Episode
Leadership Lounge: How New CEOs Build Productive Relationships With Their Board
- Podcast
- Redefiners
- Published
- Feb 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1312
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/redefiners
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Summary
For new CEOs, few relationships matter more—and few are more complex—than the relationship with their board. The tone set in the first year can either establish the board as a powerful ally or create friction that slows progress. In this episode of Leadership Lounge , Emma Combe is joined by three of our trusted leadership advisors Rusty O’Kelley , Anita Wingrove , and Ty Wiggins, to explore how new CEOs can build trust, alignment, and effective ways of working with their boards—and how that relationship evolves over time. They discuss: Why the CEO–board relationship is so critical in the first year of leadership What new CEOs should seek to understand about their board before and during the transition How transparency and candor build credibility and trust Where conflict most often arises between CEOs and boards—and how to navigate it constructively “You ultimately want their perspective on key matters. And for that, they need to have the unvarnished truth.” Ty Wiggins Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Four things you’ll learn from this episode: Early engagement with board members helps new CEOs understand individual perspectives, priorities, and expectations—reducing the risk of misalignment later on. Clear priorities, timelines, and metrics give boards confidence and prevent anxiety from filling information gaps. Candor builds trust—boards are most effective when CEOs share the full picture, including challenges, alongside a clear plan forward. The CEO–boar…