Insights

Ideas for stronger boards and better decisions.

Practical perspective on manufacturing strategy, private-company governance, board composition, succession, and board effectiveness.

As featured in

Your CEO Resume Won’t Get You A Board Seat

by Tate Pursell

Want A Board Seat? Go Private

and

Want A Board Seat? Get A Great LinkedIn Profile

by Dan Bigman

Recruiting Association Board Leaders for Future Member Needs

by Tate Pursell

When the Family Table Is No Longer Enough

by Tate Pursell and Sam Judd

CFOs Are Natural Board Candidates—But Financial Expertise Isn’t Enough

by Tate Pursell

Under the direction and dedication of PDA members Tate Pursell and Bryan Stewart, as well as the Certificate in Board Governance for Veterans Task Force (consisting of Nick Florio, Karen Henneberger, Tara Lewelling and Ian Schneller) the Private Directors Association (PDA) has created a study curriculum specifically directed to PDA members who are veterans of military, civil, and first-response organizations. Register here.

Advertisement for a certificate in board governance, targeting former military, civil service, and first responder executives, with an 'Enroll Now' button.
FEI logo with stylized bird and sword symbol on a blue background

Government vs. Private Sector: A Financial Executive’s Guide to Making the Pivot

by Tate Pursell

As Seen In

Recommended Reading by Tate

The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan by George B. Bradt, Jayme A. Check, and John A. Lawler:

This book provides a step-by-step guide for leaders to successfully transition into new roles and drive organizational impact within their first 100 days.

Publisher: Wiley

Publication Date: July 2022 (5th Edition)

Purchase the book

Leadership and Change Management

Cover of a book titled "The New Leader's 100 Day Action Plan" with red background, featuring a calendar page displaying "100," authors' names, and a black rectangle with red text indicating "Fifth Edition".

Leading Change by John P. Kotter

‍Kotter's book on change management offers a step-by-step framework for leading organizational change, which is essential for executives transitioning to a new environment and implementing new practices.

‍Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

‍Publication Date: September 1, 1996

‍‍Purchase the book

Book cover titled 'Leading Change' by John P. Kotter, with a subtitle 'An action plan from the world's foremost expert on business leadership.' The cover features a group of penguins standing on snow with one penguin leading the others.

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins

‍This book provides a practical guide for executives transitioning into new roles, offering strategies to quickly adapt and make an impact within the first 90 days.

‍Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

‍ Publication Date: April 23, 2013

Purchase the book ‍

Cover of a book titled "The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkins, published by Harvard Business Review Press, with a yellow badge indicating it is an international bestseller. The subtitle reads "Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter" and the background is teal.

Financial Management: Theory & Practice by Eugene F. Brigham and Michael C. Ehrhardt

This comprehensive textbook covers essential financial management concepts, including financial analysis, planning, and decision-making, which are crucial for understanding private-sector financial practices.

Publisher: Cengage Learning

Publication Date: May 4, 2023 (17th Edition)

Purchase the book

Cover of a finance textbook titled 'Financial Management: Theory & Practice' by Brigham and Ehrhardt. The cover features an underwater image of a shipwreck with a bright, sunlit area.

Financial Intelligence: A Manager's Guide to Knowing What the Numbers Really Mean by Karen Berman and Joe Knight

‍This book breaks down complex financial concepts into understandable terms and provides practical advice on interpreting financial statements and metrics, making it ideal for executives new to the private sector.

‍Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

‍ Publication Date: February 19, 2013 (Revised Edition)

‍ Purchase the book‍ ‍

Book cover of 'Financial Intelligence: A Manager's Guide to Knowing What the Numbers Really Mean' with a red starburst that says 'Revised Edition' and background of financial numbers.

Corporate Governance and Risk Management

‍Corporate Governance by Robert A. G. Monks and Nell Minow

‍This book covers the principles and practices of corporate governance, providing insights into the roles and responsibilities of boards, audit committees, and executive leadership in private companies.

‍Publisher: Wiley

‍Publication Date: April 8, 2011 (5th Edition)

‍Purchase the book ‍

Cover of a book titled 'Corporate Governance', fifth edition, authored by Robert A. G. Monks and Nell Minow. The background shows a close-up of an open book’s pages.

The Essentials of Risk Management by Michel Crouhy, Dan Galai, and Robert Mark

‍This book offers a comprehensive overview of risk management practices, including financial, operational, and strategic risks, which are crucial for executives in the private sector.

‍Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

‍Publication Date: December 6, 2005

‍‍Purchase the book

A hardcover book with a red cover and yellow and red text on the spine resting on a wooden surface.

Personal Development and Business Acumen

The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries

Although focused on startups, this book offers valuable lessons on innovation, agility, and customer-centric approaches that can benefit executives in any organization.

Publisher: Crown Business

Publication Date: September 13, 2011

Purchase the book

Cover of the book titled "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, with a blue background, large white and black text, and a white circular brushstroke design in the center.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Kahneman's exploration of decision-making processes provides insights into cognitive biases and rational thinking, which are essential for strategic planning and financial decision-making.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Publication Date: October 25, 2011

Purchase the book

Book cover of 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman, featuring a pencil with hair and the title text.

Corporate Strategy and Market Dynamics

Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors by Michael E. Porter

‍Porter's classic book on competitive strategy offers tools and frameworks for analyzing market dynamics and developing strategies to achieve a competitive advantage.

‍Publisher: Free Press

‍Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Purchase the book

Book cover titled 'Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors' by Michael E. Porter, with a black background and a green geometric pattern.

Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

‍This book provides innovative approaches to strategic thinking and market positioning, encouraging executives to explore new opportunities and create value in uncharted markets.

‍Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

‍Publication Date: February 3, 2005

Purchase the book

Book cover titled 'Blue Ocean Strategy' with a background of blue ocean water. The cover features a yellow starburst with 'International Bestseller' and indicates over one million copies sold. Authors listed are W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, published by Harvard Business School Press.