The NACD NXT Initiative

Attorney Robert Heist is owner and principal at R. Connor and Associates in Chicago, Illinois. Outside of his work as an attorney, Robert Heist is a Governance Fellow, certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors, an organization dedicated to equipping board directors to lead with confidence in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.

In collaboration with Deloitte, the National Association of Corporate Directors launched a new, multi-year initiative at its annual Global Board Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C., this past September. The initiative, titled NACD NXT, aims to equip board leaders to pursue innovation and diversity with an overarching goal of elevating overall performance.

The NACD NXT Recognition Gala, held at the Marriott Marquis on Sept. 29, recognized corporate boards that have successfully defined, developed, and demonstrated practices that led to diversity and inclusion on their boards. Winners included Newmont Mining Company, Foot Locker, True Blue, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. In addition to the awards presentation, gala attendees also heard from Josh Klein, who spoke about the evolution of the speed of disruption, and Janet Yellen, who covered macro trends that will shape economic policy.

As business environments change, the NACD NXT initiative seeks to provide case studies and tools to help board directors lead with confidence, ultimately preparing the next generation of leaders through education and scholarship.