The Secret Ned

The Secret Ned is a current British board director with 30 years’ experience, who has worked on boards in the FTSE250, small-cap companies and private, family-owned businesses.

Latest Articles by The Secret Ned

  1. Wooden person standing out from the crowd

    21 October, 2020

    The Secret NED: how can non-execs balance oversight and loyalty?

    Non-executives must hold management to account—but there are also times when they should give unstinting support.

  1. boardroom language

    6 June, 2019

    The Secret NED: mind your boardroom language

    How some expressions used in the boardroom can offend or reveal bias. Meanwhile, is the hunt for a new chair at an end?

  1. Secret Ned

    29 January, 2019

    The Secret NED: the long (long) list for choosing a new chair

    The new non-exec on the board has to have something to do. Cue the comi-tragic process of how to find a new chair.

  1. Secret NED, board leaders

    5 October, 2018

    Sink or swim: board leaders must go on a journey of discovery

    Board leaders exist on stormy seas of change. The question is, can they stay afloat by adapting to the way the wind is blowing, or will they go down with the ship?

  1. Secret Ned, gender pay gap reporting

    18 May, 2018

    The gloves are off: gender pay gap reporting and dirty tricks

    Since gender pay gap reporting rules came into force last year, some boards are playing dirty to avoid exposing higher male pay ratios.