“Paul rewires how boards think. Through his speaking, writing, and consulting, his ideas are shaking up the stale world of corporate governance, sparking fresh questions, and future-proofing decision-makers.”
THOUGHT
PROVOKER
The Board futurist 'edge'
Interactive & Provocative
Real-world Stories
Humour + Hard Truths
Not “just another talk”
POPULAR TALKS AND WORKSHOPS
Advanced Decision-Making Techniques
Upgrade from the dominant voice to radical inclusion.
Better governance rests on better decisions. Yet most boards still rely on instinct, hierarchy, or tradition when it comes to making the calls that matter. That’s no longer enough.
This session unpacks advanced techniques for improving decision-making in the boardroom - ranging from behavioural science insights to AI-enabled tools. I show how directors can overcome biases, sharpen foresight, and design decision processes that are smarter, faster, and more reliable.
Artificially Intelligent Boardrooms
What happens when the smartest voice in the room isn’t human?
AI is reshaping the world of work, and the boardroom is no exception. But most directors still see AI as a distant threat or a tech fad, rather than a governance tool. I challenge boards to reframe AI as an ally in better decision-making - one that can reduce bias, improve foresight, and elevate governance.
In this keynote or workshop, I explore how boards can blend human judgment with machine intelligence to create enhanced governance. Practical, provocative, and grounded in real examples, this talk shows how AI is already augmenting board effectiveness and what every director must do to stay relevant.
EXPERIMENTAL MINDSETS IN THE BOARDROOM (w/ MATT FULLBROOK)
Unlock possibility and break free from the traditional by redefining the conditions for good governance.
Most boards are built for control, not curiosity. But in a world of constant disruption, clinging to certainty is the fastest path to irrelevance. An experimental mindset doesn’t mean recklessness but creating safe ways to test, learn, and adapt before the market, regulators, or stakeholders force your hand.
This scientific masterclass (run with governance expert Matt Fullbrook) shows how boards can borrow from the best of startup culture, scientific thinking, and behavioural science to embrace experimentation. We share practical tools for running small “governance experiments,” and building a culture where directors are not just risk managers but adaptive leaders.
Generational Diversity in Modern Boards
Stop pretending age doesn’t matter. It does, more than ever
For the first time in history, five generations are alive and active in the workforce and yet most boards draw from a narrow age band. That’s a huge missed opportunity. Different generations bring different values, perspectives, and ways of thinking that can sharpen governance.
In this keynote, I explore how intergenerational diversity can transform the quality of board conversations and decisions. It’s not just about younger directors but creating an environment where generational insights are valued and used to shape strategy, culture, and long-term resilience.
(UPDATED) Governance Reimagined in The Board of the Future
Forget what you know, tomorrow’s boards won’t look, think, or act like today’s.
Governing in Turbulent Times
Turning uncertainty into clarity of purpose without losing your compass.
Uncertainty isn’t going away, it’s accelerating. Boards that cling to old ways of working risk becoming paralysed, irrelevant, or worse. Governance in turbulent times demands resilience, foresight, and the courage to adapt.
In this talk, I equip directors with practical tools and perspectives for governing in an age of volatility. It’s about balancing stability with agility, holding on to purpose while navigating rapid change. Audiences leave with both reassurance and a renewed sense of urgency.
(NEW) Maslow for Boards
(BRAND NEW) Redefining board priorities through the hierarchy of governance needs.
Just as humans have basic and higher-order needs, so too do boards. Compliance and oversight may keep the lights on, but it’s not where real value is created. Boards need to climb their own hierarchy towards purpose, foresight, and system leadership.
I introduce “Maslow for Boards,” a framework that helps directors understand where they are on the journey and what’s needed to move up. It’s a fresh way to diagnose board performance and spark meaningful conversations about purpose and impact.
The Art of Chairing Boards
Because herding cats is easy compared to leading directors.
Chairing a board is not about holding the gavel; it’s about holding the culture. The most effective chairs bring confidence, empathy, and courage to every meeting, enabling directors and executives to do their best work.
This session explores the mindset and skills that make chairs extraordinary - from managing conflict and building trust, to shaping agendas that inspire strategic thinking. Directors will leave with practical insights they can apply whether they are chairs today or aspire to become one.
I work with companies, organisations, associations, and conferences worldwide. My audiences include board directors, executives, governance professionals, and young leaders, all seeking to have their minds expanded from the usual humdrum world of corporate governance.