Maximizing the Benefits of Board Diversity: Lessons Learned from Activist Investing

Demographic diversity in the boardroom is important, but it’s not enough. According to Jared Landaw, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at activist investment firm Barington Capital Group, companies also need to focus on cognitive diversity: that is, different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. This requires a more thorough approach to identifying, recruiting, and onboarding directors. Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center interviews Mr. Landaw about his recent publication in which he argues that cognitive diversity improves board effectiveness by expanding the board’s knowledge base, improving its decision-making, enhancing mentoring, and overseeing management—along with catalyzing innovation and helping companies respond to greater challenges. Read the publication "Maximizing the Benefits of Board Diversity"

Return to podcast series