Governance Matters

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman speaks to Katie Perry, marketer, financial creator, capital markets strategist and retail investing expert. She is also the author of the book Ticker Shock: A Playbook for Investor Relations, Communications, and Leadership in the Age of Retail Investors.The discussion with Perry explores how retail investors are reshaping the governance conversation, particularly as high-profile IPOs and tightly controlled board structures raise questions about shareholder protections. Through our conversation she homes in on whether retail investors are gaining real influence or simply applying symbolic pressure, how their priorities differ from institutional investors on issues such as quarterly reporting and whether their impact is extending into regulatory and compliance debates. She also shares the role of technology, social platforms and AI-driven tools in amplifying retail voices, before asking whether this shift could strengthen accountability or create new governance risks.

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman speaks to Gaizka Ormazabal, associate dean for Research at IESE Business School in Barcelona, about his latest research which examines the mechanisms underpinning trust and credibility in sustainability reporting.With his research cited in final rulings by the SEC and the European Securities and Markets Authority, he explains the real-world effects of regulatory changes. For example, he explores how new disclosure requirements in the world’s major stock indices can impact corporate behavior and investor decision-making.Through the conversation, Ormazabal also explains the influence of political ideology on ESG regulation, looking specifically at global policy shifts triggered during President Trump’s second term.

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman speaks to Davina Stanley, founder of Clarity First Program, a professional development initiative designed to help executives, managers and their teams. It enables them to refine complex ideas, improve communication and secure faster, better decisions from senior leaders and boardsDirectors often tell Stanley that understanding the board takes a fraction of the time once executives have completed her training. One even said they now spend 90 percent less time understanding the board deck than before.Through the discussion, Stanley advises listeners on how to prevent communication breakdowns across various teams, how to get better board contributions and why governance professionals need to act like journalists to get the best insights and produce the best board materials.

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman runs down the latest stories from across the GRC space. Top of the list is the SEC’s director for the Division of Enforcement setting a ‘back to basics’ approach to enforcement policy.We also discuss SEC chairman Paul Atkins sharing his thoughts on why ‘woke priorities’ are slowing IPOs and capital markets, plus the Delaware Supreme Court's reversal in the Moelis & Company case and the implications for stockholder agreements and board authority.Lastly, we explore our latest deep dive on the modernization of capital markets infrastructure and why boards should be prepared for continued scrutiny of post-trade infrastructure.

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman rounds up the most compelling stories from the end of 2025 well into the new year. From President Trump’s proxy advisor executive order targeting ISS and Glass Lewis to Rule 14a-8, the shareholder proposal rule and how its enforcement is changing for the 2026 proxy season.Elsewhere, California’s AI Bill curbing lawyers’ use of AI, the sharp shift in corporate language around diversity and the review of regulation S-K by the SEC, its clear that the focus in light touch regulation continues at pace in the US.

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman takes a closer look at the standout moments and major themes emerging from the 2025 awards season. In a series of conversations with prominent governance leaders, we explore how the industry is evolving and what continues to set the Corporate Governance Awards apart as a benchmark of excellence. Guests include: Brian Breheny, partner at Skadden John Kim, assistant corporate secretary and lead counsel at General Motors Lori Zyskowski, partner at Gibson Dunn Kevin Bohl, senior vice president, deputy general counsel and assistant corporate secretary at Ventas Fernando Contreras, VP, chief compliance officer & corporate secretary at Baker Hughes Jeffrey Lipschutz, senior director, associate general counsel & assistant secretary at Sallie Mae Tricia Hammons, director of governance & legal services, assistant corporate secretary at Murphy Oil Hope Mehlman, chief legal and corporate affairs officer at Ally Across these conversations, they share their perspectives on the trends shaping governance today, from shifting regulatory expectations to the increasing importance of transparency, technology and stakeholder engagement. They also reflect on what makes the awards particularly meaningful for governance professionals: the opportunity to celebrate innovation, spotlight best practices and recognize the teams driving impactful change within their organizations.  

The team breaks down the changes poised to redefine boardrooms and investor influence next year  On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, editor Laurie Havelock is joined by senior reporter Natalie Bannerman to discuss all the latest goings on from the world of GRC. ISS has unveiled its 2026 benchmark policy updates, ushering in a greater focus on that transparency and accountability across all jurisdictions. At the same time, the SEC’s 2026 exam priorities spotlight data privacy and – for the first time in years –exclude cryptocurrencies, signalling a softer stance on the asset. Also, fresh on the heels of the Corporate Governance Forum in New York, we share some of the key taking points from inside the room and how it interplays with the changes across the space.  

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast we’re joined by Paul Sharobeem, associate general counsel and assistant secretary at Century Aluminum Company.  He tells Natalie Bannerman about what it meant to him and his team to win the award for Best Proxy Statement (small cap) in 2024, ahead of this year’s Corporate Governance Awards ceremony in November. We also discuss the importance of balancing narrative with regulatory compliance in corporate reporting, the challenges Century Aluminum is facing in the current climate and some top tips for those wanting to craft an award-winning proxy for themselves. 

This month on the Governance Matters podcast, we're proud to unveil the latest addition to our team: Natalie Bannerman, who is taking on the mantle of senior reporter. A former telecoms and infrastructure journalist, a role she held for nearly seven year, Natalie also worked in the B2C startup space, covering lifestyle, arts and culture reporting. She speaks to us about her current projects, what she has made of 2025's busy proxy season and what she is looking forward to covering in the world of governance, risk and compliance.There's also more information about the nomination process for the upcoming Corporate Governance Awards, with the deadline for entries falling later this week. To submit your entry to the awards, find the entry form here.