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🎧 What Does a Board of Directors Really Do?
Podcast Leadership / PodCast / Jul 7, 2026 / Posted by Laura McCracken / 1

🎧 What Does a Board of Directors Really Do?

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Laura McCracken, Founder & CEO of Blackheath Advisors and The Board Alchemist, explains that a board of directors exists to provide oversight, manage risk, and own company culture — not to confer prestige. In this Sales POP! episode, she reveals why boards only prove their worth in a crisis and how management can turn them into an asset. Drawing on board roles across regulated financial companies and the Wirecard cleanup, McCracken offers a practical playbook for current and aspiring directors.

In this episode:

  • What is the real purpose of a board, and how does it differ between the US and Europe?
  • Why was BP’s chairman ousted after just eight months?
  • Who really owns company culture — the CEO or the board?
  • What’s the difference between agility and adaptability in leadership?
  • How should boards work with employees beyond the boardroom?
  • How should you prepare before joining your first board?

Ready to build a more resilient board? Connect with Laura McCracken at Blackheath Advisors: https://www.blackheathadvisors.com/

Visit us on Apple Podcasts. You can also find SalesPOP! on all major podcast stations.

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About Author

Laura is the Founder of Blackheath Advisors, where she partners with Founders, Chairs, and CEOs to strengthen board resilience through better governance, strategy, leadership, and culture. During her 30-year career, Laura has held global leadership roles at Accenture, Meta, Amazon, Citi, and American Express. She has also served as Chairman and NED on several boards of regulated financial services. Having lived in London, Luxembourg, Singapore, New York and Los Angeles, she brings a global perspective and curiosity to her clients. She is also an industry thought leader with deep networks and expertise across financial services, technology, commerce, payments, and platforms. Laura holds a BS in Accounting from Auburn University and an MBA from London Business School and Columbia Business School. " I take pride in putting leadership, culture and strategy onto the board agenda in a meaningful way. I launched Blackheath Advisors to help boards identify blind spots, build confidence under pressure, and strengthen resilience."

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About Author

Laura is the Founder of Blackheath Advisors, where she partners with Founders, Chairs, and CEOs to strengthen board resilience through better governance, strategy, leadership, and culture. During her 30-year career, Laura has held global leadership roles at Accenture, Meta, Amazon, Citi, and American Express. She has also served as Chairman and NED on several boards of regulated financial services. Having lived in London, Luxembourg, Singapore, New York and Los Angeles, she brings a global perspective and curiosity to her clients. She is also an industry thought leader with deep networks and expertise across financial services, technology, commerce, payments, and platforms. Laura holds a BS in Accounting from Auburn University and an MBA from London Business School and Columbia Business School. " I take pride in putting leadership, culture and strategy onto the board agenda in a meaningful way. I launched Blackheath Advisors to help boards identify blind spots, build confidence under pressure, and strengthen resilience."

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