Challenge is a cornerstone of effective governance — yet it remains one of the most elusive boardroom behaviours to embed consistently. In this thought-provoking breakout session, moderated by our CEO, Sharon Constançon, panellists Samira Chambas-Yusuf (Diageo) and Anthony Corriette (BBC Studios) share hard-won insights on how to foster respectful challenge, equip directors to speak up, and create space for difference without conflict.
Through real-life scenarios, practical coaching techniques, and audience Q&A, the panel uncovered how power dynamics, silent groupthink, and chair behaviour can either foster or fracture challenge in the boardroom.
Watch the replay to gain insight into:
Managing dominant directors and political dynamics
Coaching quieter voices to speak up
Avoiding filibustering and ego-led decision-making
Helping chairs understand their true role: to chair, not to lead
How Company Secretaries can be the conscience and catalyst for confident challenge
Key Take Aways:
Diversity without inclusion doesn’t work. Boards must be trained to receive diverse perspectives, not just recruit them.
Challenge must be coached. Company Secretaries have a key role in preparing directors to challenge constructively, not confrontationally.
Silence ≠ Agreement. Disengagement can be misread as support. Good chairs make space for all voices.
Power dynamics matter. Dominant chairs and informal alliances can quietly shut down valuable contributions.
Structure improves safety. Pre-briefs, post-meeting debriefs, agenda clarity, and time-limited contributions all help enable effective board discussions.
Filibustering is a red flag. It undermines the board’s function and must be addressed swiftly — usually outside the meeting.
Psychological safety is essential. Culture must support every director — from introverts to seasoned executives — in raising difficult topics.
Featured Article
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been under renewed scrutiny as major organisations pull back from once-public commitments.
Our latest article explores how boardrooms can embed DEI into their governance frameworks, not as a compliance exercise but as a strategic enabler.
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Genius Boards helps boards and Company Secretaries build environments where respectful challenge is welcomed, not avoided.
Host
Sharon is a highly accomplished CEO with a diverse range of experience across several businesses. She currently serves as the CEO of Genius Boards Limited, and Valufin Limited, in addition to her role as Chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK. Sharon is a corporate governance specialist and foreign currency adviser, known for her impressive track record of achieving results. As an energetic entrepreneur with a sharp eye for risk, Sharon is skilled in recognizing opportunities and understanding the importance of good governance.
One of Sharon’s key strengths is her deep understanding of board behaviours, leadership, and regulated industries. She uses this expertise to deliver truly insightful and practical board evaluations. In addition, Sharon serves as a mentor and coach to chairmen and directors and is a passionate advocate for the company secretary role.
Sharon is also a respected educator and shares her knowledge and experience as a lecturer for the Qualifying Level Boardroom Dynamics course for the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. Additionally, she serves as a faculty member of The Corporate Governance Institute, delivering risk training to corporate leaders. Overall, Sharon is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience and expertise in corporate governance, leadership, and risk management.
Panellists
Anthony Corriette is a seasoned governance leader with over two decades of experience in corporate governance and company secretarial roles. A Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute and holder of an MSc in Corporate Governance, he has built a distinguished career supporting major UK private and publicly listed companies.
As Company Secretary of both BBC Commercial and BBC Studios, Anthony plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining the governance frameworks that underpin the BBC’s commercial strategy. He leads on board recruitment, induction, training, and assurance, and is responsible for designing governance structures that promote transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight.
Known for his emotionally intelligent leadership and commitment to nurturing high-performing teams, Anthony is also an active contributor to the wider governance community. He currently serves on the Board of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland and is a Trustee of The Chartered Secretaries’ Charitable Trust.
Anthony brings deep insight into the realities of modern boardrooms, with particular expertise in balancing commercial ambition with good governance.
Samira Chambas-Yusuf is a qualified Chartered Company Secretary and Governance Professional with extensive experience across professional services and FTSE-listed corporate environments. She has built her career supporting some of the UK’s largest organisations, bringing a strong commitment to high standards of governance and inclusive leadership.
Known for her forward-thinking approach and passion for driving positive change, Samira is a recognised voice in the governance community. She was named a Governance Trailblazer at the DMJ Governance Hot 100 Awards 2025, and previously acknowledged as a Future Leader in both 2023 and 2024. Her early recognition as a Rising Star in 2020 and nomination as ICSA One to Watch in 2018 reflect a consistent trajectory of impact and influence in the field.
With a particular focus on social impact, innovation, and empowering others to speak up, Samira brings energy, reliability, and purpose to every boardroom she supports.
