--- title: "Episode 51: Being a CEO and a Board Member" description: Our guest in this episode, Sherry S. Jennings, PhD, is founder and principal of Sound Governance, and has been referred to as a “governance guru.” Sherry started Sound Governance out of the belief that board leaders need a safe space. While Sound Governance is grounded in the solid principles of Policy Governance©, Sherry brings education and practice in psychology and organizational psychology to help an organization move forward quickly. And she shares her unique vantage point and refreshing viewpoints with those of us serving on or working with boards. image: https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hubfs/Mark%20L.%20Vincent%20(Third%20Turn)/Podcast%20Featured%20Image.png --- ![www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI Logo (New)DGI Logo - Landscape-1](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI%20Logo%20(New)DGI%20Logo%20-%20Landscape-1.png?width=200&height=93&name=www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI%20Logo%20(New)DGI%20Logo%20-%20Landscape-1.png) ![www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI Logo (New)DGI Logo - Landscape-1](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI%20Logo%20(New)DGI%20Logo%20-%20Landscape-1.png?width=200&height=93&name=www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI%20Logo%20(New)DGI%20Logo%20-%20Landscape-1.png) ![www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI Logo (New)DGI Logo - Landscape-1](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI%20Logo%20(New)DGI%20Logo%20-%20Landscape-1.png?width=200&height=93&name=www.designgroupinternational.comhs-fshubfs_DGI%20Logo%20(New)DGI%20Logo%20-%20Landscape-1.png) - [ABOUT US ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - What is Process Consulting? - [MEET US ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - Areas of Specialty - Meet Our Process Consultants - Meet our Partners and Senior Consultants - Meet our Consultants - [Maestro-level leaders](https://www.maestrosuiteadvisors.com/) - [Society for Process Consulting](https://www.maestrosuiteadvisors.com/) - [Culture Change Leadership](https://www.acausegreater.org/) - [BE A CONSULTANT ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - Explore Process Consulting - Community of Practice - Shared Platform - [BE CREDENTIALED](https://linktr.ee/MaestroSuiteAdvisors) - [RESOURCES ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - Blog Library - Books - Podcasts - Cohorts - Case Studies - [ABOUT US ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - What is Process Consulting? - [MEET US ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - Areas of Specialty - Meet Our Process Consultants - Meet our Partners and Senior Consultants - Meet our Consultants - [Maestro-level leaders](https://www.maestrosuiteadvisors.com/) - [Society for Process Consulting](https://www.maestrosuiteadvisors.com/) - [Culture Change Leadership](https://www.acausegreater.org/) - [BE A CONSULTANT ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - Explore Process Consulting - Community of Practice - Shared Platform - [BE CREDENTIALED](https://linktr.ee/MaestroSuiteAdvisors) - [RESOURCES ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/javascript;) - Blog Library - Books - Podcasts - Cohorts - Case Studies Get Started # Episode 51: Being a CEO and a Board Member ![Kristin Evenson](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hubfs/Kristin%20Evenson.jpeg) by [Kristin Evenson](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/author/kristin-evenson) July 19, 2022 ![071922 - Dr. Sherry Jennings - Blog Post Header](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/071922%20-%20Dr.%20Sherry%20Jennings%20-%20Blog%20Post%20Header.png?width=633&name=071922%20-%20Dr.%20Sherry%20Jennings%20-%20Blog%20Post%20Header.png) Being a CEO and a Board Member [Episode #51 of the Third Turn Podcast with Dr. Sherry Jennings](https://anchor.fm/thethirdturn/episodes/Being-a-CEO-and-a-Board-Member-e1kn1g7) In the words of this episode’s guest [Dr. Sherry Jennings](https://www.soundgovernance.com/about), who in her own Third Turn mentors and serves organizations through [Sound Governance LLC](https://www.soundgovernance.com/): “A group of board members who are authentic servant leaders and who have a firm grasp on their role as governors can truly make a difference. As this podcast was recorded, we're experiencing some troubling times. I want to quote Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, ‘In any dark time, there is a tendency to veer toward fainting over how much is wrong or unmended in the world. Do not focus on that. There is a tendency, too, to fall into being weakened by dwelling on what is outside your reach, by what cannot yet be. Do not focus there.’ Focus instead on what you can do, what you're called to do, what strengths you bring to the world, and the positive future you envision.” Dr. Jennings helps us do just that in this first of two podcast episodes focused on good governance. Her background in industrial sales and industrial psychology, and her real-world experience with boards confused about where to focus their efforts and meetings, all served as hooks to better understand a board’s role and, ultimately, its core contribution to help the organization deliver on its mission on behalf of the community it serves. Our conversation covers lots of ground--distinguishing between the board and executive functions, unique dynamics for CEOs stepping into board positions, servant leadership, and her interesting mantra, especially for a board: “Don’t give advice unless you’re asked for it.” You’ll appreciate the clarity and perspective with which she shares--which also speaks well of the refreshing focus with which she serves. - -   Resources Dr. Jennings recommends: - Marcus Buckingham who reminds us to bring love back into our work and leadership. [https://www.marcusbuckingham.com](https://www.marcusbuckingham.com) - [Jason Ryan Dorsey](https://jasondorsey.com/), who reminds us each generation has a pivotal moment that shapes their lives. - Positive psychology provides a foundation for resilience and grit backed by scientific research. [https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu](https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu) - “Positive Psychology and Appreciative Inquiry are at the heart of my practice as a Third Turn mentor. From the website "Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play." - Dr. Sherry Jennings   Listen to the Episode Now: Or Listen on your Favorite Platform: [![Spotify](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/spotify-icon-green-logo-8.png?width=25&name=spotify-icon-green-logo-8.png)](https://open.spotify.com/show/1AA0Ddsaplyjsriqtsi8G2)[ ![Apple Podcast](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apple%20Podcast.jpg?width=25&name=Apple%20Podcast.jpg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-third-turn/id1531836413)[ ![Google Podcasts](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Google%20Podcasts.png?width=25&name=Google%20Podcasts.png) ](https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yY2YyM2NlMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==)[ ![Pandora](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pandora.png?width=25&name=Pandora.png)  ](https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-3rd-turn/PC:43267)[![Anchor FM](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/anchor.png?width=25&name=anchor.png)](https://anchor.fm/thethirdturn) ![Kristin Evenson](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kristin%20Evenson.jpeg?width=123&name=Kristin%20Evenson.jpeg) ![Kristin - Signature Final](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kristin%20-%20Signature%20Final.png?width=85&name=Kristin%20-%20Signature%20Final.png) [- Kristin Evenson](https://www.junctures.net/)   *[![Want to Subscribe? 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The [Third Turn Podcast](http://www.thirdturnpodcast.com/) is part of the [Maestro-level leaders](http://www.maestrolevelleaders.com/) initiative, a production of [Design Group International](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/). [Strategically Connected](https://www.strategically-connected.com/)'s Jennifer Miller is the producer. ###### Tags: [governance, ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/topic/governance) [CEO, ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/topic/ceo) [The Third Turn, ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/topic/the-third-turn) [The Third Turn Podcast, ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/topic/the-third-turn-podcast) [Third Turn Blog, ](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/topic/third-turn-blog) [board](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/topic/board) ![Kristin Evenson](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/hubfs/Kristin%20Evenson.jpeg) Post by [Kristin Evenson](https://www.designgroupinternational.com/mark-l-vincent-blog/author/kristin-evenson) July 19, 2022 Kristin serves as a Consultant and Coach to leaders, teams, and boards by helping them leverage their unique brand of significance in context of: - Strategic junctures--Helping leaders and teams identify what can’t change and what must; - Leadership & life challenges—Helping leaders support, sustain and strengthen their soul in leadership; - Career change & transition—Helping them think creatively and courageously about what’s next. Kristin spent 20 years with Fallon Worldwide, leading brand and communications strategy development for clients across a variety of industries—including Nordstrom, Holiday Inn Express, and Children’s Defense Fund. Her career journey since has included stints as marketing/strategy director and consultant to companies, nonprofits and ministries in the areas of strategy, culture, communications and board governance. Her teams’ work won multiple national effectiveness awards, and her consulting work resulted in a “Best Practice in People/Workplace” by Upsize Magazine. Having completed NeuroLeadership Institute’s Brain-Based Coaching Program, Kristin incorporates brain-based principles into change initiatives for organizations, teams, and individuals. She and her husband Jeff Rosell have four awesome adult sons and host an international daughter, originally from South Sudan. 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