How to Build a Great Board — Insights from Anne Sweeney at the Upfront Summit
February 27, 2018Feb 27, 2018 | By Upfront Ventures

In many ways, a curious founder has never had more leadership information available to her --- a simple Google search will unearth a wealth of information available to founders and entrepreneurs about how to run their businesses. There's even a growing set of resources for new VCs. Strangely, there's not nearly as much discussion about how to be a good board member, and how to build an effective board. Yet it has the potential to be one of the most valuable and important decisions a company can make.

That's why I was so excited to interview Anne Sweeney at our recent Upfront Summit in Los Angeles. Anne is not only an incredibly accomplished operator in her own right, most recently as co-chair of Disney Media and President of the Disney-ABC Television Group, but she's also on the board of some of the most important companies in the country, including Netflix and The Mayo Clinic. As a corporate executive, as a media guru, and as a senior woman at the board table, Anne provided an invaluable perspective from the inside.

Over the course of the discussion, Anne shared her definition of a good board (and what board members *shouldn't *do), how diverse boards can bring accountability to organizations, and what she really thinks of the Netflix culture deck. It's truly a must-watch for anyone who wants to build a more effective board or be a better board member, and I hope it sparks more conversation about this important topic. Enjoy the video!

In many ways, a curious founder has never had more leadership information available to her --- a simple Google search will unearth a wealth of information available to founders and entrepreneurs about how to run their businesses. There's even a growing set of resources for new VCs. Strangely, there's not nearly as much discussion about how to be a good board member, and how to build an effective board. Yet it has the potential to be one of the most valuable and important decisions a company can make.

That's why I was so excited to interview Anne Sweeney at our recent Upfront Summit in Los Angeles. Anne is not only an incredibly accomplished operator in her own right, most recently as co-chair of Disney Media and President of the Disney-ABC Television Group, but she's also on the board of some of the most important companies in the country, including Netflix and The Mayo Clinic. As a corporate executive, as a media guru, and as a senior woman at the board table, Anne provided an invaluable perspective from the inside.

Over the course of the discussion, Anne shared her definition of a good board (and what board members *shouldn't *do), how diverse boards can bring accountability to organizations, and what she really thinks of the Netflix culture deck. It's truly a must-watch for anyone who wants to build a more effective board or be a better board member, and I hope it sparks more conversation about this important topic. Enjoy the video!