews

“A highly useful primer for investors and board members alike.”—Kirkus

“How Boards Work offers a thorough and nuanced take on the ever-evolving role of corporate boards today. Moyo provides a candid assessment of the challenges and opportunities that directors face and wisely warns of the dangers of stasis. The book is not only a must-read for the most tenured and experienced board members, but it also provides critical context to those who one day hope to have a seat at the table.”—Mellody Hobson, co-CEO, Ariel Investments; chair of the board of directors, Starbucks; board member, JP Morgan; former board chair, Dreamworks; and former board member, Estee Lauder

“Boards have incredible power to impact how companies and their stakeholders meet the challenges of the modern age. But boards are complex and living organisms that require more than just getting smart people in a room. Moyo’s book, informed by real-world experience in negotiating complex situations, should be a must-read for any board that wants to excel and have an impact today.”—Dan Loeb, founder and CEO, Thirdpoint, and former board member, Sothebys

“How Boards Work is exactly what any prospective—or sitting—board member needs to understand the true rigors and realities of board life. Having seen it all, Dambisa Moyo offers valuable guidance on how boards can best focus their time and energy while grappling with social, governance, and environmental issues."—Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO, Thrive Global, and former board member, Uber

“Drawing on her direct involvements on several boards of companies facing difficult decisions, as well as her global economic expertise, Moyo has written an indispensable guide to how boards function, malfunction, and, most importantly, should operate better.”—Mohamed A. El-Erian, president of Queens’ College, Cambridge University; board member, Under Armour; and author of The Only Game in Town and When Markets Collide

Amazing book! Insightful, thoughtful and enlightening!!

This is a wonderful explanation and critical assessment of how all scales of corporations and boards work. It is quite eye opening and a great read for anyone with any interest in corporate structure and development!

suitable for novices

Came in with expectations of a more sophisticated and personal account of her experience on multinational boards. felt more like a mba intro course

Powerful and practical

Loved it. I found the book provided a very fundamental understanding of how boards (and corporations) work that would be helpful for both investors as well as managers in those corporations and managers in general. Thanks to the author!

An absolutely brilliant, important book!

Dambisa is a true thought leader, and speaks from a well-informed perspective based on her many years of board service. Fantastic read!

WHAT AN AWESOME BOOK

Dr Moyo have yet again truly outdone herself. This is one of thee best books on governace I have read to date.