In today’s fast-changing world of corporate governance, the role of the company secretary has become pivotal. Governance professionals face many pressures and often operate in complex, fast-moving environments. Sharon Constançon, CEO of Genius Boards, uses the image of the secretary bird—known for disarming dangers on the African grasslands—to explain how company secretaries can tackle governance and risk.
In her podcast with The Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland, Sharon explores the skills, mindset, and strategies needed to manage boardroom dynamics and risk. She explains how company secretaries can strengthen their professional influence, protect their well-being, and remain effective even under pressure.
Continue reading or listen to the podcast to find out more about the insights shared and explore the strategies that company secretaries need to navigate their roles effectively, enhance their professional growth, and maintain their wellbeing amidst the pressures of the job.
The Secretary Bird Analogy: A Lens for Governance and Risk Management
The secretary bird analogy is a vivid reminder of the vigilance and agility needed in governance. Just as the bird disarms snakes with precision, company secretaries disarm risks and prevent governance failures. The secretary bird symbolises their role: to anticipate threats, protect the board, and navigate complex challenges with foresight — qualities often explored in our Board Performance Reviews.
This analogy highlights the central role of company secretaries in risk management in governance. They are not only record keepers but guardians of board effectiveness, helping boards remain both compliant and strategically resilient.
Embracing Feedback and Growth
Company secretaries often work behind the scenes, and their contributions can go unnoticed. In many organisations, feedback comes only when something goes wrong. Silence is often interpreted as success, which can feel unfair and demotivating.
However, feedback—when embraced—becomes a powerful tool for growth. By actively seeking feedback, company secretaries gain valuable insight into their impact. Engaging with directors, executives, and other stakeholders allows them to understand how their work is perceived. This openness helps shift the narrative, shining light on their true value and contribution.
Mastering the Multifaceted Role
A successful company secretary must be resilient, agile, and highly organised. Their responsibilities range from strategic planning to crisis management. Without structure, the sheer number of tasks can feel overwhelming.
To stay effective, governance professionals must compartmentalise tasks and use systems that support efficiency. Structured schedules, clear priorities, and the smart use of technology help reduce noise and distraction. Many boards strengthen these skills through targeted Board Training programmes, ensuring company secretaries stay focused on delivering value to the board and protecting the organisation’s reputation.
“We only get to grow if we stretch. To get comfortable [in a role] is not a good place for any of us in our roles.”Sharon Constançon
Building and Repairing Board Relationships
Boardroom dynamics play a critical role in governance outcomes. Conflict, tension, or unspoken disagreements can weaken decision-making. Company secretaries often sit at the intersection of these relationships and can act as a bridge.
Sharon highlights the importance of initiating open conversations and creating safe spaces for dialogue. By encouraging constructive discussion, company secretaries help repair strained relationships. Stronger relationships improve collaboration and allow boards to make more balanced, strategic decisions.
Embracing Mistakes and Offering Solutions
Mistakes are inevitable in complex governance roles. What matters most is how company secretaries respond. Acknowledging missteps and suggesting practical solutions demonstrates accountability and leadership.
By reframing mistakes as opportunities, governance professionals show their adaptability. They reinforce their role not as barriers to innovation but as enablers of progress. Boards value this constructive approach, as it builds trust and positions the company secretary as a partner in problem-solving.
Reframing the Governance Professional's Role
Too often, company secretaries are viewed as blockers who say “no” to risky ideas. To shift this perception, they must highlight their ability to enable solutions. By offering compliant, workable alternatives, they reposition themselves as facilitators of both governance and innovation.
Sharon stresses the need for company secretaries to be recognised as strategic board advisors. This role extends beyond compliance. It involves guiding the board towards balanced and effective decisions that align with both regulatory demands and organisational goals.
Empowering Governance through Insightful Leadership
Company secretaries are vital to an organisation’s success. They combine insight, integrity, and influence to lead boards through uncertainty with calm and confidence.
By embodying the qualities of the secretary bird—vigilance, agility, and the ability to disarm threats—governance professionals elevate their impact. They ensure boards operate in an environment that is compliant, collaborative, and strategically focused.
Ultimately, the goal is to create governance environments that foster growth and resilience. This means boards must embrace strong risk management in governance, supported by company secretaries who act as both protectors and advisors.
Closing Reflection
In a world of unpredictable challenges, company secretaries remain at the heart of good governance. Their work ensures compliance, strengthens relationships, and supports long-term board effectiveness. Sharon Constançon’s Secretary Bird approach offers a practical roadmap: embrace feedback, master complexity, rebuild trust, and step into the role of strategic board advisor.
Governance and risk will always be evolving—but with agility and foresight, company secretaries can rise above challenges and empower boards to thrive. To embed these qualities in practice, boards can turn to Board Training and Board Performance Reviews with Genius Boards.
