The survey results from this “What Directors Think” publication from Corporate Board Member, Diligent Institute and FTI Consulting are based on the thoughts of more than 200 US public company directors. Here are a dozen lessons learned from the results:
1. Growth is back on the agenda.
After years of defensive strategies, 76% of directors are prioritizing growth initiatives in 2025, signaling a shift from cost-cutting to opportunity-seizing.
2. Strategy beats cyber as top oversight challenge.
For the first time in years, strategy has overtaken cybersecurity as the most challenging issue for boards – highlighting the complexity of long-term planning.
3. AI isn’t optional anymore.
Directors are increasingly focused on generative AI, with 80% saying their companies have taken action to adopt or explore it – though board-level understanding remains uneven.
4. CEO turnover is a strategic risk.
Sudden executive exits are top of mind, with 69% of directors viewing CEO/C-suite departures as having a significant strategic impact. Yet, only 21% rate their succession plans as “excellent.”
5. Cyber risk still looms – but execution is weak.
While 71% of boards hear from their CISO regularly, only 25% require directors to get cyber education, and only half have reviewed their disclosure and response protocols.
6. M&A is making a comeback.
Nearly 50% of directors list mergers and acquisitions as a key boardroom agenda item – fueled by lower interest rates and a friendlier regulatory climate.
7. Boards are wary of social stances.
Only 18% of directors think C-suite execs should publicly address controversial issues, reflecting a strong preference for risk-managed communications in a polarized climate.
8. Shareholder engagement is downshifted.
Just 11% of directors view activism and engagement as a top priority – likely due to better market conditions and more proactive tracking of key metrics, like total shareholder return (TSR) and return on invested capital (ROIC).
9. Global risks are widely underestimated.
Despite 79% citing geopolitical events as a threat, fewer than 10% prioritize managing those risks. And 34% believe they face no threat from international sanctions.
10. Board training and tools are top performance boosters.
Directors want more specialized training, better meeting facilitation and modern oversight tools to meet the moment.
11. Boards want more voices at the table.
Directors are eager to hear more from nontraditional C-suite players – like CHROs and CMOs – indicating a push toward broader insight and cross-functional expertise.
12. Digital skills are now boardroom gold.
When choosing new directors, digital/tech expertise is now more valued than strategic or financial experience, showing a shift toward future-ready boards.
Authored by
Broc Romanek