Be It Resolved: It Is the Board’s Job to Be Fluent in Geopolitics
In this episode of Be It Resolved, Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO of the Institute of Corporate Directors, sits down with Drew Fagan, professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Fulbright visiting professor at Yale, and former senior government leader. Together, they explore why geopolitical fluency is no longer optional for corporate boards.From shifting U.S.–Canada trade relations to the rise of China, and from national security concerns to AI’s role in global power structures, Fagan unpacks how directors can ask smarter questions, strengthen oversight, and adapt to a rapidly changing global order.Be It Resolved: It Is the Board’s Job to Be Fluent in Geopolitics. Which Way Will You Vote?For more information on the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, please visit: https://munkschool.utoronto.ca.For more information on the ICD, please visit our website: https://www.icd.ca/
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Be It Resolved: The Public Company Model No Longer Serves Canadian Business
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant transformation in how and where business value is created. In this episode of Be It Resolved, host Rahul Bhardwaj speaks with Drew Schardt, Co-Head of Direct Equity Investments at Hamilton Lane.This episode explores the rise of private markets and the shifting role of the public company model in Canada’s economic landscape. Together, they explore the structural realities of Canadian capital markets, the growing appeal of staying private longer, and how Canadian companies are navigating global trade tensions, supply chain dependencies, and investor expectations.The conversation also looks at how private companies structure compensation, build agile governance models, and create long-term value while maintaining transparency and trust in the absence of quarterly earnings pressure. From board composition and capital strategy to talent attraction and cross-border expansion, this episode offers key insights into why more Canadian businesses are rethinking the traditional path to going public—and what it means for boards, shareholders, and the broader economy.Be it resolved: The public company model no longer serves Canadian business—When the pressure is on, which way will YOU vote?For more information on Hamilton Lane, visit: https://www.hamiltonlane.com/en-usFor more information on the ICD, visit: https://www.icd.ca/
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Be It Resolved: Trust Is a Zero-Sum Game
Trust in business is no longer a soft skill—it’s a strategic imperative. In this episode of Be It Resolved, host Rahul Bhardwaj sits down with BruceMacLellan, Founding President of the communications consultancy Proof Strategies, and Kathleen McGinn, co-founder of TrustLab. This discussion explores why trust is not just the foundation of strong relationships but the lifeblood of effective corporate governance, culture,and performance. From the boardroom to the front lines, today’s leaders must understand what truly drives trust—and how to build it. Bruce and Kathleen unpack a working definition of trust grounded in vulnerability and introduce the ABI framework—Ability, Benevolence, and Integrity—as a practical lens for leadership.Together, they examine why trust must be built from the inside out, how it can be measured, and what happens when it breaks down. Learn how trust reduces friction, strengthens collaboration, and enables better decision-making—because when trust is strong, organizations thrive. When it’s not, everything is at risk.Be it resolved: Trust is a zero-sum game—when the pressure is on, which way will YOU vote?For more information on Proof Strategies, please visit their website: https://getproof.com/.For more information on the Institute of Corporate Directors, please visit the ICD website:https://www.icd.ca/.
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Be It Resolved: Ethical Decisions Are the Last Line of Corporate Defence
Be It Resolved: A Strict Focus on Compliance Limits Board Effectiveness
As the regulatory landscape grows more complex, how can corporate boards balance compliance with effective strategic oversight? In this episode of Be It Resolved, host Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO of the Institute of Corporate Directors, sits down with JonathanGoodman. He is a Vice Chair and member of the board of Deloitte Canada, where he leads the firm’s CEO and Boardroom programs, including Deloitte Canada’s Podium Club for Directors. He is also Global Chair and former global Managing Partner of Monitor Deloitte. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of strategy, governance, and CEO leadership. Together, they discuss how compliance culture is shaping boardroom decision-making. From setting strong compliance frameworks without stifling strategy to navigating the fine line between prudence and paralysis, this podcast covers the challenges and opportunities facing today’s boards. Are increased compliance pressures distracting directors from their core mandate? And if so, what is the antidote?Be it resolved that a strict focus on compliance limits board effectiveness.To our listeners—where do you stand?For more information on Deloitte Canada, please visit their website: https://deloitte.ca/.For more information on the ICD, please visit our website: https://www.icd.ca/.
Be It Resolved is where bold ideas meet courageous leadership. Hosted by Rahul Bhardwaj, President and CEO of the Institute of Corporate Directors in Canada, this podcast delves into the key corporate governance issues shaping boardroom decisions today. With the governance landscape facing emerging risks, changes, trends, and shifts, Canadian boards and directors must leverage governance leadership strategies to navigate unprecedented times successfully. If you're eager to deepen your boardroom insights and stay ahead of evolving trends, this podcast is for you.