These dinners are designed to do more than share a meal, they create spaces where governance professionals can exchange ideas, build trusted relationships, and explore the evolving dynamics of board leadership. This particular evening focused on Conscious Capitalism and the role of AI in corporate governance, two themes shaping the future of decision-making at the board level.

The discussion was facilitated by Joyce Johnson, Chair of the Board at Pacific Gate Capital Management, whose experience across more than 30 boards provided valuable perspective on leadership and governance. Joining her was Timothy Henry, CEO of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., who shared reflections on how technology and purpose intersect in modern corporate life. Together, they led a dynamic conversation about how directors can navigate the ethical and practical challenges of integrating AI while maintaining a sense of purpose, responsibility, and human judgment in leadership.

The evening unfolded in an intimate, collegial atmosphere that encouraged thoughtful exchange rather than formality. Participants, representing both experienced board members and aspiring directors, shared their own experiences, challenges, and insights, highlighting the importance of mentorship, diversity, and connection in shaping effective board cultures. The seating was arranged to pair attendees by specialty and experience, fostering organic dialogue that bridged generations of leadership and opened pathways for collaboration.

Set against the relaxed backdrop of Hank’s Oyster Bar, the dinner captured the Dinners with Directors spirit of conversation, reflection, and genuine connection. Over the course of the evening, guests explored how principles of Conscious Capitalism can inform governance decisions and how AI, when approached with care and intention, can enhance rather than replace human leadership. The event’s timing alongside the NACD Summit provided a relevant and energizing context, drawing together leaders already focused on the pressing governance issues of today.

By the end of the evening, attendees left with more than new contacts, they carried with them renewed perspectives on how purpose and technology can coexist at the heart of effective governance. The Board Harbor Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Joyce Johnson for co-sponsoring and facilitating the dinner, and to our generous donors and supporters whose contributions made the evening possible. Their commitment continues to strengthen our mission of connecting board-ready leaders, advancing thoughtful governance, and fostering relationships that drive lasting impact.

This year’s event takes place October 7–9, 2025, at the Disneyland® Hotel & Conference Center in Anaheim, California.

PRISM 2025 brings together private company board members, C-suite executives, governance professionals, and leadership thinkers for three days of deep conversation, best practices, and strategic networking.

As an exhibitor, Board Harbor Foundation will have a tabletop presence in the exhibition hall. Through this presence, we aim to:

1. Showcase our work in governance, board development, and leadership capacity building

2. Meet directly with decision makers and board professionals

3. Discuss how we can partner with organizations seeking to strengthen governance practices

4. Exchange ideas and inspiration around the future of board leadership in private enterprises

If you’re attending, we’d love to invite you to stop by our booth (look for signage with the Board Harbor logo). Whether you’re curious about our programs, exploring collaboration, or just want to say hello, this is your chance.

Beyond the exhibition hall, PRISM will include keynote addresses, panel sessions, and breakout workshops designed to illuminate effective governance in private settings.

We believe PRISM presents a unique opportunity, not just to be present, but to listen, learn, and connect with governance leaders who share our passion for excellence in board performance.

We look forward to seeing many of you in Anaheim. Let’s turn this gathering into a springboard for fresh ideas, stronger connections, and shared growth.

See you at PRISM 2025!

The Power Networking Conference (PNEx™) brings together entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders, and network-driven professionals to connect, learn, and elevate impactful ventures. With its theme for 2025 centered on “Building Intergenerational Networks,” the event promises a compelling mix of keynotes, masterclasses, panels, and networking that focus on legacy, relationships, and sustainable growth.

At Power Networking, Edmund will share ideas from the intersection of leadership, strategic networking, and mission-driven purpose. His voice will join those of globally recognized speakers and thought leaders who are part of the PNEx roster.

We invite everyone attending the conference to look out for Edmund’s session, and to connect with the Board Harbor team while on site. It’s a chance to explore how our foundation’s work aligns with yours, exchange perspectives, and foster new collaborations.

We look forward to the connections, ideas, and momentum that will emerge from this gathering—and to seeing many of you there.

For this special gathering, we were proud to see our CEO, Edmund Green, representing the Board Harbor Foundation among a distinguished lineup of speakers that included H.E. Inkosi E.M. Buthelezi, Minister of Public Services and Administration of South Africa; H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Dr. Fatimah Elsheikh, Secretary General of BADEA; Balkissa Ide Siddo, Public Policy Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at META; Fatima Tambajang, Head of Developer Relations for Startups and VC at NVIDIA; and Garth Klintworth, Chief Representative Officer of ABSA USA, among others.

The Forward Africa Leaders Symposium is more than an event, it’s a movement. Over the course of the day, leaders exchanged ideas on topics ranging from digital inclusion and AI ethics to governance reform and cross-border data frameworks. Each conversation reflected a shared belief that Africa’s digital transformation is not a distant ambition, but an unfolding reality, one driven by collaboration, innovation, and trust.

During the session titled “Investing in the Future – People, Infrastructure & AI,” Edmund contributed to discussions focused on the building blocks of a sustainable and inclusive digital future—investing in talent, digital infrastructure, and responsible technology adoption. His participation underscored the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital transformation through collaboration, partnership, and leadership development across the continent.

Throughout the day, FALS provided a forum for connection and collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives from across Africa’s public and private sectors. From conversations on data sovereignty and cross-border digital trade to reflections on governance, AI, and innovation, the dialogue reflected a shared belief that Africa’s next chapter will be defined by inclusion, trust, and digital empowerment.

The symposium concluded with a networking reception, where the energy of the day carried forward into new partnerships and shared commitments to action.

For the Board Harbor Foundation, Edmund’s participation at FALS 2025 reinforced our belief in Africa’s potential to lead globally in digital innovation, rooted in collaboration, guided by purpose, and driven by connection. We extend our gratitude to the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium team for curating such an inspiring platform and for bringing together leaders who are shaping the future of the continent’s digital landscape.

For this special evening, we were honored to host Dominique Shelton Leipzig, founder of Global Data Innovation and the Digital Trust Summit. Dominique is a nationally recognized thought leader on AI governance and digital trust, and her presence elevated the dinner into a truly unique experience.

The evening began with Dominique sharing a two-minute framing video that set the stage for what was to come. Rather than delivering a lecture, she invited participants into a mini “wargame”, a collaborative, scenario-based exercise centered on a fictional case study, OmniMegaMart. Through this exercise, guests explored how directors might navigate real-world challenges in AI adoption, governance, and cybersecurity risk.

This interactive approach resonated with the group. Instead of passively listening, directors were encouraged to debate, reflect, and share personal experiences. Each perspective added richness to the conversation, highlighting the diverse challenges and opportunities that board members face when technology and trust intersect.

The dinner itself unfolded in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. With no slide decks or formal presentations, the focus remained firmly on open dialogue and authentic connection. Over a shared meal, guests exchanged not only professional insights but also stories of leadership, resilience, and innovation in their respective industries.

By the end of the evening, attendees walked away with more than just new contacts. They carried with them a renewed appreciation for the role of trust in governance, as well as practical ways to think about AI through a board lens. For Dominique, it was an opportunity to connect her pioneering work on digital trust with directors who are shaping the future of corporate decision-making. For our community, it was another memorable demonstration of how Dinners with Directors continues to provide value far beyond the table. We extend our deep gratitude to the Latino Corporate Directors Association for their partnership in making this dinner possible. Their commitment to advancing diverse leadership in the boardroom aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to continued collaboration.

The event was designed with a clear set of objectives:

1. To strengthen professional networks by creating space for directors and executives to connect beyond their usual circles.
2. To provide strategic insights into governance and leadership challenges shaping today’s boardrooms.
3. To cultivate trusted relationships that could lead to long-term collaboration and support.
4. To explore opportunities for future board placements and cross-industry synergies.

Guests were welcomed into an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, beginning with a cocktail reception that allowed introductions to flow naturally. The main event featured a family-style dinner service, where dishes were shared across the table, a thoughtful format that encouraged conversation, interaction, and connection. This approach not only reflected Puerto Rico’s warmth and hospitality but also ensured that every attendee had the chance to participate meaningfully in the evening’s dialogue.

Conversations ranged from the practical, how boards can respond to rapidly shifting regulatory landscapes, to the personal, as attendees shared experiences from their leadership journeys. The smaller group size allowed for deep, candid exchanges, where individuals could voice both the opportunities and the challenges they face in their governance roles.

One of the highlights of the evening was the trust and openness that developed so quickly among the participants. While the formal goal was to discuss governance, the deeper outcome was the strengthening of relationships that may evolve into board collaborations, mentorship, and professional support networks in the future.

After the event, attendees received personalized thank-you notes and a follow-up survey to capture feedback. This ensured that insights from the evening could continue to inform the ongoing work of building stronger, better-connected boards.

The Puerto Rico dinner was not only a success in its immediate goals but also a testament to the Board Harbor Foundation’s mission: to create intentional spaces where directors and executives can learn from one another, exchange perspectives, and build trusted communities that extend far beyond a single evening.

We are deeply grateful to KPMG for sponsoring this event and to the Latino Corporate Directors Association for their partnership in making this dinner possible. Their shared commitment to advancing excellence and diversity in governance made this evening a truly impactful experience.

Board Harbor Foundation’s Dinners with Directors series reached new heights with its New York debut at the prestigious Yale Club. This landmark event brought together 25 governance leaders for an evening that represented the series’ most sophisticated and impactful gathering to date.

The Yale Club’s elegant Saybrook Ballroom provided the perfect backdrop for this milestone event. The venue’s prestige matched the caliber of attendees, creating an atmosphere befitting the high-level governance discussions that would unfold throughout the evening. Professional photography, videography, and custom place cards demonstrated the series’ evolution into a premium experience for corporate leadership.

The December event showcased Board Harbor’s collaborative approach to leadership, with welcome remarks from Founder Edmund Green, followed by insights from Board Chair Francisco J. Leija and co-hosts Michael Clarke and Jason Hope. This multi-voice approach enriched the evening’s content and demonstrated the depth of expertise within Board Harbor’s network.

Melinda Newman, an experienced independent board director and SEC-qualified audit committee financial expert, anchored the evening’s educational component. With over 20 years of expertise in investment management, financial analysis, ESG integration, and corporate governance, Newman provided attendees with cutting-edge insights into driving shareholder value and enhancing operational performance.

Her engaging presentation style and deep expertise created meaningful dialogue about the future of board governance in an increasingly complex business environment.

The event’s refined format featured five-person tables with Board Harbor representatives strategically placed to guide conversations. This thoughtful curation ensured that the 70% board members and 30% aspiring board members could engage in substantive discussions about governance challenges and opportunities.

The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring an in-room bar setup, allowing for organic networking before transitioning to the carefully orchestrated dinner experience.

The December event achieved something remarkable in the events industry, a perfect Net Promoter Score of 100. All survey respondents rated their likelihood of recommending the event as 9 or 10 out of 10, with no neutral or negative feedback. This exceptional result reflects both the quality of the experience and the value attendees derived from their participation.

The New York event introduced attendees to Board Harbor’s broader ecosystem, including upcoming opportunities like the annual governance retreat. This expansion of offerings demonstrates how Dinners with Directors serves as a gateway to deeper engagement with Board Harbor’s mission of advancing corporate governance excellence.

As testimonials poured in praising the “tremendously engaging dialogue” and opportunities to connect with “such a smart, passionate, insightful group,” it became clear that Dinners with Directors had evolved from a promising concept into an essential gathering for governance professionals.

The series now stands as a model for how thoughtful curation, expert content, and genuine relationship-building can create transformative experiences for corporate leaders. With events in Washington D.C. and New York establishing strong foundations, Board Harbor Foundation is well-positioned to expand this impactful series to additional markets.

The December event proved that when you bring together the right people, in the right setting, with the right content, magic happens, and boards become stronger as a result.

The second Dinners with Directors event demonstrated remarkable growth and refinement, welcoming 19 distinguished guests to an evening that perfectly balanced intimate networking with substantive governance dialogue. Building on lessons learned from the inaugural event, this gathering showcased Board Harbor Foundation’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

The October event featured several key improvements that elevated the entire experience. Professional photography and videography captured the evening’s key moments, while a prominent branded banner established strong visual presence. Most importantly, the strategic seating arrangements paired board members with aspiring directors, facilitating exactly the kind of mentorship connections the series was designed to create.

Joyce Johnson, a highly experienced corporate director with over 35 years of global investment management experience, delivered the evening’s keynote discussion. Having served on more than 30 boards, including roles as Board Chair and Audit Committee Chair, Johnson brought unparalleled expertise to conversations about crisis navigation, governance excellence, and building diverse, trust-based board cultures.

Her interactive approach encouraged dynamic dialogue among guests, transforming what could have been a traditional presentation into a collaborative exploration of modern governance challenges.

The family-style dinner service proved to be a masterstroke, creating natural opportunities for conversation as attendees shared dishes and stories. This format not only accommodated various dietary preferences but also fostered the warm, collaborative atmosphere that became a hallmark of the series.

The event achieved perfect attendance from confirmed guests and generated substantial positive feedback. With an impressive Net Promoter Score of 100, attendees universally expressed enthusiasm for future events. The strategic mix of 68% board members and 32% aspiring board members created ideal conditions for meaningful professional development.

Beyond individual connections, the October event began building a broader community of governance professionals. Attendees were introduced to opportunities for deeper engagement with Board Harbor Foundation as partners, sponsors, volunteers, and ambassadors, creating multiple pathways for ongoing collaboration.

The success of this event demonstrated that the Dinners with Directors series had found its rhythm and was positioned for continued growth and impact.

Board Harbor Foundation launched its inaugural “Dinners with Directors” event, bringing together 18 distinguished corporate leaders for an evening of strategic networking and governance insights. This exclusive gathering at the elegant Salamander DC created the perfect atmosphere for meaningful connections between seasoned board members and aspiring directors.

The evening opened with welcome remarks from Edmund Green, Board Harbor’s Founder, who set the tone for what would become a signature series. The intimate setting fostered genuine dialogue about the evolving landscape of corporate governance and the critical need for diverse leadership on boards.

The highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking discussion led by Mark Haas, CEO and co-founder of the Association for Enterprise Growth. Haas shared how systems thinking serves as a powerful mental model for directors navigating today’s complex business environment. His expertise in business strategy and organizational management provided attendees with practical frameworks for effective board governance.

The event successfully brought together 68% “Powerful People” (experienced board members) and 32% “Qualified People” (aspiring board members), creating a dynamic environment for mentorship and professional development. The evening’s format encouraged organic networking during cocktails, followed by intimate dinner conversations that laid the groundwork for future collaborations.

While this inaugural event faced typical first-time challenges, from last-minute cancellations to logistical adjustments, it established a strong foundation for the series. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees confirmed the value of creating dedicated spaces for governance professionals to connect and share insights.

As one participant noted, the combination of elegant venue, relevant content, and carefully curated guest list made for an evening that truly advanced the mission of strengthening corporate governance through meaningful relationships.