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Ahead of the NED Debate 2024, Chairman Barry Gamble discusses the nuances and importance of dynamic discussion in decision-making processes, drawing parallels between the boardroom and formal debates.
“Without PowerPoints, presentations or props of any kind, we rely upon words alone and the passion, sensitivity and tone of their delivery to win the argument.”
On Wednesday 11th September 2024, WTW will be hosting NEDA’s annual NED Debate, in association with Alumni Global, EQ, CMS, BDO and Board Agenda. The motion will be ‘This House believes boards struggle to identify and manage risk’.
The debate will be chaired by Barry Gamble, Senior Advisor at NEDA and Advisory Board member at Board Agenda. Gamble has extensive experience as a Board Director in the publicly quoted, private and charitable sectors, and regularly writes about the challenge of board best practice.
In the lead up to the event, Gamble’s latest article with Board Agenda discusses the importance of authentic, dynamic debate as a crucial medium in any boardroom. He argues that non-executives may be fearful to challenge the prevailing view. Gamble notes the parallels that we can draw between the wider scope of formalised debates and decision-making in the boardroom, discussing how, ‘each requires careful listening, respect for the opposing view and an atmosphere of constructive challenge to allow insights to fully develop’.
Alongside further insights into past debates that Gamble has chaired, the article offers a perceptive look at how we can dissect the layers of meaning in a motion, the never-ending nuances of language, and methodologies to foster the right conversations.
The motion will be proposed by General (RTD.) Sir Chris Deverell, seconded by Dr Ruth Wandhöfer, and opposed by Angela Knight CBE, seconded by Danny Lopez. We would expect a broad range of views and perspectives from these teams, promising an exciting and engaging debate.
To learn more about the debaters, and reserve your place at the debate, please click here.
To learn more about the chairman, follow the link here.